City of Hope Reveals 2026 Spirit of Life Gala Lineup Honoring Larry Mestel

City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, announced the lineup of musical talent for the 2026 Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) Spirit of Life Gala honoring music executive and entrepreneur Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave.

The event will be held Oct. 27 at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles and features performances by Melissa Etheridge, Stevie Nicks and Jackson Browne, with additional performers and special guests to be announced.

The talent announcement follows an intimate campaign kickoff in New York City, where influential leaders from across the music and entertainment industries came together to formally launch Mestel’s Spirit of Life campaign benefiting City of Hope. The evening celebrated the industry’s longstanding philanthropic legacy while setting the stage for a year of fundraising in support of breakthrough cancer research and patient care.

This year’s campaign, led by Mestel as the 2026 Spirit of Life honoree, supports City of Hope’s pioneering work in CAR T cell therapy and other cellular immunotherapies designed to harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer with greater precision and effectiveness. Recognized as a global leader in cellular therapy, City of Hope is advancing innovative approaches that help bring lifesaving treatments to more patients, including through one of the nation’s largest outpatient CAR T cell therapy programs. A portion of the funds raised will also advance breast cancer research and care initiatives at City of Hope.

Taking place during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the evening carries added personal significance for many involved in the campaign, including Mestel and Etheridge, both longtime advocates for cancer awareness and research.

“As a breast cancer survivor, this cause is deeply personal to me,” stated Etheridge in the announcement. “I know how critical research, compassionate care and breakthrough treatments are for patients and families facing cancer. I’m honored to join City of Hope, Larry and this incredible community during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to help raise support for lifesaving research and bring more hope to people navigating this disease.”

“CAR T cell therapy and other cellular immunotherapies are transforming the future of cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients facing some of the most difficult cancers,” added Marcel van den Brink, M.D., Ph.D, President City of Hope Los Angeles and City of Hope National Medical Center. “Philanthropic support from leaders like Larry Mestel and the music community helps accelerate discoveries from the laboratory to patients faster. We are deeply grateful to these extraordinary artists and industry leaders for helping City of Hope push the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer research and care.”

“For decades, the music community has been part of the fabric of City of Hope’s mission, showing up with extraordinary generosity, heart and purpose,” stated Kristin Bertell, Chief Philanthropy Officer, City of Hope. “We are deeply thankful to these artists for helping bring people together in support of cancer research and care, and for reminding patients and families everywhere that there is an entire community standing with them.”

Mestel has spent decades building influential partnerships across music, entertainment and culture through Primary Wave, one of the world’s leading independent music publishing companies. He is being recognized with City of Hope’s highest philanthropic honor for his leadership, vision and longstanding commitment to giving back through the music industry community.

“City of Hope’s mission is deeply meaningful to me and to so many people throughout our industry,” elaborated Mestel. “This night is about harnessing the power of music and community to fund lifesaving research, support patients and families, and help create a future where more people survive cancer.”

The annual Spirit of Life campaign has historically raised millions of dollars to advance City of Hope’s pioneering research and patient-centered care programs, supported for decades by leaders across the music, film and entertainment industries. Additional event details, performers and special guests will be announced in the coming months.

_Originally reported by [Pollstar](https://news.pollstar.com/2026/06/11/city-of-hope-announces-lineup-for-2026-spirit-of-life-gala-honoring-larry-mestel/)._