Elton John To Perform At Spirit Of Life Gala

• City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, announced that Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) volunteer and fundraising group’s Spirit of Life® Gala will include a headlining performance by Elton John. This 51st annual Spirit of Life Gala will honor Jay Marciano, Chairman & CEO of AEG Presents, with the organization’s prestigious Spirit of Life Award.

Marciano, who leads the company that produced Elton’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour and Taylor Swift‘s The Eras Tour — will be recognized for his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts on Oct. 22 at the historic Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in downtown Los Angeles, hosted by comedian and actor Fred Armisen, with a curated menu by Evan Funke and a special appearance by David Blaine.

“I am honored to be receiving The Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope and to be able to contribute to raising awareness and funds to speed its important work of eradicating cancer and improving lives for so many,” Marciano said. “I am also humbled and grateful that Elton John, a true superstar in every regard, has agreed to lend his immeasurable talents to this event with a performance that’s sure to inspire support for a cause that unfortunately touches so many lives. And if that weren’t enough, having David Blaine, Evan Funke, and Fred Armisen contribute to such an extraordinary evening is beyond my wildest dreams.”

Elton John remarked, “Jay is more than a colleague; he is a dear friend. It is my pleasure to lend my support to him as he receives the Spirit of Life honor, especially given City of Hope’s dignity-giving supportive care for people who face cancer, along with its unmatched research for other life-threatening illnesses. Their important work has led to advancements in the field that have fortunately enabled so many people to live beautiful, long lives. Everyone should have that opportunity, and I’m honored to play a part in City of Hope’s work towards that goal.”