UNITY: The Desmond Tutu Legacy Project - first Concert in Los Angeles
For decades, Archbishop Tutu has preached a message
of unity through ubuntu – what affects one of us, affects us all. The Los
Angeles show kicks off UNITY: The Desmond Tutu Legacy Project, a global effort
spearheaded by the Archbishop, his daughter Mpho Tutu and the Desmond Tutu
Peace Foundation to ensure his work for peace, justice, and equality continues
for generations to come. Each concert will unify musicians, actors, artists,
and activists who will lend their voices to raise awareness of Tutu’s life work
and global impact. All artists are donating their time for this international
cause.
I am interviewing Jason Rothberg who is the lead producer
for this and other events happening over the coming months to celebrate Archbishop
Tutu and Astrella Celeste who is producing the t-shirts in support of the
project.
Jason
you have been involved with other charity events but how did you get involved
with this project and what do you hope it will achieve?
Thanks to my friendship with you Felix, I was able to
build a relationship with the UN, where I first connected with Archbishop
Desmond Tutu. We have remained in contact for over 10 years and he is
someone I consider a mentor and friend.
What
concerts have been secured and how do people buy tickets for them?
The
first UNITY Mini-Big Show will be held on Archbishop Tutu’s 85th birthday,
October 7, 2016. It will coincide with a series of events attended by the
Archbishop in Cape Town, South Africa, including a concert and the 6th Annual
Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture. These events will mark the beginning
of a year-long celebration of Archbishop Tutu’s life, culminating in October
2017, with an all-star grand finale event that will take place in Cape Town
when numerous international artists come together for a birthday tribute
concert and Legacy Award ceremony.
Each
Mini-Big show is an intimate performance of notable artists designed to reach
the largest audience possible worldwide. Each concert will take place in a theater
as opposed to a stadium and will be live streamed in partnership with Facebook,
with audio simulcasts on terrestrial radio in each market.
Additional
Mini-Big Shows will be held throughout 2016-7. Confirmed cities, dates, and
acts include: Toronto, November 2016; New York, December 2016; Miami, March
2017; Atlanta, April 2017; with more cities to be announced.
Tickets
for the Los Angeles show go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016 at ticketmaster.com.
There was a fan pre-sale for American Express Card holders that began on
Wednesday, Aug. 17, and will run through 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19. Ticket
prices range from $60 to $105. Twenty VIP tickets are available for $250 each,
which include front row seats, a private meet and greet with the artists,
access to the backstage reception (after the show), and a commemorative poster
created and signed by artist Bob Masse.
In
addition to the concerts what else is being planned?
Each
Mini-Big concert will be filmed for inclusion in an exclusive retrospective
documentary on Archbishop Tutu’s life story, produced by Sir Bob Geldof, which
will trace the evolution of his extraordinary legacy. The documentary will
feature rare archival footage and interviews with iconic personalities
including Annie Lennox, Bono, Samuel L. Jackson, Peter Gabriel, Steve Tyler,
Alfre Woodard, Sean Paul, Johnny Clegg, and others who have been inspired by
his work. Quincy Jones will serve as Executive Producer of an all-star soundtrack
to complement the film.
Archbishop Tutu and Peter Gabriel
Astrella your career has been richly developed by working with
other musicians in recording sessions, performances and/or home jams, amongst
them David Gilmour, Brian Setzer, Donovan, Mark White, Happy Mondays, and
Graham Nash, to name but a few.
You
have just launched “MUSICAL T'S" clothing line that elevates timeless
records and artists to a new venue altogether. What are you planning for
the project?
I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the Tutu family to create a collection of luxury tee shirts in hope of raising awareness for their amazing works.
I have chosen images that i feel represent Fathers legacy of powerful, positive change
I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the Tutu family to create a collection of luxury tee shirts in hope of raising awareness for their amazing works.
I have chosen images that i feel represent Fathers legacy of powerful, positive change
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