Celine to perform at Agassi's Tenth Grand Slam!

July 28, 2005 at 05:30 AM

Press Release Source: Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation

Tickets for Andre Agassi's Tenth Grand Slam for Children Go on Sale Friday, July 29

Wednesday July 27, 9:42 pm ET

Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Duran Duran, Earth, Wind & Fire and George Lopez, to Perform Saturday, October 1

Tenth Anniversary Grand Slam for Children Presented by Genworth Financial

LAS VEGAS, July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF) has assembled another superstar line-up of entertainers for an unforgettable evening of music and laughter to benefit Las Vegas at-risk youth. Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Duran Duran, Earth, Wind & Fire and George Lopez are just a few of the stars who will take the stage Saturday, Oct. 1 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster will return for his tenth year as musical director.

Tickets priced at $150 and $100 not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Friday, July 29 at 10:00 a.m. (PST) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office. Tickets also will be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (Tower Records/WOW!, select Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Robinsons-May stores and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call MGM Grand Reservations at 800-929-1111/702-891-7777 or Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Gamal Aziz, MGM Grand president and chief operating officer said, "Andre and the entire Agassi Foundation consistently provide a tremendous amount of support to the children of Las Vegas and the community. We look forward to hosting the Tenth Anniversary Grand Slam for Children benefit concert and anticipate a spectacular evening for our guests."

A limited number of sponsor tables are currently available at the Diamond ($75,000), Platinum ($35,000) and Gold ($15,000) levels.

The Grand Slam for Children concert fundraiser, presented by Genworth Financial, benefits the AACF, a nonprofit organization established in 1994 to assist at-risk youth in Las Vegas, where Agassi was raised. More than 68,000 guests have attended nine Grand Slam events, raising more than $42 million for charity.

"Year after year we are overwhelmed by the caliber of performers who want to be a part of the Grand Slam for Children," Agassi said. "The line-up for this year's tenth anniversary event promises to be fantastic. These performers share our desire to make the future brighter for kids and to continue our commitment to the children of Las Vegas who need our help in overcoming the many obstacles they face in their everyday lives."

Michael D. Fraizer, Genworth Financial chairman and chief executive officer said, "We are excited to be part of the Tenth Grand Slam for Children benefit concert at MGM Grand. The work that Andre and the foundation provide for children is close to our heart at Genworth and makes this a better world for all of us."

Specific charities benefiting from the AACF fundraiser include the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model charter school in West Las Vegas; Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club; Assistance League of Las Vegas' Operation School Bell; Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Nevada; Child Haven; Class! Publications; Cynthia Bunker and Joy McClenahan Memorial Scholarship Fund; I Have A Dream Foundation; Las Vegas Inner-City Games; Las Vegas Philharmonic's Youth Concert Series; Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp; YMCA of Southern Nevada.

Since its inception in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has been distinguished by its roster of cream-of-the crop entertainers including Sir Elton John, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Robin Williams, Carlos Santana, Don Henley, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Ray Romano, Jamie Foxx, Jay Leno, Stevie Nicks, Seal, Tim McGraw, India.Arie, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Dennis Miller, Brian McKnight, Tears for Fears, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Groban and others.

For more information, please contact the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation at 702.227.5700.

About the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation

The AACF, a 501©(3) not-for-profit public charity, was created to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The Foundation strives to assist those underprivileged, abused and abandoned children who may be deprived of basic options in life. The AACF also offers a combination of emotional, physical and academic programs designed to enhance a child's character, self-esteem and career possibilities.

About Genworth Financial

Genworth is a leading insurance holding company, serving the lifestyle protection, retirement income, investment and mortgage insurance needs of more than 15 million customers, and has operations in 22 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K. and more than a dozen other European countries. For more information, visit www.genworth.com.

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Source: Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation

Yahoo.com

Edited July 28, 2005 at 05:32 AM by CSCfan

July 28, 2005 at 05:49 AM

Agassi and Celine are good neighbors.

July 28, 2005 at 05:57 AM

Agassi and Celine are good neighbors.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

are they really neighbors?

awesome...i wonder what songs she will sing

anything david foster does, she is there

thanks for the info

July 28, 2005 at 06:02 AM

That's great, will there be a chance of showing it on TV? This will be the second time Celine performe outside of Vegas since she started the show. You could bet that Celine's going to be the star of the show. So is anyone planning to go? Maybe record it for us.

