Stellar Lineup Announced for Music of Billy Joel Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall
The Music of Billy Joel benefit concert has revealed its full artist lineup for the upcoming event at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium on March 12. The 21st annual Music Of tribute series, organized by Michael Dorf, will feature performances by Rufus Wainwright, The War and Treaty, Bettye LaVette, Joy Oladokun, Tanya Tucker, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Gavin DeGraw, Matt Nathanson, Alexa Ray Joel, Marc Roberge from O.A.R., Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20, and Pat Monahan from Train. Additional artists will be announced closer to the event.
Following the success of the 2025 Patti Smith tribute, which featured Bruce Springsteen, Michael Stipe, Karen O, and Smith herself, the 2026 Music Of benefit concert sold out before any performers were revealed. Since 2004, the annual event has raised over $2 million to support music education programs for underserved communities in New York and beyond. Past honorees in the series include Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, Prince, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, R.E.M., and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
Although Billy Joel will not be performing at the concert due to his health condition, the event will feature his live band as the house band, including David Rosenthal, Mark Rivera, Crystal Taliefero, Tommy Byrnes, Andy Cichon, Chuck Burgi, Carl Fischer, and Mike Delguidice. Stay updated on the Music of Billy Joel benefit concert by visiting carnegiehall.org.
The Music of Billy Joel benefit concert at Carnegie Hall will showcase a stellar lineup of artists paying tribute to the iconic musician while raising funds for music education programs. With a diverse group of performers and a history of supporting underserved communities, this event promises to be a memorable celebration of Billy Joel's music and legacy.