LOS ANGELES, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Artists For A New South Africa) - On Thursday, Nov. 15, Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) will host the most soul-stirring blues celebration of the year with "Shaking The Blues," at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. The benefit supports ANSA's work fighting HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and Africa, with a portion of proceeds going to the Treatment Action Campaign, the grassroots organization at the forefront of South Africa's fight against AIDS.
Shaking The Blues celebrates the power of music and activism to shake off our blues - from the personal to the global - and change the world. Musical artists who will perform include Erykah Badu, Keb' Mo', Taj Mahal Trio, Nikka Costa, Wendy and Lisa, Corey Chisel and The Roots and friends, whose Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson is the night's musical director. The artists will perform blues and blues-inspired music and take part in once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, including the supergroup Edith Funker that brings together Badu, Thompson, Wendy and Lisa and other noted artists. The show will include special appearances by Blair Underwood, Alfre Woodard, Victoria Rowell, LaTanya Richardson, Jurnee Smollett and guest stars. Performers will be joined by Jackson Browne and other ANSA friends for a roof-raising finale.
In addition to funds raised by the Nov. 15 Wiltern event, a Shaking The Blues online auction of one-of-a-kind items and experiences is underway to further support ANSA's groundbreaking work. Log onto https://www.charityfolks.com/ansa to bid on treasures that include: a meeting and photo op with President Bill Clinton, a VIP set visit to Desperate Housewives, VIP tickets to The Colbert Report, a walk-on role on Showtime's Weeds, a trip to Paradise Island in the Bahamas, lunch with Mark Hamill (aka Luke Skywalker), coveted signed Harry Potter memorabilia and much more.
Among the luminaries chairing Shaking The Blues are: Jackson Browne, Morgan Freeman, LaTanya Richardson Jackson & Samuel L. Jackson, George Lopez, Deborah Santana, Alfre Woodard and Forest Whitaker. Host committee members include J.J. Abrams, Gillian Anderson, Johnny Clegg, Danny Glover, Dule Hill, Quincy Jones, Norman Lear, Lebo M, Alexandra Paul, Chris Rock, Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood, Alice Walker, Denzel Washington, Kerry Washington and others.
The star-studded evening continues ANSA's tradition of presenting a unique, annual pull-out-the-stops benefit. Last year, ANSA had the honor of hosting the star-studded U.S. celebration of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's 75th birthday. In 2005, ANSA presented the Los Angeles premiere of George Lucas' Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
ANSA is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization working in the U.S. and South Africa to combat HIV/AIDS, safeguard voting rights and democracy, advance human rights and equality, and assist and empower AIDS orphans and other at-risk youth. ANSA makes a substantial difference by working in partnership with effective grassroots organizations and pivotal movements on the frontlines of these issues. Founded in 1989 to support South Africa's quest to end apartheid and build a new democracy, ANSA is now dedicated to eradicating social and health inequities that are the legacies of apartheid, segregation, and generations of poverty. In the past decade alone, ANSA has raised $9 million for effective African programs, shipped 70 tons of medical supplies and books to impoverished communities, and educated millions of adults and young people in the U.S., South Africa, and across the African continent about HIV/AIDS and voting rights.
Attending Shaking The Blues is one of many ways to support ANSA. The benefit begins with a pre-show cocktail party for major donors at 6 PM, with live performances underway at 7:45. The main event will be immediately followed by a VIP after-party.
General admission tickets, ranging from $45 to $125, are available through Ticketmaster at https://www.ticketmaster.com and (213) 480-3232. For major donor and VIP tickets ranging from $250 to $75,000, contact Blue Room Events: (310) 491-1401.
For more information: https://www.ansafrica.org
