Las Vegas Weekly

October 10, 2008 · 10:12 AM

Agassi’s serves Stewart, Killers, Crow, Spade for 13th annual Grand Slam

By Robin Leach

Andre Agassi.

Photo: Scott Doctor

In the 12 years that our hometown world tennis champion Andre Agassi has organized his annual Grand Slam for Children’s charities benefit in Las Vegas, he has raised a staggering $70 million. Now comes the 13th this weekend, and everybody is hoping, despite the financial downward spiral of global economic markets, it will be yet another lucky winner.

Photo: Pure Management Group

The Killers, shown playing Pure at Caesars Palace during a Summer Surprise Series appearance, is on the bill for the Agassi Grand Slam for Children.

To ensure he’s still serving up aces, Andre and his Grammy Award-winning producer, composer and musical director David Foster have lined up a stellar starring cast for tomorrow’s (Saturday) show in new smaller space at the Wynn resort casino.

Photo: Jacob Andrzejczak

Rod Stewart.

Rocker Rod Stewart and singer Sheryl Crow are making “encore” appearances at the Children’s Grand Slam, while smash-hit rockers The Killers join comedy king David Spade for their debuts. Previous stars who’ve rushed to support Andre have included everybody from Barbra Streisand to Elton John to Usher, who made headlines one year for dancing on the audience tabletops.

“I’m thrilled to have so many amazing performers donate their talents to help us help children,” said Andre. “This year we are at Wynn Las Vegas for the first time and it offers a first-class intimate experience for our guests. The event is sure to be a hit at this beautiful venue.

Photo: Tom Donoghue

Sheryl Crow.

“We look forward to celebrating with our partners what we have accomplished in Las Vegas with the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy and our future efforts to transform public education for underserved children nationwide.”

Steve Wynn’s president, Andrew Pascal, commented: “Everyone at Wynn is delighted to host such a memorable experience and support this very important cause. We are proud to partner for the Grand Slam for Children and have great respect and admiration for our friends at Andre’s charitable foundation.”

Photo: Scott Doctor

David Spade.

During his pro career, Andre won eight Grand Slam titles (including Wimbledon), an Olympic gold medal, 60 singles titles and the Davis Cup. He says though his work with the Charitable Foundation he formed in 1994 to provide educational support to children is disenfranchised neighborhoods is the most rewarding win of them all. Andre’s wife of seven years, Steffi also has her own foundation to help kids traumatized through war.

Andre and Steffi will be on the red carpet at the Wynn tomorrow evening with their stars –- and Luxe Life will have the full photo report right here on Monday.

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