Katrina Benefit Raises $9 Mil

Approximately $9 million has been raised so far from the Hurricane Katrina benefit “From The Big Apple To The Big Easy” – dual concerts held at New York City’s Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall September 20th.

Besides money from ticket sales, sponsorships and food and merch sales, it was estimated that more than 50,000 households paid for the $19.95 pay-per-view telecast of the concerts. Plus, MSG chipped in $1 million.

The shows featured Dave Matthews, Jimmy Buffett, The Neville Brothers, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello, Bette Midler and more.

MSG is also prepping a December release of a CD and DVD of the concerts in partnership with Rhino Records and Warner Bros.

Funds raised will be directed to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, Habitat for Humanity, MusiCares and the Children’s Health Fund.