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World AIDS Day concert in downtown LA features honorees Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen
File: Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart pose for photos before reading from 'The Letters of Samuel Beckett', and discussing their roles in a production of Waiting for Godot opening at The Theatre Royal Haymarket (on April 30, 2009) at Foyles Bookshop on Feb. 26, 2009 in London, England.
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Tim Whitby/Getty Images
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Sunday is World AIDS Day and it's being commemorated with a free concert Saturday night in downtown Los Angeles. The concert, featuring jazz and classical music, is sponsored by the AIDS Research Alliance.
Honorees at the event include Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. Stewart's "Star Trek: The Next Generation" co-star, actor LeVar Burton of "Reading Rainbow" and "Star Trek" fame, will be the master of ceremonies.
Even though HIV/AIDS is now treatable, Burton says that doesn't mean the fight is over.
"I think the problem is that it's dropped off a lot of people's radar," Burton said. "I think it's important to remember that it is still a problem. I think that and certainly sexual behavior in America indicates that we have forgotten that AIDS is still there."
The AIDS Research Alliance works with the government, pharmaceutical companies, universities and others in the search for a cure. It says tonight's concert will commemorate the millions who have died of HIV/AIDS, and serve as a reminder that the disease still claims 8,000 lives a day around the world.
The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Colburn School in downtown L.A., and the concert features performances by ensembles from the school. Tickets are free, but limited.
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