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Bill Clinton's Birthday Band: The Rolling Stones

Former President Bill Clinton knows how to champion a good cause -- and he knows how to stretch out a party, too. He's combining the two talents for his 60th birthday celebration, which will feature a fundraising performance by The Rolling Stones at New York's famed Beacon Theatre on October 29. Clinton's actual birthday is August 19.

"President Clinton has dedicated his life to public service and his 60th birthday celebration will be no different," said Clinton spokesman Jay Carson. "All of the funds from these events will go to support his foundation and its work around the world."

The Stones will be accompanied by film director and music aficionado Martin Scorsese, who will be documenting the gala. The band probably won't be drawing up their set list for awhile, but it's hard to imagine a friendlier audience for their Bush administration-bashing tune "Sweet Neo Con." Prior to the birthday party, the Stones will kick off the American leg of their world tour in September; Van Morrison and Dave Matthews Band are set as openers in select cities.

Canada is also jumping on the Clinton celebration train, with a pricey fundraising ball in Toronto on September 9. Billy Crystal, Sarah McLachlan, Tim McGraw and Lenny Kravitz are scheduled to perform.

The William J. Clinton Foundation is focused on global interdependence, with programs designed to address four specific areas of need: health security, economic empowerment, leadership development, and racial, ethnic and religious tolerance.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
08.11.06