Thanks Mathias, your first post in a while is a big one. :thumbsup: Great to hear from you again. :flowers:

July 28, 2005 at 06:04 AM

Agassi and Celine are good neighbors.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

are they really neighbors?

awesome...i wonder what songs she will sing

anything david foster does, she is there

thanks for the info
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

their house in Las Vegas is very near. I remember I saw a photo of both of their house in it. both beside the Las vegas Lake.

too bad Linda won't be there this year. and Agassi had attend Celine's A New Day show too.

That's great, will there be a chance of showing it on TV? This will be the second time Celine performe outside of Vegas since she started the show. You could bet that Celine's going to be the star of the show. So is anyone planning to go? Maybe record it for us.

Thanks Mathias, your first post in a while is a big one. Great to hear from you again.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

outside of Vegas? :confused: isn't this in MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas?

July 28, 2005 at 06:10 AM

That's great, will there be a chance of showing it on TV? This will be the second time Celine performe outside of Vegas since she started the show. You could bet that Celine's going to be the star of the show. So is anyone planning to go? Maybe record it for us.

Thanks Mathias, your first post in a while is a big one. Great to hear from you again.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

i doubt it...if it hasn't been broadcast for the past 10 years, it probably won't be this year

i wonder why she hasn't done this before

their house in Las Vegas is very near. I remember I saw a photo of both of their house in it. both beside the Las vegas Lake.
too bad Linda won't be there this year. and Agassi had attend Celine's A New Day show too.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

thanks

Edited July 28, 2005 at 06:12 AM by binsk

July 28, 2005 at 06:14 AM

outside of Vegas? isn't this in MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas?
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I meant performances apart from her A New Day show.

July 28, 2005 at 06:17 AM

I hope they'll release a DVD for it like the World Children's Day. hope so.

and is there anyone will make bootleg for us?

July 28, 2005 at 06:44 AM

does anyone even live in vegas here???

i doubt it will come on dvd after 10 years of doing it

July 28, 2005 at 07:41 AM

Doesn't Céline has to perfom her own show that day :confused1:

July 28, 2005 at 07:58 AM

does anyone even live in vegas here???

i doubt it will come on dvd after 10 years of doing it
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Plenty of people live near Vegas.

July 28, 2005 at 09:39 AM

Wooooohooooooooooo :clap:

July 28, 2005 at 09:59 AM

Great news!!! :clap:

July 28, 2005 at 10:54 AM

:clap: I was waiting for this along time. I I'm a very big fan of Agassi too. First I was a fan of his wife steffi Graf and when she retired and they dated I became even more fan of Agassi. Every year since Céline lives in Las Vegas I was hoping she would perform at the Grand Slam for children so that they can make a picture toghether Steffi, Andre, and Céline. The three persons I most admire. Unfortunitely it will not be shown on television but probably plenty of pictures.

I think Céline will perform early so that she can go to the Colosseum on time.

Bellamy mentioned that Agassi went to A new day, when was that? because every day I looked for news if Agassi attended A new day.

But this news made my day :w00t: :wub:

July 28, 2005 at 11:57 AM

That's nice!!!

I hope it will be on TV

July 28, 2005 at 01:26 PM

wow i cant wait to learn more about this event! :clap:

July 28, 2005 at 02:15 PM

I was waiting for this along time. I I'm a very big fan of Agassi too. First I was a fan of his wife steffi Graf and when she retired and they dated I became even more fan of Agassi. Every year since Céline lives in Las Vegas I was hoping she would perform at the Grand Slam for children so that they can make a picture toghether Steffi, Andre, and Céline. The three persons I most admire. Unfortunitely it will not be shown on television but probably plenty of pictures.

I think Céline will perform early so that she can go to the Colosseum on time.

Bellamy mentioned that Agassi went to A new day, when was that? because every day I looked for news if Agassi attended A new day.

But this news made my day
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Stefanie Graf & Andre Agassi went to the Unicef Tsunami Fund Benefit With Mother's Day Performance Of A New Day.

check here: http://www.celinedionforum.com/index.php?s...indpost&p=42401

July 28, 2005 at 06:32 PM

They where not there. they lent their names. I was at the may 8th show and they where not their. Andre was in Rome that time to play a tenniws tournament. So Andre hasn't seen A new day yet. Edited July 28, 2005 at 06:33 PM by celine the power of my dream

July 28, 2005 at 06:36 PM

Thanks Mathias, your first post in a while is a big one. Great to hear from you again.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks.. :flowers: Been very busy..

i wonder why she hasn't done this before
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What? Performing at the show? Lots of reasons possible..

