The National to play webcast show directed by D.A Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus

The National have confirmed a special hometown performance for May 15 at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music). The concert comes just days after the May 11 release of their anticipated new album High Violet (reviewed here). All ticket proceeds will benefit Red Hot, a leading international organisation dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.

The concert will include a live webcast directed by acclaimed filmmakers D.A. Pennebaker (Bob Dylan’s legendary 1965 tour movie ‘Don’t Look Back’ and the un-released 1966 film ‘Eat The Document’, Depeche Mode’s ’101′ and the classic ‘Monterey Pop’ documentary) and Chris Hegedus (Oscar-nominated ‘The War Room’, the upcoming ‘Kings of Pastry’) and webcast live worldwide as a Vevo event on Youtube, the first ever joint webcast between the two sites. This will be the first time that D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus have ever directed a live concert webcast and the event will be preceded by a short film from the award-winning filmmakers.

The National has a lengthy history with Red Hot, having raised over $1 million for the organisation through its Dark Was The Night album and concert, and other initiatives.