O'Malley to appear with Jeff Bridges in Charlotte

Gov. Martin O'Malley just added a new gig to his busy Democratic convention schedule: He'll perform with Jeff Bridges and The Abiders.

Maryland's frontman will get on stage and belt out a song during a "CarolinaFest" celebration the day before the convention opens. O'Malley will also play the guitar in the number, said Theresa Burton, a spokeswoman for a charity coordinating the event.

Bridges, perhaps best known for his acting role as 'The Dude' in The Big Lebowski, also has a successful career as a singer/songwriter.

O'Malley helped Bridges launch a campaign to end childhood hunger in 2010, which is how the two became acquainted. Rick Abbruzzese, a top aide to O'Malley, said the governor wants to "raise awareness" about the Share Our Strength No Kid Hungry national campaign.

The governor is bringing his Irish rock band, O'Malley's March, south with him to the Democratic National Convention and plans to play twice at Charlotte venues. On Sept. 4th, they'll preform at a Democratic Governors Association event and the following evening they'll play for a gathering hosted by the Maryland Democratic Party.

The governor will also be speaking at the convention. For that role he'll be solo.