Photo Flash: Tenor Anthony Kearns Headlines Private Concert for Wells of Life Charity in California

On Friday, July 24, 2015, world-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns headlined a private performance in support of the Laguna Beach, CA-based nonprofit organization, Wells of Life.

The evening served as a benefit for supporters of Wells of Life, a 501 (c)3 nonprofit group dedicated to providing safe, fresh drinking water to villages in Uganda. Wells of Life was founded in 2009 by real estate broker, Nick Jordan. Wells of Life seeks to break the cycle of poverty in Uganda by funding 1,000 safe drinking water wells in Uganda. The goal of 1,000 wells will provide clean water to one million Ugandan villagers.

Wells of Life has funded 148 wells-and an additional two wells were committed during the July 24th concert.

"Music transcends all boundaries, all people and politics, and it brings us together. I hoped my songs would entertain and inspire people to help this worthy cause," said Mr. Kearns, who was accompanied by Dr. Sidney Yin of the San Diego Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Kearns, a friend of Jordan's from County Wexford, Ireland, is a member of the musical sensation, The Irish Tenors, with whom he has 10 CDs and five PBS specials. Kearns demonstrates continued support of the Wells of Life mission through his generosity. Kearns donated the concert during an auction at last year's Wells of Life gala. Additionally, last year, Kearns-who serves as the organization's National Ambassador-dedicated a well in his name to the victims of 9/11 to serve as a lasting memorial.

When asked why he decided on the goal of 1,000 wells, Jordan commented that this is what it will take to bring clean water to one million people and that is a sizable commitment to inspire families, companies, and individuals to become part of the collaborative effort of solving this water crisis "one well at a time."

"Once clean water is provided to a community, everything else becomes possible," said Jordan.

Kearns, a member of the internationally-acclaimed PBS super-group, the Irish Tenors, with whom he has gold, platinum, and double-platinum albums, said he was pleased to lend his celebrity to Wells of Life to help raise the profile of the organization.

Kearns was acknowledged as Ireland's Finest Tenor at the Dublin National Concert Hall's Silver Jubilee in 2006. Because of his unmistakable talent, Kearns has also launched an incredibly successfully worldwide solo career. To date, his career has included major television appearances, charity benefits, and performances with the world's most celebrated orchestras-from the Boston Pops to the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC. He has had the honor of singing for three U.S. Presidents. In 2013, he performed at the Friends of Ireland Luncheon as the guest of Speaker John Boehner for President Barack Obama and 100 members of Congress and foreign dignitaries. Last year, Mr. Kearns sang at the National Memorial Day Concert for a live audience of 10 million viewers from the U.S. Capitol grounds.

In February 2015, Kearns performed at an Irish-inspired cocktail reception to support U.S. military families at one of the country's most exquisite resorts, Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, VA. On March 16, 2015, Kearns performed at the American Ireland Fund's 23rd National Gala, where he sang "My Lagan Love," a traditional song from the North of Ireland.

In April 2015, Kearns sang the tenor role in The Irish Ring Concert - i.e., a trilogy of Irish operas that includes Maritana, The Bohemian Girl and The Lily of Killarney - at Ireland's National Concert Hall.

Recently Kearns headlined the Fourth Annual Memorial Day Tribute to Veterans and Veterans Serving in Congress in Washington, D.C. hosted by The Congressional Institute and others, with CBS White House Correspondent Major Garrett as Master of Ceremonies. The bipartisan event included dozens of members of Congress, senior staff, decorated military personnel, and media. Speakers included Brigadier General Steve Ritchie, USAF Retired, the Air Force's only fighter pilot ace since Korea; Rep Charlie Rangel, the second most senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a Korean War veteran; Rep. Martha McSally, the nation's first female combat pilot; Rep. Ryan Zinke, the first Navy seal elected to Congress, and Rep. Mike Coffman, a distinguished veteran who served in the Persian Gulf War and in the Iraq War.

Kearns said the Wells of Life water well he dedicated in honor of 9/11 victims is a tribute to their lives and the lives of those who fought to protect freedom around the globe.

For more information about Wells of Life, visit www.wellsoflife.org.
Photos courtesy of Wells of Life and Kirsten Fedewa & Associates LLC.

Photos courtesy of Wells of Life and Kirsten Fedewa & Associates LLC.

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