VELVET REVOLVER Drummer MATT SORUM To Perform At Charity Benefit For The Kenya Believe It Committee In Africa

June 16, 2008, 16 years ago

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Matt Sorum - renowned drummer for VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES and THE CULT - will perform at a special all-star benefit in Kenya (Africa) on Sunday, July 6th at Ngong Racecourse. The concert will close-out the inaugural weekend-long benefit known as “Kenya’s Biggest Charity Race,” organized by the Kenya Believe It Committee.

Sorum will share the stage with fellow musicians Stevie Salas (guitarist for Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, George Clinton, Chris Daughtry), Bernard Fowler (background singer and vocal director of the Rolling Stones) and TM Stevens (bassist for Joe Cocker, James Brown, Tina Turner) for an unforgettable concert following a weekend of events. Sorum says, “Playing music has been a gift in my life and has allowed me to visit many different places around the world. But this is an experience that I am truly honored to be a part of. I feel at this time in my life I want to give back and help people in need. Music has always transcended politics and brought hope. I hope that our trip will bring some smiles and happiness to this beautiful country and its people.”

During their stay, the band will also meet with young, poverty stricken musicians in the Kibera Slums, in an effort to provide unforgettable hope and inspiration. Salas, who was instrumental in organizing the performance, has visited Kenya twice in the past. He says: "What left the strongest impression on me were the children...Often they had no toys or material things to play with, but they always had giant smiles and never looked bored. A true inspiration!" Sorum beams, "love supreme."

The Kenya Believe It Committee—with the help of Dr. John Batten, CEO of the Poverty Eradication Network (PEN)—will distribute funds raised to various community projects focusing on maintaining sustainability. Charity Coordinator Jade Foster says, "With food shortages hitting the headlines, we must act now to move Kenya forward as a pioneering example of sustainability."

The three-day event, which begins Friday, July 4th and concludes Sunday, July 6th, includes a performance by International Musicians at the Double Inn in Karen, polo matches between the Household Calvary of London and the Kenya Polo Team, a Grand Polo Ball, and a day of horse-racing topped by the all-star rock concert Sunday night. Foster says, “Our aim is to push a strong message to international tourists and investors that we believe Kenya is moving forward in a bigger and better way."


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