In the mold of Elton John/Billy Joel, modern day piano warriors Ben Folds and Tori Amos will be touring together for a run of dates in a summer outing titled, “Lottapianos.” Eight dates are confirmed so far for July and August, and additional dates are expected. Headliner Amos–who has been touring relentlessly since the late-2000 release of her new album, Scarlet’s Walk–recently wrapped up two months of North American dates. Her current backing band includes longtime collaborators Jon Evans on bass .
Folds, the former leader of Bens Fold Live is touring in support of his live solo debut
Carlos Santana will donate all proceeds from his entire 2003 North American tour to Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA), which raises funds to fight AIDS. The tour kicks off June 11 in Atlanta and runs through a July 14 show in Los Angeles. Angelique Kidjo will open all dates.
While the non-profit group’s dedication is to “furthering democracy and equality in South Africa and civil rights in the U.S.,” in recent years, ANSA has focused on the AIDS crisis. Its ongoing projects include South African tours to promote prevention, treatment, and destigmatization, shipping medical supplies to clinics and hospitals, and funding local groups on the frontlines of the epidemic.
ANSA members will be on hand to provide information to fans at all dates on the Santana tour.
Source Billboard.com.
