Annie Lennox joins second annual Hope Rising! benefit concert for Stephen Lewis Foundation
"As a passionate AIDS activist, I'm delighted to be performing at Hope Rising!," the 57-year-old said in a statement. "I share the conviction of the Stephen Lewis Foundation that community-based organizations in Africa, and particularly the women who are at the heart of the grassroots response, are playing a critical role in turning the tide of AIDS."
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Lennox, who is well known for her spot in the now disbanded duo the Eurythmics, has been a long-time supporter in the fight against AIDS and will join Grammy Award-winning artist Angelique Kidjo at the benefit concert on November 7.
"I look forward to sharing the evening with African grandmothers, Angelique, Stephen, and other friends to shine a celebratory spotlight on the powerful work being done in Africa, and the powerful message of hope it brings all of us," Lennox said.
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Last year, the first benefit concert for Hope Rising! featured acts like Alicia Keys, K'naan, Rufus Wainwright and Kidjo, and raised over $500,000, which went "directly into the hands of the community-based organizations working to turn the tide of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa."
"Hope Rising! is an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary triumph of the human spirit over adversity — alongside illustrious artists who share our passionate support for the cause," Ilana Landsberg-Lewis, the executive director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, said. "This concert is in celebration of women at the heart of the response to AIDS in Africa who work with tenacity to save lives and restore hope in their communities."
In addition to raising AIDS awareness and funds for sub-Saharan Africa, The Canadian Press reports that this year's benefit concert will also celebrate the 75th birthday of Lewis, who was a former UN Special Envoy for AIDS in Africa.
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Tickets for Hope Rising! go on sale August 20 and the event is set to take place at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto on November 7.
Head here for more information about how you can purchase tickets to Hope Rising! and learn more about the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
