Elton John will take the stage at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles for a benefit show for cancer research.
The “Rocket Man” musician will perform at the one-off event on Tuesday, October 22, hosted by comedian and actor Fred Armisen. Chef Evan Funke will create the menu and magician David Blaine will also make a special appearance. This year’s Spirit of Life Gala honors Jay Marciano, chairman and CEO of AEG Presents. It is open to the public and general admission tickets start at $2,000 at jaymarcianospiritoflife.com.
According to a press release, City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Group will present Marciano with the Spirit of Life Award, which is “given to a distinguished community of industry leaders around the world who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of others by advancing research and clinical innovation and providing personalized, compassionate care.”
The event’s website states that Marciano began his career as a concert promoter in his late 20s, presenting shows for music industry icons such as James Brown and Chuck Berry. He later “held executive positions at Universal Concerts, AEG Europe and Madison Square Garden Entertainment before returning to AEG in 2011.” He has also staged tours for stadium giants such as Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran under AEG Presents.
City of Hope was founded in 1913 to research cancer and diabetes. Some of the organization’s research has been used to develop cancer drugs, human synthetic insulin, and monoclonal antibodies.