But she really hasn't performed there once? Coz in the press release it says Celine has performed there....

i doubt it will come on dvd after 10 years of doing it
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well maybe this one will....because it is an anniversary show of some sort (10th show)..

Doesn't Céline has to perfom her own show that day
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's right across the street..

Stefanie Graf & Andre Agassi went to the Unicef Tsunami Fund Benefit With Mother's Day Performance Of A New Day.
check here: http://www.celinedionforum.com/index.php?s...indpost&p=42401
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No they weren't....at least I didn't see them there.. :unsure:

Plus that list isn't a list of people (celebrities) who attended, but a list of people (celebrities) that are members of the 'Honorary Committee'..

July 28, 2005 at 06:44 PM

Well maybe this one will....because it is an anniversary show of some sort (10th show)..
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yup and music's biggest star is on it. :clapping1: :kicking:

July 28, 2005 at 07:58 PM

Cool, can't wait !

July 29, 2005 at 08:39 PM

July 29, 2005
Tickets For Andre Agassi's Tenth Grand Slam For Children Go On Sale Friday, July 29

Celine Dion ; Duran Duran ; Earth, Wind & Fire ; George Lopez ; Mary J. Blige and Robin Williams to Perform Saturday, October 1

Tenth Anniversary Grand Slam for Children Presented by Genworth Financial

LAS VEGAS, July 29, 2005. The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF) has assembled another superstar line-up of entertainers for an unforgettable evening of music and laughter to benefit Las Vegas at-risk youth. Celine Dion ; Duran Duran ; Earth, Wind & Fire ; George Lopez ; Mary J. Blige and Robin Williams are just a few of the stars who will take the stage Saturday, Oct. 1 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster will return for his tenth year as musical director.

Tickets priced at $150 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Friday, July 29 at 10:00 a.m. (PST) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office. Tickets also will be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (Tower Records/WOW!, select Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Robinsons-May stores and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call MGM Grand Reservations at 800-929-1111/702-891-7777 or Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

"Andre and the entire Agassi Foundation consistently provide a tremendous amount of support to the children of Las Vegas and the community," said Gamal Aziz, MGM Grand president and chief operating officer. "We look forward to hosting the Tenth Anniversary Grand Slam for Children benefit concert and anticipate a spectacular evening for our guests."

A limited number of sponsor tables are currently available at the Diamond ($75,000), Platinum ($35,000) and Gold ($15,000) levels.

The Grand Slam for Children concert fundraiser, presented by Genworth Financial, benefits the AACF, a nonprofit organization established in 1994 to assist at-risk youth in Las Vegas, where Agassi was raised. More than 68,000 guests have attended nine Grand Slam events, raising over $42 million for charity.

"Year after year we are overwhelmed by the caliber of performers who want to be a part of the Grand Slam for Children," Agassi said. "The line-up for this year's tenth anniversary event promises to be fantastic. These performers share our desire to make the future brighter for kids and to continue our commitment to the children of Las Vegas who need our help in overcoming the many obstacles they face in their everyday lives."

"We are excited to be part of the Tenth Grand Slam for Children benefit concert at MGM Grand," said Michael D. Fraizer, Genworth Financial chairman and chief executive officer. "The work that Andre and the foundation provided for children is close to our heart at Genworth and makes this a better world for all of us."

Specific charities benefiting from the AACF fundraiser are: the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model charter school in West Las Vegas; Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club; Assistance League of Las Vegas' Operation School Bell; Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Nevada; Child Haven; Class! Publications; Cynthia Bunker and Joy McClenahan Memorial Scholarship Fund; I Have A Dream Foundation; Las Vegas Inner-City Games; Las Vegas Philharmonic's Youth Concert Series; Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp; YMCA of Southern Nevada.

Since its inception in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has been distinguished by its roster of cream-of-the crop entertainers including: Sir Elton John, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Robin Williams, Carlos Santana, Don Henley, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Ray Romano, Jamie Foxx, Jay Leno, Stevie Nicks, Seal, Tim McGraw, India.Arie, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Dennis Miller, Brian McKnight, Tears for Fears, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Groban and others.

For more information, please contact the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation at 702.227.5700.
# # #

About the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
The AACF, a 501©(3) not-for-profit public charity, was created to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The Foundation strives to assist those underprivileged, abused and abandoned children who may be deprived of basic options in life. The AACF also offers a combination of emotional, physical and academic programs designed to enhance a child's character, self-esteem and career possibilities.

