Billboard Bits: `Music Mania,' Shaggy, Opry Benefit

Jessica Simpson will host and perform at Summer Music Mania 2004, to be taped May 20 in Glendale, Ariz., for broadcast June 1 on Fox. The event will also feature performances by Simpson's sister Ashlee, Black Eyed Peas, Ludacris, Rooney, J-Kwon, 3 Doors Down, Mario Winans, Eamon and Murphy Lee featuring Nelly. During the broadcast, final nominees will be announced for the 2004 Teen Choice Awards, which Fox will broadcast in August. Simpson will play three radio station-sponsored multi-artist shows this month, including Z100's Zootopia on May 21 at New York's Madison Square Garden. As previously reported, the next day she will perform in Central Park to raise awareness for skin cancer. Proceeds from the performance will benefit the Skin Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to the prevention of the disease. (Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.)

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Reggae star Shaggy has recorded several new songs for his next album, according to a Geffen Records spokesperson. The as-yet-untitled set is being targeted for a 2005 release. It will be the follow-up to 2002's "Lucky Day," which debuted at No. 14 on Bilboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 24 on The Billboard 200. Shaggy will be on hand Saturday for a concert at New York's Radio City Music Hall to celebrate the 25th anniversary of reggae label VP Records. Other artists slated to perform include Beenie Man and Buju Banton. (Carla Hay, N.Y.)

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Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Tracy Byrd, Buddy Jewell, Bill Anderson, Steve Wariner, Jack Greene and Pam Tillis are confirmed to participate in this year's Grand Ole Opry Superstar Spectacular Benefit. The June 10 event, part of the annual CMA Music Festival (formerly known as "Fan Fair"), will raise funds for the Opry Trust Fund, which assists members of the country music community in need. Tickets for the event are priced at $32.50 and $42.50 for a limited number of Gold Circle seats, and are available at Opry.com. As previously reported, the CMA Music Festival will kick off June 10-13 in Nashville and feature concerts, Q&A sessions and opportunities for fans to meet artists, as well as take in fishing and archery competitions. (Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.)