With the U.S. death toll now surpassing Italy and Spain, A-list celebrities are putting on a show to entertain those stuck at home and celebrate healthcare workers fighting the pandemic.
The World Health Organization, together with Global Citizen, have announced plans for a benefit concert at 8 p.m. on April 18.
The driving force behind the effort is Malibu’s Lady Gaga.
The starry event will be broadcast live on major TV stations and most major streaming services.
It’s called “One World: Together and at Home” and features appearances by Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, classical king Andrea Bocelli, chartreuse sensation Billie Eilish, recent award winner Lizzo, country crooner Keith Urban, smooth operator John Legend, soccer champ David Beckham, your fuzzy friends from Sesame Street, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, flashy clothes horse and organizer Lady G, and many more.
The showbiz extravaganza will be hosted by laugh out loud night owls Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon.
Lady Gaga says she’s already helped raise $35 million, which will support and equip healthcare workers around the world. The total includes a $10 million donation from Apple.
The star-studded event hopes to raise millions more.
So, as long as you have to be isolated inside, stand together, tune in and beat the big CV.
PENN PITCHES IN
T
he need for testing for the novel coronavirus only continues to grow but that hasn’t stopped Malibu’s Sean Penn from doing his part.
The actor gave a boost to the City of Los Angeles through his nonprofit group called Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE).
CORE has been working with city leaders to help run drive-through testing facilities.
Penn, who is known for his humanitarian efforts, issued an email statement saying, “We are accustomed to working in foreign communities supporting other communities. In this situation, every single one of us responding, including myself, are also experiencing the impact of this crisis in our own personal lives.”
City officials say CORE’s efforts will increase the number of people tested while freeing up first responders and firefighters for other emergencies.
Last week, the group made its presence known in East LA and right here in Malibu.
Over the next few weeks, it hopes to take over operations at locations in the San Fernando Valley,
South LA and the Westside. Sean is giving it his all again.
COVID CUTS THE MUSIC
T
he latest victim of the coronavirus is the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The pandemic slashed the rest of the Phil season and Disney Hall will continue to be dark in May.
The organization’s artistic director, Gustavo Dudamel, will not receive paychecks during the closure and there will be salary reductions as well as layoffs for 94 part-time employees.
Among the casualties are Schoenberg’s famous “Gurrenlieder,” which was going to feature the orchestra with chorus, narration and soloists.
The loss of ticket revenue is between $9 and $10 million.
Hopefully, the Hollywood Bowl will open in summer on a happier note.