About Genworth Financial
Genworth (NYSE: GNW) is a leading insurance holding company, serving the lifestyle protection, retirement income, investment and mortgage insurance needs of more than 15 million customers, and has operations in 22 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K. and more than a dozen other European countries. For more information, visit www.genworth.com.

Source: http://www.celinedion.com/celinedion/engli...on_pr.cgi?id=24

July 30, 2005 at 06:00 AM

July 29, 2005

Specific charities benefiting from the AACF fundraiser are: the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model charter school in West Las Vegas; Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club; Assistance League of Las Vegas' Operation School Bell; Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Nevada; Child Haven; Class! Publications; Cynthia Bunker and Joy McClenahan Memorial Scholarship Fund; I Have A Dream Foundation; Las Vegas Inner-City Games; Las Vegas Philharmonic's Youth Concert Series; Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp; YMCA of Southern Nevada.
Source: http://www.celinedion.com/celinedion/engli...on_pr.cgi?id=24
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow so many charities!!! Hey I know they can send some of the proceeds to the "help pay for Stacy's Vegas trip" charity. :mdr:

July 30, 2005 at 09:57 AM

July 29, 2005

Specific charities benefiting from the AACF fundraiser are: the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model charter school in West Las Vegas; Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club; Assistance League of Las Vegas' Operation School Bell; Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Nevada; Child Haven; Class! Publications; Cynthia Bunker and Joy McClenahan Memorial Scholarship Fund; I Have A Dream Foundation; Las Vegas Inner-City Games; Las Vegas Philharmonic's Youth Concert Series; Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp; YMCA of Southern Nevada.
Source: http://www.celinedion.com/celinedion/engli...on_pr.cgi?id=24
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow so many charities!!! Hey I know they can send some of the proceeds to the "help pay for Stacy's Vegas trip" charity.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Monica's trip too. :msn-tongue:

July 30, 2005 at 10:23 AM

Wow so many charities!!! Hey I know they can send some of the proceeds to the "help pay for Stacy's Vegas trip" charity.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Monica's trip too.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

and mine. :shy:

September 2, 2005 at 11:28 AM

Press Release:

Glenn Frey, Robin Williams and a Special Surprise Guest Join the Line-Up of Performers at the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation Grand Slam for Children Benefit Concert

Celine Dion, Duran Duran, Earth, Wind & Fire, George Lopez and Mary J. Blige
Also to Perform Saturday, October 1

Tenth Anniversary Grand Slam for Children Presented by Genworth Financial

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Solo performer and member of the
Eagles, Glenn Frey, comedian Robin Williams and a special surprise guest will
join Celine Dion, Duran Duran, Earth, Wind & Fire, George Lopez and Mary J.
Blige on stage Saturday, Oct. 1 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the Tenth
Anniversary Grand Slam for Children benefit concert presented by Genworth
Financial. Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster
will return for his tenth year as musical director.
Tickets priced at $150 and $100 not including applicable service charges
and taxes, are on sale at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office in addition to
all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8)
per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call MGM Grand
Reservations at 800-929-1111/702-891-7777 or Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000.
Tickets are also available for purchase at http://www.mgmgrand.com or
http://www.ticketmaster.com.
A limited number of sponsor tables are currently available at the Diamond
($75,000), Platinum ($35,000) and Gold ($15,000) levels.

The Grand Slam for Children concert fundraiser, presented by Genworth
Financial, benefits the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF), a nonprofit
organization established in 1994 to assist at-risk youth in Las Vegas, where
Agassi was raised. More than 68,000 guests have attended nine Grand Slam
events, raising more than $42 million for charity.
Specific charities benefiting from the AACF fundraiser include the Andre
Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model charter school in West Las Vegas;
Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club; Assistance League of Las Vegas' Operation
School Bell; Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Nevada; Child Haven; Class! Publications;
Cynthia Bunker and Joy McClenahan Memorial Scholarship Fund; I Have A Dream
Foundation; Greater Las Vegas After-School All-Stars presented by Inner-City
Games; Las Vegas Philharmonic's Youth Concert Series; Las Vegas Sun Summer
Camp; YMCA of Southern Nevada.
Since its inception in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has been
distinguished by its roster of cream-of-the-crop entertainers including Sir
Elton John, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill,
Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Robin Williams, Carlos Santana, Don Henley,
Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Ray Romano, Jamie Foxx, Jay Leno, Stevie
Nicks, Seal, Tim McGraw, India.Arie, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Dennis
Miller, Brian McKnight, Tears for Fears, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Groban and others.
For more information contact the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation at
702.227.5700.

