by Melanie Walker, Music Director

Some recent all stars of the independent music scene have come together to record exclusive songs for Dark Was The Night, a double-disc album of covers and rare collaborations whose proceeds will benefit the Red Hot organization's work with AIDS research. The album features an incredible array of artists such as David Byrne, Feist, Spoon, Cat Power, My Morning Jacket, Iron & Wine, the Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, the New Pornographers, and many others.

Named after "Dark Was The Night," a track written by the Delta bluesman Blind Willie Johnson, this compilation was produced by brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National. They'd been discussing the idea with the Red Hot foundation of creating an album that would showcase the independent music scene while also helping to educate the public and spotlight the HIV/ AIDS epidemic.

Since 1989, Red Hot has produced fourteen groundbreaking albums, related television programs, and media events incorporating the talents of leading performers, visual artists, producers and directors to raise funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS. Dark Was The Night will be available in stores Feb. 17.