Look To The Stars News: Unemployment/Career Support

Neil Young: MusiCares Person Of The Year

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:00:00 -0000

Music icon Neil Young received the Person of the Year award last month from MusiCares, not only for his artistic accomplishments, but also for his philanthropic work.

Young is a long-time supporter of MusiCares, which has been in existence for 20 years, providing assistance to musicians in financial, medical and personal need. Proceeds from last month’s gala will go towards the charity’s emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs.

“Well, it’s a great cause,” said Young, “and the money that we make here tonight goes to a really good place. It goes to helping musicians that are less fortunate and that have come upon hard times and don’t have health care and are living in the real world,” reported BBC.

Young’s music has been an inspiration to generations of musicians, many of whom performed at the gala, such as Elton John, Jackson Browne and Sheryl Crow. His charitable work also received glowing recognition by his peers.

Country singer Dwight Yoakam said, "Neil Young, along with Willie Nelson, has done enormous work for the farmers of America and North America. And they’ve done it in some ways thanklessly, for many, many years. There would be a lot of people’s lives who would not be as well off as they are without MusiCares. I’m proud to have participated in the small way that I have over the years and I’m glad the organization is still here given the current tough economic times."

Mary J. Blige Swaps Music For Charity Fashion

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Singer Mary J. Blige has put the down the microphone and teamed up with fashion designer Catherine Malandrino to create a new line of t-shirts to benefit the singers charity, Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN).

The t-shirts, which help raise awareness for the empowerment of underprivileged women, have a low cut neck and will feature lyrics from Blige’s songs, including the phrases “I’m Love” and “I’m Power.”

They will be available at Malandrino’s boutiques as well as Bloomingdale’s in New York starting on February 17.

  "As a designer, I feel I have a role to play," Malandrino said in a press release. “What I want is to free women. Femininity is a strength and not a weakness.”  

Blige says the shirts not only support a great cause but also provide a unique look.   

“Even better, every woman can feel beautiful and comfortable rocking these Ts just about anywhere,” said Blige. “Catherine . . . offered to create a t-shirt collection that would celebrate being women, being strong and being free. These are not your average t-shirts.”

To find out more about FFAWN, check this out.

Stars Added To MusiCares Person Of The Year Charity Event

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Ben Harper and Lucinda Williams have been added to the all-star lineup for the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute to Neil Young on Jan. 29 in Los Angeles.

They join other performers Jack Black, Jackson Browne, T Bone Burnett, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Sheryl Crow, Everest, Patty Griffin, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris, Elton John, Norah Jones, Lady Antebellum, KD Lang, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Ozomatli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Leon Russell, James Taylor and Wilco. The dinner co-chairs are Warner Bros. Records Chairman Emeritus Mo Ostin, Lookout Management President and Founder Elliot Roberts, and Warner Bros. Records Chairman/CEO Tom Whalley. Two-time GRAMMY-winning producer Don Was will be the evening’s musical director.

Neil Young’s philanthropic work is as renowned as his musical legacy. He was one of the original founders of Farm Aid in 1985, and continues to be an active member on the organization’s board of directors. Each October, he and his wife Pegi organize and host the Bridge School Concerts, a benefit for the Bridge School that he and Pegi helped found. The school ensures that children with severe speech and physical impairments achieve full participation in their communities through the use of assistive technology and the development, implementation and dissemination of innovative educational strategies. These weekend concerts have drawn an international array of musical artists and have raised significant resources for the school.

The 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year gala is co-presented by AEG, ELS and Acura. The evening will begin with a special reception and silent auction that will offer an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The auction will be followed by a gala dinner sponsored by MasterCard, an award presentation and a star-studded tribute concert. The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. Proceeds from the annual GRAMMY Week gala dinner and concert honoring Young will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn to in times of financial, medical and personal need.

More info can be found at the MusiCares website.

Coldplay To Rock For Mencap

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Coldplay have confirmed that they will play a charity concert benefiting Mencap on December 19 as part of the charity’s Big Noise Sessions.

“We’re proud to support Mencap and, for me, it’s exciting to play my hometown,” said singer Chris Martin. “We haven’t played there since 2000. It’s going to be really, really special.”

The show – which will also feature Lily Allen – will take place at Exeter Castle in the UK, with tickets costing £50. Tickets will be made available in three batches: the first batch will be offered to subscribers on the Little Noise Sessions website on December 8, with the second batch being sold at HMV Exeter on December 10. The final batch will go on general sale through HMV on December 11.