About the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
The AACF, a 501©(3) not-for-profit public charity, was created to
provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls.
The Foundation strives to assist those underprivileged, abused and abandoned
children who may be deprived of basic options in life. The AACF also offers a
combination of emotional, physical and academic programs designed to enhance a
child's character, self-esteem and career possibilities.

About Genworth Financial
Genworth (NYSE: GNW) is a leading insurance holding company serving the
lifestyle protection, retirement income, investment and mortgage insurance
needs of more than 15 million customers, and has operations in 22 countries
including the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K. and more than a dozen other
European countries. For more information visit http://www.genworth.com.

Contact:
Catherine Levy, R&R Partners, 702.228.0222 or clevy@rrpartners.com

SOURCE Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation

Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories....04098469&EDATE=

September 2, 2005 at 02:54 PM

Wow, that's so coool

September 30, 2005 at 06:53 PM

USHER JOINS AGASSI'S GRAND SLAM

R+B star USHER has joined the line-up for tennis ace ANDRE AGASSI's Grand Slam For Children concert tomorrow night (01OCT05).

The YEAH! singer joins CELINE DION, DURAN DURAN, EARTH, WIND + FIRE, GEORGE LOPEZ, GLENN FREY, MARY J BLIGE, ROBIN WILLIAMS and a surprise guest at the 10th annual benefit concert.

The Grand Slam For Children concert fundraiser benefits the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, a non-profit organisation set up to assist at-risk youth in Agassi's hometown of Las Vegas.

September 30, 2005 at 09:06 PM

Imagine a duet with Usher! :dance:

Anyone going to the concert tomorrow?

October 1, 2005 at 08:12 PM

Crossing the Strip

Celine Dion will rush from her show to Andre Agassi's annual benefit on Saturday

By MIKE WEATHERFORD
REVIEW-JOURNAL

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Sep-30-Fri-2005/photos/celine.jpg

It doesn't take a celebrity to show how the recent hurricane traumas have tested emotions as well as the borders of citizenship.

But celebrities get more TV time than most of us, and the usually apolitical Celine Dion generated headlines with her Labor Day weekend appearance on a CNN Larry King special. "I'm not thinking with my head, I'm talking with my heart," she said on the air, angry and in tears over the delays in getting aid to Katrina victims.

"There's people still there waiting to be rescued. To me that is not acceptable," she said. "I know they have reasons for it. But I don't want to hear those reasons. ... How can it be so easy to send planes in another country to kill everybody in a second and destroy lives? We need to serve our country."

With a few weeks of perspective on the outburst, the 37-year-old singer now says it was "a buildup inside of me like a volcano.

"I could see the rage inside of me as a mom, as a citizen, as a human being, and couldn't see the changes as fast as I wanted. I couldn't take the pain and couldn't take the images every night and every morning. ... I just couldn't hold it anymore and I just exploded."

"It's not often that I open up and talk this way. Maybe that's why it made an impact," she says.

And the part about service still stands.

Dion and the partners in her Caesars Palace production pledged $1 million in aid to Katrina victims. On the homefront, the singer also plans a rare foray from her Colosseum stage on Saturday to join another cause: Andre Agassi's 10th annual Grand Slam for Children benefit at the MGM Grand Garden arena.

"The main challenge is going to be to take off from one casino to another and change wardrobe as quick as I can," she says of finishing her usual show to join the benefit.

Dion will join the Agassi benefit's most crowded roster to date: Mary J. Blige, Duran Duran, Earth, Wind & Fire, Glenn Frey, George Lopez, Robin Williams and at least one unannounced surprise guest. Some of the performers also will feature backing by music producer David Foster and an orchestra.

"It's not about being nice or generous," Dion said by telephone recently. "I think it's -- how do we say it? -- a responsibility. I don't think it's given to everyone to give a million dollars or build schools for children," as Agassi has with his charter school, the Andre Agassi Preparatory Academy. "But if we are given the opportunity, it's so rewarding to be able to make a difference."

