NBC to air hurricane relief benefit

BURBANK, Calif., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- NBC Universal Television Group Wednesday announced "A Concert for Hurricane Relief" starring Tim McGraw, Harry Connick Jr. and Wynton Marsalis.

Matt Lauer will serve as host of the telethon scheduled for broadcast Friday night. NBC said the special will air live on the East Coast over NBC, MSNBC and CNBC and tape delayed on the West Coast.

All of the artists involved have ties to the areas stricken by Hurricane Katrina, NBC said in a news release.

Viewers will be encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in support of hurricane relief through its Web site and donation hotline.

Further details and more stars will be announced.