Sandy Relief

MUSIC TO THE RESCUE: As the East Coast continues to contend with the devastation wrought by Sandy—and lack of power, gas rationing and other privations task the patience of residents in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and other hard-hit states—artists across the music world are helping raises funds, awareness and logistical support. Friday night's all-star benefit at 30 Rockefeller Center, broadcast on NBC and featuring performances by Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Sting, members of Aerosmith, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige and others offered testimony not only to the ability of stars to open the relief-cash floodgates but also to the emotional power of music. Pop gems like "Beautiful," "Livin' on a Prayer," "Message in a Bottle" and "Under the Boardwalk" took on a new, deeper resonance in the context of Sandy and its aftermath. Meanwhile, a slew of artists have been retweeting this: "Help #Sandy survivors. Donate to the @RedCross via @iTunesMusic at http://www.itunes.com/redcross. Outside the US go to http://www.redcross.org." Visit the iTunes Twitter page to share a message already spread by Justin Bieber, Aguilera, Pearl Jam, Fergie, Kylie Minogue, Metric and many more. And if you're out and about and want to help, just text "redcross" to 90999 to make an instant Red Cross donation. Meanwhile, Louis CK writes to subscribers as he prepares to host SNL tonight: "For me, the village being the very place that made me into a comedian and a man, to walk through the heart of it and feel like, in a way, it was dead. I can't tell you how that felt." The esprit de corps at 30 Rock is strong; expect an especially energized cast on tonight's installment. We hear 80% of the NYC subway is back in operation, but power outages will continue for quite some time in some areas. If you're in the thick of it and have connectivity, please check in. (11/3p)