Philadelphia ? Russell Simmons, a producer of the Live 8 concert here, is behind new names just added to Saturday’s bill, including Kanye West (“Jesus Walks”) and Rita, Ziggy and Stephen Marley, who will lend a reggae edge to Black Eyed Peas.

Simmons has a grander idea: His “dream” lineup for the finale: Michael Jackson, Prince, Usher, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and Beyonce, all singing “We Are the World,” the anthem of 1985’s Live Aid concert. Simmons cautions that he’s had no response from Jackson, Prince or Usher – “but they haven’t said no. Until they say no, I’ll keep dreaming.” Wonder, Keys and Beyonce (she’s one-third of Destiny’s Child) already are on the bill.

Simmons says there’s no danger that Jackson – acquitted recently of child molestation – would overshadow Live 8’s mission of African awareness. “He was found not guilty,” he says. “The guy deserves the benefit of the doubt. He’s the most newsworthy (performer). If he jumps on that stage, that’ll mean a lot.”

Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records and credited with taking hip-hop mainstream, joined Live 8 catalysts Bob Geldof and Bono last week. Simmons, in turn, added an urban flavor to the lineup. He was responsible for Keys, and says he’s bringing in DJ Green Lantern to spin between acts. “I love what we’re doing – using young hip-hop people to sell this idea,” Simmons says. “They’re the best brand-builders in the world.”

The Live 8 acts will start running through sound checks and camera blocking Friday on the stage set up at the Art Museum. Though loudspeakers will be limited to the stage area and sets will be short, a production official says the music will be loud.

A production memo lists Keith Urban going on at 9 a.m., followed at 10 by Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban, Bon Jovi at 11:15, Rob Thomas at 12:20 p.m., Def Leppard at 1:10 p.m., Toby Keith at 3 p.m., Will Smith at 3:50 p.m., Kanye West at 4:55 p.m., Linkin Park and Jay-Z – now that’s a combo – at 6 p.m., and Stevie Wonder at 7:05 p.m.

Saturday – the day of – sound checks are due to begin with Destiny’s Child at 6 a.m. Then it’s Jars of Clay (6:30), Dave Matthews (7), Alicia Keys (7:30), Kaiser Chiefs (8), and Black Eyed Peas, with the Marleys (8:30). The big show is to start at noon.

Note: This is rock ‘n’ roll, and everything is highly subject to change.

In nonperformer news, Brad Pitt has an undefined starring role, though it’s not clear if he will be here or in London.

Meanwhile, the list of Live 8 presenters has grown to include Natalie Portman, Richard Gere, Naomi Watts, Al Sharpton, Chris Tucker, Don Cheadle, Ashley Judd, Jennifer Connelly and Jack Nicholson.

Jack Nicholson!? He opened Live Aid in 1985.