HIGHMOUNT, NY  [Monday Apr.17.2006]  /WMQT.com/ -- James Blunt is heading to the Catskills next month to help out some dogs.

The British singer-songwriter will headline an intimate, "unplugged," benefit concert at the Belleayre Music Festival on May 28th in Highmount, New York, with proceeds from the show going to the 'Snuffy Suites' dog shelter in the town of Shandaken. The concert will also raise funds for the Belleayre Music Conservatory, a non-profit founded to promote cultural programs in the Catskills.

The idea for the benefit was conceived by Atlantic Records A&R executive Mary Gormley, a Phoenicia native. The 'Snuffy Suites' dog shelter was named in memory of Mary's canine companion, 'Snuffy,' who passed away last year. At that time, Mary asked James if he would consider doing a benefit to raise funds for the shelter, and he readily agreed.

"James is truly a man of his word," Mary related. "His career is now a whirlwind of fame and he is gladly taking the time to perform the Snuffy Benefit."

During the concert, James will perform songs from his debut album "Back To Bedlam," featuring the chart-topping single, "You're Beautiful." The former soldier has sold more than seven million copies of the album worldwide.

Tickets for this special acoustic evening with James Blunt will be available May 1st, only through Ticketweb.com.

For more information, visit www.BelleayreMusic.org.

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