Entertainment Assist 2012 GOTTA HAVE HEART Gala Charity Concert Set for Today, Aug 26

Entertainment Assist, the Australian entertainment industry charitable foundation, has announced the line-up for The Gala Charity Concert "Gotta Have Heart 2012" today, 26 August at The Palms at Crown for two shows only.

The concert features the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Strings with The Kings Of Soul 'Grand WaZoo'. The star studded line-up of headline performers also include Jon Stevens, Leo Sayer, Anthony Callea, Rhonda Burchmore, Tim Campbell, Ian Stenlake, Mahalia Barnes and Ross Wilson.

All money raised will go to Entertainment Assist. Entertainment Assist is an Oz entertainment industry charitable foundation based on MusiCares in the USA and was established to provide preventative assistance, education and support to all individuals who earn their primary income from the Australian Entertainment Industry. For example, this includes musicians, vocalists, dancers, backstage personnel and more.

The concert will play two shows today, Aug. 26 at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are now on sale and cost $99.50 for A Reserve and $89.50 for B Reserve. Call Ticketek on 132 849 or visit www.ticketek.com.au.

Entertainment Assist is a National charity that provides education, preventative assistance and support to Australian entertainment industry participants to reduce the negative effects caused by the risky, itinerant and speculative nature of the industry.

Entertainment Assist understands there is an enormous difference between the public perception of the entertainment industry (which is influenced primarily by publicity and the media) and the reality of the health and financial circumstances of many in the entertainment industry. Most entertainers (and to a lesser extent backstage personnel) have just a brief window of opportunity at the top with reasonable financial reward. After this time has past, without the benefit of holiday or sick pay, or the resources to obtain superannuation, health insurance, legal or financial advice, many people in the entertainment industry find themselves in the unenviable and highly embarrassing situation of needing assistance.

The working environment, hours worked and the nature of the entertainment industry may lead to excessive use of alcohol and drugs. Many will continue to live in destitute conditions and experience mental and physical health problems, long periods of unemployment and a number of entertainment industry personnel will suffer from loneliness and depression as a result of their circumstances.