Dion's participation also makes her the rare Las Vegas-based performer at the benefit. She first sang at a "Grand Slam" in 1997, long before "A New Day" debuted in March 2003. Since then, the Canadian superstar has put to rest the notion that she would be a carpetbagger who would "suck up all the oxygen and then fly away," as one unnamed local headliner told Newsweek at the time.

Early reports of her taking a helicopter to work gave way to this late-afternoon telephone interview from a four-wheeled vehicle, as she was being driven from her Lake Las Vegas home to Caesars Palace. "I think when you move to a new city, eventually you will get to know and feel the area," she says. "Especially when you have a young child and you're looking for school, for things to do, for a place to go and play. We want to do activities as a family as well," she says of husband Rene Angelil and 4-year-old Rene-Charles.

There's no denying she and Agassi struck gold on the Strip: Along with Shaquille O'Neal, they're primary investors in Pure, the monstrously successful nightclub at Caesars Palace. "We're dancing on the roof," she says with a laugh, meaning it literally. She treated her entire show cast to a party on the club's outdoor terrace in July.

But she also dedicated an entire performance of "A New Day" to Opportunity Village last year. And her commitment to Agassi's foundation comes from both friendship and her husband-manager's visit to the charter school.

"When he came back he was in tears," she recalls. "He said, 'I can't believe Andre's doing this, and it's as good as any private school.' He was very emotional and impressed by the generosity and talent of this guy."

When it comes to "A New Day," the singer says she "can breathe much more now" after extending the three-year Caesars contract by a year, but cutting down from 200 to about 160 shows each year. "The first year we did 200, it was a little hard for me." The new schedule "gives us a little bit more (time) to recuperate vocally, because every night it's quite a bit."

Venturing from her humidified stage for the World Music Awards last year resulted in a five-show cancellation, thanks to her allergic reaction to a smoke machine. "You can just walk in a corridor and catch a cold because of the air conditioning being too strong," she says.

"You have to be smart as much as you can, but you can't control everything in life. ... I'm not going to be talking about medical things, but it's every day one day at a time."

She does, however, volunteer what is at once a singer's secret and a nickname: "Saline Dion!" she says with a laugh.

Kid at Heart
Agassi's 'Grand Slam for Children' reaches 10th birthday
By Spencer Patterson
LAS VEGAS SUN

What: Andre Agassi's "Grand Slam for Children" concert, featuring Celine Dion; Usher; Glenn Frey; Robin Williams; Duran Duran; Earth, Wind & Fire; George Lopez; Mary J. Blige.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday.

Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Tickets: $100, $150.

Information: (702) 891-7777.

When Andre Agassi hosted his first "Grand Slam for Children" concert, he was 25, single and childless.

None of that stopped the tennis star from formulating a plan to help disadvantaged youths in Southern Nevada.

"I've always had a passion to help children that don't have opportunities or hope in their lives," Agassi said. "Change a child's life, and you change all of our lives."

As Agassi gears up for his charity event's 10th anniversary, his life off the court has changed considerably. He turned 35 in April. He and wife Steffi Graf celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary next month. And the couple are parents to two children: son Jaden, 3, and daughter Jaz, 1.

Agassi says having those kids in his own home has only upped his passion for helping others.

"When you have children of your own, you start to really get a first-hand taste of just what a crime it is for a child not have a fair shot at life," he said. "So it's increased my passion, no question. It's made me even more committed."

Agassi's "Grand Slam for Children" concert returns to the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday night. Doors open at 8 p.m. At press time, tickets remained, available in both the $100 and $150 sections.

This year's list of performers: Celine Dion; Usher; the Eagles' Glenn Frey; Duran Duran; Earth, Wind & Fire; Mary J. Blige; and comedians Robin Williams and George Lopez.

Composer David Foster will serve as musical director for the 10th year.

The 2005 bill carries on a strong tradition that has drawn such stars as Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Luther Vandross, Elton John, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, Ray Romano and Jamie Foxx to the event over the years.

"It starts with a dream list ... and this being our 10th, we really pulled in the ones that we were shooting for," Agassi said. "With Duran Duran and Earth, Wind & Fire ... who over the age of 30 isn't a big fan of theirs? And Celine obviously has proven herself to be such a great talent and great attraction here in town."

Additionally, the show will feature a surprise performer, of whom a coy Agassi would reveal little.

"You don't want to miss it. I don't want to say anything else, but it's pretty exciting," he said.

