THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND - DAVE MATTHEWS BAND GIVES $1.5 MILLION TO NEW ORLEANS

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND have pledged a $1.5 million (GBP900,000) challenge grant towards building the New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village, to help America's gulf coast recover from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. THE SPACE BETWEEN rockers raised the cash with a charity concert in Denver, Colorado, also featuring the NEVILLE BROTHERS and the JOHN BUTLER TRIO. The project will feature Habitat for Humanity-constructed homes and a new music centre, reports MTV. And the rockers hope their high-profile commitment will encourage others to help revitalise the area too. A statement from the band reads: "After (Hurricane Katrina) first struck, we were shocked by the destruction, and we knew we wanted to help. "Many people donated their time and resources to keep costs to a minimum so we could maximise the donation. "This is our way to get the word out that there is more work to do, and ask people to step up to the challenge and make a donation to help."