Jewel performs benefits for Project Clean Water

"I'm thrilled to be performing at the Bluebird and supporting a cause so dear to my heart, Project Clean Water," said Jewel. "So many country songwriters I admire have performed at the cafe. It's wonderful to perform some of my favorite compositions in such an intimate setting and help those in need at the same time."

Jewel founded Project Clean Water in 1997. Having experienced homelessness as a teenager, Jewel became ill and couldn't afford to buy the bottled water she needed for her sick kidneys. She then realized it was difficult to obtain clean water in the U.S. and discovered it was a global problem.

Project Clean Water recently partnered with Virgin Unite and the Voss Foundation to create the "Give A Drop" campaign. Donations of $5 can be made by texting the message "DROP" to phone number 85944. Money raised through text donations will benefit the partnership, which is currently working in Pel in the Dogon region of Mali, where 40 water retention structures were recently completed. This spring, work will also begin to help rural villages in southeast Ethiopia expand their access to clean water.

Jewel is currently finishing her second country album scheduled for release in June. The upcoming project is the follow-up album to her number 1 Billboard-Charting Perfectly Clear" from 2008.