As we’ve mentioned before, the film features the dramatic reading of letters and documents written by various characters in America’s history, both known and unknown, but the readings are performed by familiar faces like Josh Brolin, Danny Glover, Viggo Mortensen, Morgan Freeman, Rosario Dawson and Marisa Tomei, among many others. The film also features a variety of musical performances including Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, Jackson Browne and John Legend.

Damon has taken on the task of reading the Declaration of Independence. How does he plan to make it interesting? “You just read it,” the actor-writer-producer told a panel audience yesterday. “Seriously. It is an incredible document. I think people either forget about it or have been taught it too early in their lives. It’s a document worth reading and rereading every single year because it’s the principles in that document that we should be loyal to and fight for and struggle for, rather than whichever government is in power.”

Damon does so much good work internationally, and it’s terrific to see him come home and gather people to together to tell these important stories.

The film will air on The History Channel later this year so in the meantime check out ThePeopleSpeak.com. It’s hard not be moved by Zinn’s vision of democracy in America brought to life.

Photo: PR Photos

Our week started on Sunday, with the Carrie Fisher-hosted Obama Pajama Party, a benefit for the Pajama Program, an organization that puts toasty PJs into the hands of needy children throughout this great land of ours. Among the celebs we bumped into included Bruce Cohen, the producer of Milk and TV’s reigning prince of deadpan, Mo Rocca. Last night, inauguration eve, we headed over to the National Portrait Gallery for the second Green Gala in as many nights. This one, hosted by Vice President Al Gore himself, featured performances by Will.i.am, Maroon 5 (whose lead singer, Adam Levine, is pictured here, Melissa Etheridge and John Legend. Tonight’s big shindig is the Creative Coaltion ball, with a glittering guest list, including Anne Hathaway, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, Sting, Maggie Gyllenhaal and a host of others. For more photos of the Pajama Party and the Green Ball, visit new york insider tv.

Some of the biggest names in music are donating their names and talent to support (RED)WIRE – a new digital magazine aimed at helping fight the spread of AIDS in Africa.

If that RED names sounds a little familiar, it’s because (RED)WIRE is an offshoot of the activist organization RED founded by U2 frontman Bono last year. Not only will the magazine be digital (thus SUPER green), but all proceeds will benefit HIV-infected people in Africa.

For only 5 dollars a year you can subscribe to (RED)WIRE and receive a new issue every Wednesday, featuring an exclusive song from a major musician, a song from a new performer and a multimedia presentation about how the organization is helping Africans in need. SIGN ME UP!

Oh and you better believe the music is gonna rock, because about a bazillion stars are getting involved like: U2, Coldplay, the Dixie Chicks, John Legend, REM, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, the Police, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Elton John and Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys.

To find out more and get YOUR subscription, visit RedWire.com!

Called “A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All” — the one-hour special will include Stephen singing “Little Altar Boy” and Bing Crosby and David Bowie’s “Little Drummer Boy.” Besides Nelson, Colbert will also be joined by Toby Keith, Jon Stewart, John Legend, Feist and Elvis Costello to sing Christmas songs that were penned by Daily Show executive producer David Javerbaum and composed by Adam Schlesinger. The entire episode will take a place in faux log cabin — complete with a bear lurking outside and stockings by the fireplace, one labeled “Stephen,” the other “Colbert.”

“I had a clear, clear command to everyone involved: ‘No cynicism,’” said Colbert in a recent interview. “We’re not mocking Christmas specials. We’re doing MY Christmas special. And that was the aesthetic we tried to bring into it. Like, we’re really doing this. I want people to see this every year.”

Costume pieces from the special are being auctioned to benefit Feeding America, and a percentage of the DVD proceeds will also go to the charity. Sounds like a wonderful — and hopefully hilarious — Christmas celebration. Look for it this Sunday at 10pm on Comedy Central. Yes, this Sunday. For some reason, it’s now never too early to celebrate the holidays.

Shot in various theatres, the film will feature “dramatic readings and live musical performances from the likes of Josh Brolin, Viggo Mortensen, David Strathairn, Marisa Tomei Jasmine Guy, John Legend, Q’Orianka Kilcher, Michael Ealy and Kerry Washington.” Most recently, Eddie Vedder and Sean Penn performed as part of a show at a concert in California. edder performed the classic folk song Here’s to the state of Mississippi by Phil Ochs, changing lyrics to take aim at US president George Bush.

And speaking of Penn, here’s what he had to say about President Bush while at Cannes: “When somebody operates without a brain and without a heart they kill hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world. It is a shame that we have to bastardize the word ‘politics’.”

Pitt was speechless after a nearly 30 second screamfest when he walked onto the American Idol stage to tape a segment for Fox’s second annual Idol Gives Back. Once the audience calmed down Pitt tried to say “thank you,” but his microphone wasn’t working. So Idol stage manager Debbie McVickers rushed up to see what was wrong and joked that she “just needed a reason to touch him.” Another female production assistant was also needed and McVickers joked again, “We need more women to touch him.” Oh McVickers you funny little so and so.

Last year, the inaugural Idol Gives Back campaign raised more than $75 million for domestic and international charities and this year they’ve already beat that number after a $200 million pledge by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to pay for 20 million mosquito nets for African families in need. Nice one, Gordo! The campaign also paid tribute to Pitt’s Make It Right foundation to help rebuild homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

Don’t miss Idol Gives Back on Wednesday, April 9th and catch performances by Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood, John Legend, Annie Lennox, Gloria Estefan and Mariah Carey.

Good news American Idol fans! Ellen DeGeneres will once again join Ryan Seacrest as the co-host of IDOL GIVES BACK on Wednesday, April 9th (7:30-10:00 PM ET/PT). IDOL GIVES BACK is a music celebration that helps raise funds for various U.S. and international charities, and last year scored an incredible $76 million.

So far, Maroon 5, Heart, Gloria Estefan, Boyz II Men, The Clark Brothers, Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood Annie Lennox, John Legend and Snoop Dogg are all scheduled to attend.

Ellen said, “Everyone knows it’s better to give than to receive. That’s why I want to give you some advice. You get the advice and I get the joy of giving – it’s a win-win. Here it is: Give yourself a treat and watch IDOL GIVES BACK. Again, you get the joy of giving and an amazing line-up of artists get to give us an incredible show. Last year, we were able to giveaway over $76 million. You give, you get. Get it!”

This year the money raised will help benefit: the Children’s Defense Fund, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Make It Right. Malaria No More, Save The Children, and the Children’s Health Fund.So watch IDOL GIVES BACK on April 9th at 7:30 PM ET/PT and donate those dollars, people!

While no charities or organizations have been named yet as beneficiaries of the event, there no doubt will be a wide range of groups set to take part. From the article,

“While last year’s two-hour show was spread over the course of two nights, this time around, “Idol Gives Back” has been condensed to a one-night, but still two-hour, show. It airs Apr. 9.”

I haven’t watched Idol for a few seasons, but I love the idea of leveraging the massive audience numbers to help make a difference for charities. For more info, check out the official site here.

Last night, Lexus Hybrid Living offered a limited amount of tickets to visitors of Project Greenhouse for an intimate concert to see Grammy Award winning artist John Legend perform at the Star bar. Legend came onto the stage about 9:30 and welcomed the high energy crowd. His voice was out of this world and it was a night to remember. I think everyone who attended would say this was one of the best musical highlights of the festival. Some of the proceeds from the evening will go to Legend’s favorite charities.

Photos by: Melissa Rosenberg