Black Eyed Peas to give free N.Y. concert

NEW YORK, May 2 (UPI) -- The Black Eyed Peas are to perform a free ticketed concert in New York's Central Park to benefit the Robin Hood and Peapod foundations, organizers said.

The announcement regarding the June 9 show was made Monday on Z100's syndicated radio program "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show."

This will be the first time the Grammy-Award winning group performs live in Central Park.

All concertgoers must have a ticket to enter the event. Fifty-four-thousand free tickets will be available only through random giveaway by registering at blackeyedpeas.robinhood.org beginning May 11. A small number of VIP tickets will be available for sale through the same Web site. Tickets are limited to ensure the safety of all fans attending the event. Chase is the presenting sponsor and Clear Channel is the event's exclusive radio partner.

Throughout the concert, fans will be encouraged to donate to Robin Hood via text message.

"We are thrilled to follow in the footsteps of icons such as Simon & Garfunkel and Diana Ross by performing a free concert for our fans in Central Park," said Peas singer Fergie. "But more importantly, we are performing to benefit Robin Hood's efforts to help those living in poverty in New York City and to help disadvantaged youth in New York with the launch of our Peapod Academy."

"Robin Hood is humbled by the commitment of The Black Eyed Peas and Chase to help the 1.8 million people in New York City that fall below the poverty line," David Saltzman, executive director of Robin Hood, said in statement. "As six-time Grammy Award-winners and 30-plus million album-sellers, the Peas are superstars in the global music industry and Central Park provides the perfect stage for them to help us raise awareness and funds for our neighbors in need."

The Peas' Peapod Foundation said in a news release it supports programs for young people, particularly orphaned, foster and impoverished children, and focuses on their universal needs including music/artistic education.