While the lights won't go up on the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards until Thursday, the hoopla surrounding the event officially kicks off Tuesday afternoon with the launch of MTV's Music Week.

The two-day event (yes, it's not technically a whole week) will see some of the Top 40's finest descend on New York for live performances, listening parties, and in-store appearances.

The whole shebang gets rolling on Tuesday with a free outdoor concert at Manhattan's South Street Seaport by Wyclef Jean at 3 p.m. Later that day, Lil' Zane will turn up at HMV Records in Times Square at 5 p.m. to greet fans and sign copies of his latest effort, "Young World: The Future."

On Tuesday evening, 200 fans will get an early taste of Radiohead's upcoming album, "Kid A," at a listening party staged at the Sony IMAX Theater at 68th Street and Broadway. Music Week's first day then concludes with a performance by Kina and some surprise guests at the downtown hot spot Joe's Pub.

Wednesday will find popsters Mandy Moore and BBMak following Wyclef's lead and descending on the Seaport for a free show starting at 3:30 p.m. Later that afternoon, BBMak will hit the Virgin Megastore at Union Square to sign copies of its debut album beginning at 5 p.m. Shortly after that, Papa Roach will get in on the action, hitting Coconuts Records at 51st Street and 6th Avenue for a CD signing that starts at 5:30 p.m. The string of events will conclude with two shows on Wednesday night when Travis plays New York's Roseland Ballroom while Fastball sets up shop at the Mercury Lounge.

Catch all the sizzlin', star-packed VMA action direct from Miami on August 28. MTV News' preshow kicks things off at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT, followed by big show at 8 p.m.

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