LOS ANGELES (Celebrity Access) — Los Angeles’ historic Orpheum Theater will host the Heart & Soul-themed 988 Lifeline charity event to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention efforts across the United States
The event, taking place on September 9 at the Orpheum Theater, will feature the premiere of “Heart & Soul,” a musical tribute to the life and times of late soul singer Donny Hathaway. In 1979, Hathaway, who suffered from mental illness, ended his life at the age of 33.
Although tragically short-lived, Hathaway’s musical legacy endures, including a rendition of Leon Russell’s “A Song for You” and a duet with Roberta Flack, “Where’s the Love?” ” and “I’m Closer to You.” During his lifetime, he won one Grammy Award and was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
“Heart & Soul” is a multimedia musical tribute built around this legacy, featuring actors and singers singing Hathaway’s songs and telling his story. In addition to performances, the event will include a silent auction, meet-and-greet opportunities and VIP experiences.
Proceeds raised from the event will be donated to Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, a leading provider of mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention services, and other mental health partner organizations to help improve care and support for potential suicide victims and their family and help raise awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.