Jackson Browne, Alice Cooper, David Crosby and Graham Nash are to perform in a concert in Tucson, Arizona, to raise funds for a charitable fund established after the shooting there which killed six people and wounded 13 others.

Other acts at the March 10 show announced by Browne and Cooper this week include Sam Moore, Nils Lofgren, Keb’ Mo’, Jerry Riopelle, Dar Williams, Ozomatli and Calexico.

Astronaut Mark Kelly, the husband of wounded Democrat congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head, plans to speak at the event.

It will benefit the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding.

Ms Giffords’ aide Ron Barber started the fund to support people affected by the January 8 shooting and to hold events promoting community unity.

Tickets for the event at the Tucson Convention Centre go on sale on Saturday at the centre’s ticket office and through Ticketmaster.

Meanwhile, it was revealed Ms Giffords, 40, was laughing at jokes, eating sushi and even spoke the word “better” when asked recently by her husband how she was doing. Her doctor described her as a hard worker who diligently completes her therapy each day.

Ms Giffords has been going through her rehabilitation in a room adorned with pictures of her family and notes of encouragement as she recovers, several weeks into a process that medical experts say will be a lengthy and gruelling.

Those who have spent time with her said she had reached several impressive milestones. She is able to mouth the words to songs such as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and is eating meals on a consistent basis, whether it is hospital food or sushi or matzo ball soup brought by her rabbi.

Her top aide has said Ms Giffords knows she was shot, but does not know about the deaths and injuries to those around her.

“There’s lots of excitement as she continues to speak more and improve,” said family friend Tilman Fertitta. “She’s in a great mood and working hard.”

Jared Loughner, 22, has been charged in federal court with the assassination attempt against Ms Giffords. Authorities described him as a mentally unstable college dropout who became obsessed with carrying out violence against Ms Giffords for reasons that are not clear.