Las Vegas Weekly

April 27, 2010 · 11:04 AM

Elton John, Rob Thomas team up for Andre Agassi’s Grand Slam benefit

By Robin Leach

Sir Elton John.

Photo: Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com

Superstar entertainer Sir Elton John and Matchbox 20 frontman Rob Thomas will headline Andre Agassi’s 15th Grand Slam for Children benefit concert Oct. 9 at the Wynn per an official announcement this morning from the tennis star’s Foundation for Education.

“Reaching our 15th Grand Slam is an incredible milestone, and the support we’ve gotten from both the artists and those involved with our foundation have made that possible,” Andre said in the press release. “We’re honored that Elton and Rob will headline this special anniversary night, ultimately helping us make a difference in the lives of Agassi Prep students.”

Since 1995, the Grand Slam has raised nearly $82 million, including $8 million from last year's 14th event, to support a movement that’s improving education. The event supports the foundation’s efforts to transform education and benefits the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a K-12 public charter school here in Las Vegas that strives to provide children with a first-class education. The tennis legend and philanthropist will host the 2010 Grand Slam for Children.

Now celebrating its 15th year, the Grand Slam brings together celebrities to build awareness and raise money for the foundation, which opened the Agassi Academy in 2001. Last year, the public charter school graduated its first senior class with 100 percent of graduates accepted into college.

Additional acts to be announced before Oct. 9 will join Elton and Rob under the musical direction of Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster. The Grand Slam benefit includes a cocktail reception, a dinner, a live auction and a concert.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

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