March 9, 2001 12:38

A ROLLING STONE GATHERS SOME GREEN KUDOS

The Rolling Stones guitarist appears onstage with Dr John in New York...

KEITH RICHARDS made a surprise guest appearance at a benefit gig for the RAINFOREST ALLIANCE in NEW YORK on Tuesday (March 6), playing a brief three-song set with DR JOHN on piano.

The Rolling Stones guitarist performed blues classic 'Key To The Highway', his solo song 'Running Too Deep' and Stones track 'Happy', with harmonica played by Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. He then returned for an encore which also featured Jackson Browne, Southside Johnny and Keb Mo' performing Chuck Berry classics.

The show, which was hosted by Mary Stuart Masterson, took place at the Beacon Theater, and also featured performances by Levon Helm of The Band along with alt-country group BR5-49, according to reports on Allstar news on www.cdnow.com.

The Rainforest Alliance raises awareness of the environmental catastrophe facing the world's rain forests, and supports environmentally sound wood producers.