American jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum is set to return to Kampala for a concert, in a bid to purchase blood equipment for Mengo Blood Bank.
The concert, dubbed ‘Kirk Whalum Live’ will take place on Thursday, March 7 at Kampala Serena Hotel.
Whalum last performed in Uganda on October 4, 2015 during the eighth edition of the Nile Gold Jazz Safari at the Kampala Serena Hotel 1980s and ’90s soul and Rn’B singer Karyn Whyte.
While addressing journalists on Monday in Kampala, the Rotary Blood Bank chairman, Emmanuel Katongole said there is too much need for blood in Uganda and the only one facility in the country will not sustain the demand.
“Rotary Uganda is looking at raising money to modernise and equip this blood bank. So we looked at what avenues could make us archive the money we need that is why we decided to bring Whalum,” said Katongole.
Shs2.3billion is needed for the equipment.
Who is Kirk Whalum?
He is a Jazz Saxophonist and songwriter, who has sung at the two inaugural ceremonies of the former president of United States of America Bill Clinton, he also sung at the 16th Nelson Mandela Annual last year.
Whalum has recorded a series of well-received solo albums and film soundtracks with music ranging from pop to R&B to smooth Jazz. His musical accomplishments have earned him a total of 12 Grammy nominations with one win, in 2011.
When he arrives in Uganda, he will first tour Mengo hospital then tour the Rotary Mengo Blood Bank, according to Michael Mugabi, the president of the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda.
Single tickets will cost Shs200,000 whereas a table will go for Shs5, 000,000.
