Elton John Performs at City of Hope Music, Film & Entertainment Industry Group’s 2024 Spirit of Life® Gala Honoring Jay Marciano to Benefit Cancer Research
Hosted by comedian and actor Fred Armisen, with menu curation by Evan Funke and a special appearance by David Blaine, the one-night-only event will take place at the historic Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Downtown Los Angeles on October 22 and promises to be a magical evening for attendees.
City of Hope®, one of the largest and most cutting-edge cancer research and treatment institutions in the United States and a leading research center for diabetes and other life-threatening diseases, announced today that the organization’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) volunteer and fundraising group’s Spirit of Life® Gala will include a headlining performance by Elton John.
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At the 51st annual event, to be held on Oct. 22, 2024 at the historic Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Downtown Los Angeles, AEG Presents Chairman and CEO Jay Marciano will be presented with City of Hope’s prestigious Spirit of Life Award. Marciano will be recognized for his many years of philanthropic and humanitarian work.
“I am honored to receive the Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope and to help raise awareness and funds to further the important work of defeating cancer and improving the lives of so many,” said Marciano. “I am also humbled and grateful that Elton John, a true superstar in every sense of the word, lent his immense talent to the event and delivered a performance that galvanized support for the work that sadly touches so many lives. Additionally, having David Blaine, Evan Funke and Fred Armisen partnering with us on such a special evening is beyond my dreams,” Marciano added.
A renowned figure in the live entertainment and music industry, widely known for leading one of the world’s largest live events companies and recently producing two of the most significant music tours in history, Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” and Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road”, Marciano is focused on revitalizing the industry to accelerate cancer research at City of Hope so that more people around the world can benefit from the findings.
John’s historic final tour saw the music icon perform 330 shows around the world, entertaining over 6.25 million fans across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. The US leg of the tour concluded with three sold-out shows at Dodger Stadium. The concerts were streamed live on Disney+ in all territories, a world first. He then headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June 2023, his final UK show before his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which ends in July 2023, bringing an end to over 50 years of touring. Now the stage is set for another special performance at the Spirit of Life Gala.
“Jay is more than a colleague; he is a treasured friend,” said John. “I am pleased to support Jay in receiving the Spirit of Life honor, as City of Hope provides dignified, supportive care for cancer patients and conducts unparalleled research into other life-threatening diseases. Their important work has led to advancements in the field, allowing many people who are fortunate enough to live long and beautiful lives. Everyone should have that opportunity, and I am honored to be a part of City of Hope’s work toward that goal.”
Founded more than a century ago to help people struggling to access high-quality, effective cancer treatment, City of Hope combines comprehensive, compassionate care with big dreams made possible by groundbreaking scientific research.
“Our longtime supporters in the entertainment industry help us achieve our most important goal: saving lives,” said City of Hope CEO and Helen and Morgan Chu Distinguished Chief Executive Officer Robert Stone. “We’re grateful to Jay and our partners for helping ensure that cancer patients have equal access to the most cutting-edge cancer treatments available, regardless of race, socioeconomic status or geography.”
In its more than 50-year history, MFEI has contributed more than $150 million to City of Hope’s research and care programs.
“The music industry has the power to unite millions for a great cause, and when that cause is cancer research, the impact can be transformative,” said City of Hope’s Chief Philanthropy Officer Christine J. Bartel. “Jay’s support will raise awareness, critical funds and provide hope to millions of cancer patients and their families. This is not just entertainment; this is saving lives through the power of philanthropy,” Bartel continued.
In addition to John’s performance, attendees will experience a curated menu by Chef Evan Funke, a master of the time-honored art of hand-crafted pasta, and an unprecedented performance by magician and mentalist David Blaine — two experiences sure to round out a magical evening. Comedian, actor, musician and author Fred Armisen will emcee the event.
“City of Hope’s Music, Film & Entertainment Industry Division and its Board of Directors look forward to honoring Jay and celebrating his commitment to supporting cancer research through his profound influence in the live entertainment industry,” said Alisa Pollack, executive vice president of global music marketing for iHeartMedia and chair of the MFEI Board of Directors. “It’s wonderful to see the music industry continue to come together in a common cause: defeating cancer.”
“The MFEI Board of Directors at City of Hope cannot thank Jay Marciano and his entire team enough for all they do to fight these terrible diseases,” said Evan Lamberg, president of Universal Music Publishing Group North America and chairman of the MFEI Board of Directors. “There is not a single person I have met who has not been affected by cancer in some way, directly or indirectly, and City of Hope is working around the clock in the fight against cancer, with the goal of continuing to improve people’s quality of life.”
MFEI’s Spirit of Life Gala culminates a year of fundraising activities that also include an auction and dinner series supporting City of Hope. For gala tickets and more information on sponsorship, donations and how to contribute to the campaign, click here or email mfei@coh.org.
About City of Hope
City of Hope’s mission is to provide hope for all those affected by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown to be one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. City of Hope research is the basis for numerous groundbreaking cancer drugs, human synthetic insulin, and monoclonal antibodies. With a National Cancer Institute-designated freestanding Comprehensive Cancer Center at its core, ranked among the top five in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report, City of Hope’s unique integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a wide range of philanthropic programs that drive its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes a Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations throughout Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix areas. City of Hope affiliates include the Translational Genomics Institute and AccessHopeTM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook. XYouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.
About City of Hope Music, Film & Entertainment Industry Group
Inspired by City of Hope’s humanitarian ideals and motivated by the organization’s commitment to innovative medical research and compassionate patient care, a group of leading industry executives founded the City of Hope Music, Film & Entertainment Industry Group in 1973.
In its 50-year history, the organization has raised more than $150 million for City of Hope and honored some of the most important figures in the music and entertainment industries.
The Spirit of Life Award is City of Hope’s most prestigious award and is presented to a community of respected industry leaders from around the world who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of others through advancing research and clinical innovation and providing personalized, compassionate care.
Past recipients include Lyall Cohen, Shelley and Irving Azoff, Edgar Bronfman Jr., Coran Capshaw, Eddie Cue, Clive Davis, Sir Lucian Grainge, Allen Grubman, Quincy Jones, Rob Wright, Monte and Avery Lipman, Doug Morris, Mo Ostin, Bob Pittman, Jon Platt and Sylvia Rhone.
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