(5/26/00, 4 p.m. ET) - Backstreet Boys Howie Dorough, his older sister Pollyanna, and several celebrity friends are set to perform at a charity concert event dubbed Lupus 2000. The event will take place at a dance club called The Groove, located within Universal Studios City Walk in Orlando, Florida, on June 25 from 6 to 10 p.m. The event will benefit the Caroline Dorough Cochran Lupus Memorial Foundation. Dorough's sister Caroline died in 1998 from complications from the chronic disease, in which the immune system treats the body's own tissue as a foreign substance and produces antibodies to fight it.

Performers confirmed for the event include country singer John Michael Montgomery and fellow Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean, who will be on hand as his alter ego Johnny No Name, along with several surprise guests. Howie and Pollyanna will be performing their song "Fly to Heaven," which they hope to eventually release as a single. Ticket prices for the event will range from $75 for general admission to $200 for a Gold Star package. General admission includes participation in the silent auction, light appetizers, cash bar, and the show on the main floor at The Groove. The Gold Star package will include participation in the silent auction, appetizers, open bar, priority entrance, a VIP section, and interaction with Dorough and the other guests. The ticket sale date will be announced as soon as it is confirmed. For more information, email lupusinfo@net4u.net .

In other Backstreet news, Dorough and bandmates Nick Carter and Kevin Richardson recently visited the Bahamas to relax and begin writing and reviewing material submitted by various songwriters for their next album. The trio received their PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Certifications while visiting Nassau.