Singer/songwriter Beth Hart [ tickets ] is set to play concerts at Hard Rock Cafes in 10 cities during a benefit tour for VH1's Save The Music campaign. The tour gets underway today (10/19) in Hart's home base of Los Angeles.

Save The Music supports the development and restoration of public school music programs, and will receive all proceeds from the tour. American Express is presenting the tour; JBL and Gibson U.S.A. will donate instruments and equipment to elementary schools.

''If it weren't for music programs when I was in school, I would definitely be in jail,'' Hart said in a statement announcing the tour.

The Beth Hart tour is the first live companion to VH1's television concert series, ''Hard Rock Live.'' Hart, Tori Amos [ tickets ] and the Paula Cole [ tickets ] Band are among performers scheduled to appear during the show's 1999-2000 season, which began taping earlier this month. Duran Duran [ tickets ], Motley Crue [ tickets ], Meredith Brooks, Buckcherry, Robbie Williams, the Cure, and Sixpence None the Richer also scheduled to appear.

Hart recently released her sophomore major-label album, ''Screamin' For My Supper'' (Lava/143/Atlantic), and completed a cross-country tour with labelmate Edwin McCain.