Proceeds from the Grand Slam concert benefit the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, which directs money in several directions, including to the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, the Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club, Child Haven, the I Have a Dream Foundation, the YMCA of Southern Nevada and the Las Vegas Sun youth camp fund.

Like Agassi, Frey -- a founding member of the Eagles who has also enjoyed a successful solo career -- has dedicated much of his life to providing assistance for children in need.

"I don't talk about my charity work much, but my wife and I have been involved for 15 years in helping at-risk kids," Frey, 56, said. "It just rings out to me, and I find it to be very satisfying."

Frey is father to three children, and said he feels for those who aren't fortunate enough to live in stable family environments.

"So many kids are victims," he said. "Bad marriages, abusive (parents), poverty ... it's all out there. If you're able to provide for your kids and give them your time, you're lucky."

Frey will be performing in his first Grand Slam event, following in the footsteps of fellow Eagle Don Henley, who participated in 2001.

For Frey, the event also represents a chance to give back to a city he says has been very good to him over the years.

"Every time you go to Vegas you're always getting stuff, getting your room comped. Las Vegas knows how to host its guests, especially its entertainment guests," Frey said. "So I think it's nice to be a good citizen and show up for them. I feel like this is sort of a payback, a chance to do my part."

Frey, who will be back at the MGM Grand with the Eagles on Oct. 15, is also looking forward to the chance to team with Agassi's all-star house band, which includes one-time Eric Clapton road mates Nathan East (bass) and Greg Phillinganes (keyboard).

"It's gonna be fun for me to play with some other guys for a change, especially of that caliber," Frey said.

Agassi's nine Grand Slam concerts have raised more than $42 million, highlighted by the 2003 event, which raised $12.6 million after toy mogul Ty Warner matched the $6.3 million tallied that year.

"When I started the foundation, my goal was to get to a $10 million endowment fund, so we could kick $1 million into the community for forever," Agassi said. "But man, it just grew a life of its own. It's taught me not to set goals, because they always limit you."

High on Agassi's to-do list this year is the continued expansion of his Preparatory Academy, which will soon add a high school wing.

"We have up to ninth grade now, and I have to add a grade every year in order to see these children through," Agassi said. "The ninth graders were there with us since third grade, so we need to get it done by next year. That's my responsibility."

As for Agassi's tennis career, talk had run rampant about possible retirement plans after the Las Vegas native missed this year's Wimbledon Championships due to recurring back pain.

But three weeks after his latest run at the U.S. Open -- which saw him advance to the finals before falling to world No. 1 Roger Federer in four sets -- Agassi is feeling healthy, and looking ahead to the 2006 tennis season.

"I felt great. I stayed healthy, was able to be out on the court, letting my game fly, and was very pleased with how my body held up over the course of 3-out-of-5 sets for two weeks," Agassi said. "So I'm committed to playing next year, and then I'll assess it from there."

Besides, Agassi explained, staying on tour might help raise more money for children, an added incentive in his quest to stay near the top of the world rankings.

"I think (my retirement) will have an impact (on the charity), but I think we've built enough momentum that we can survive regardless of tennis," he said. "But it has been part of my motivation to continually work hard and try to play. I think there's a very tangible difference, not just in dollars, but also in awareness (with me out there)."

Oct. 01, 2005
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

NORM: Surprise guest is anybody's guess

Is it Janet, Josh or Sheryl and Lance?

The guessing game is going strong entering the final hours before Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for Children Benefit Concert tonight.

Advertisement

Organizers are promising a "special surprise guest" for the gala fundraiser at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and spies tell me event volunteers have been asked to vacate the venue from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. today for the mic check.

Best guesses are Janet Jackson, Josh Groban or Sheryl Crow and Lance Armstrong.

Jackson has been in town all week and teamed up with Agassi on Friday at Pure nightclub (Caesars Palace) on a fundraiser for his charter school. Groban, who has performed at Agassi's benefit in the past, was spotted at "Avenue Q" at Wynn Las Vegas on Wednesday. If Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France winner, is in town -- and most of his team was spotted at Spago on Friday -- there's a chance that Crow, his fiancee, may be joining another stunning lineup put together by musical director David Foster, the Grammy-winning producer, arranger and composer.

Usher is the latest addition to the lineup, which features Celine Dion, Duran Duran, Earth, Wind & Fire, George Lopez, Glenn Frey, Mary J. Blige and Robin Williams.

Edited October 1, 2005 at 08:31 PM by Ronny83

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Celine to perform at Agassi's Tenth Grand Slam!

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