Santana joins AIDS battle

Carlos Santana plans to donate all net proceeds from his band’s summer tour to the fight against the AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. The tour has 23 shows, including a finale at the Hollywood Bowl on July 14.

Judging by ticket prices and venue sizes, the commitment by the Grammy-winning artist could generate several million dollars for the Amandla Fund of Artists for a New South Africa.

The dramatic gesture -- described by Santana’s camp as unprecedented in its scope and artist prominence -- will be formally announced Thursday at a Beverly Hills press conference that will be attended by Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu.