Probably in a White Room

Clapton headlines ‘secret’ Dalio charity bash

NakedShorts rarely ventures into The New York Times’ arts section for any better reason than to check on what time, and on how many channels, ‘Law and Order’ reruns are scheduled. For no other reason than a slower-than-usual bus ride, he did however today catch the following item in the ‘Arts, Briefly’ column:

Eric Clapton is to be paid $1.5 million to perform in late July at a private concert organized by a hedge-fund executive at the Belle Haven Club in Green[r]ich, Conn., according to an article to be published today by The Fairfield County Weekly. The account says that under terms of the agreement between the Creative Artists Agency, a promoter and the executive, “no public press or announcement pre or post event is permitted.” The agreement says the performance, to benefit the China Care Foundation, is expected to be attended by “350 invitation-only guests.” The host was identified as Raymond T. Dalio, the founder, president and chief investment officer of Bridgewater Associates, which has more than $30 billion in hedge-fund assets. Besides Mr. Clapton’s fee for a 60- to 70-minute show, the agreement calls for a $1 million donation to “a charity of Mr. Clapton’s choice to be paid the night of the show.” The weekly reports that neither Mr. Dalio nor agents at Creative Artists Agency responded to calls for comment.

The China Care Foundation is a cause rather more virtuous than dusting the ornamental vases that dot so many asset managers’ offices.

(Scroll down to) Secret Clapton Concert In the Works
The New York Times Jun. 13 2007