Mencap works with people who suffer from learning disabilities, as well as with their families and carers. They fight to end discrimination and prejudice, and provide a wide range of services.

Steven Tyler's Closet Going Under The Hammer

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0000

On November 21, 2009, The Hard Rock Cafe Times Square New York will be the venue for Julien’s Auctions’ Steven Tyler Auction benefitting MusiCares and the Musicians Assistance Program (MAP).

For the first time, the clothing and memorabilia from Aerosmith's legendary front-man, Steven Tyler, are offered for public sale.

The proceeds from this auction will benefit The MusiCares MAP fund that assists musicians in their recovery from addiction. Steven Tyler has lent his support and offered his personal items for auction, including stage and event worn clothing by renowned designers and signed memorabilia.

Own a piece of Tyler’s unique style down to his boxer shorts or swim trunks. Also offered for sale, a signed Paul McCartney Hofner bass and other Paul McCartney Grammy Awards memorabilia, a U2 signed guitar, a Ron Wood signed Gibson guitar, guitars hand painted by Carly Simon, Brandon Boyd, David Lee Roth and others.

The event starts at 10am and will be followed by a Music Icons auction featuring items from Michael Jackson. For full information about the two auctions, visit the Julien’s Auctions website.

Harry Connick Jr To Hold Charity Event For MusiCares

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Catrina K. Sally

Harry Connick Jr. and Clive Davis will share an evening with GRAMMY Museum Executive Director Robert Santelli for charity on November 11, 2009.

The trio will be discussing Davis and Connick’s collaboration on Your Songs, Connick’s latest album. Members of the 200 member audience will be able to participate in a question and answer session, and will also be treated to a live performance of some of Connick’s music.

Tickets are $75 dollars and are available at the GRAMMY Museum box office or by calling 213.765.6803. The night promises to be a rewarding evening for music by talented musicians. All proceeds from the event will benefit MusiCares, the GRAMMY Museum, and Musicians’ Village.

Michael Jackson's Glove To Be Auctioned For Charity

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Michael Jackson's original sparkling glove will be auctioned off for charity at the annual Music Icons event at the Hard Rock Café in New York’s Times Square in November.

But this isn’t just one of the many gloves the singer wore over his lifetime, which were right hand gloves. This is the one-of-a-kind left hand glove Jackson wore when he unveiled the moonwalk during the “Motown 25” special in 1983. Jackson gifted the glove to Walter Orange, one of the founding members of the Commodores, and it is considered one of the most iconic pieces of Michael Jackson history.

“Michael came up behind me and put his hand over my eyes and said, ‘Guess who?’” said Orange. “I knew who it was because I felt the one glove on his left hand and no glove on the other. When I once again asked him for his autograph, Michael gave me the glove he wore that night instead, still refusing to give me his autograph! He was always a real prankster, even as a little boy, so I asked him if he was serious about giving me the glove, and he assured me that he was.”

Also going under the hammer are a stage-worn fedora hat worn by Michael in his performance at the 1995 MTV Music Awards with a letter from Lisa Marie Presley Jackson stating its provenance, zombie costumes from the Thriller video, a stage-worn costume from Jackson’s final United States concert in April of 2002, Michael Jackson’s stage worn “Bad” jacket signed by Michael Jackson, record awards and other property from his historic career. Also going up for sale are early Madonna demo tapes, unreleased Jimi Hendrix lyrics and items from Bob Dylan, Elvis, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Kurt Cobain and Janis Joplin.

Proceeds from the sale of the glove will go to MusiCares, which provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. Its services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

To learn more about the auction, click here.

Neil Young: 2010 MusiCares Person Of The Year

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Neil Young has been announced as the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year.

The 63-year-old musician is being recognized for his outstanding philanthropic work, including co-founding Farm Aid in 1985, and founding Bridge School – and running the annual Bridge School Concerts – with his wife Pegi in 1986. Bridge School was founded to develop and use advanced technologies to aid in the instruction of children with severe speech and physical disabilities.

“Neil has set a standard of artistic integrity and iconoclastic creativity for more than four decades, and his achievements have been matched by his unwavering humanitarianism,” said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of the Recording Academy and the MusiCares Foundation. “He is a shining example of how music people offer their creative gifts to the world, and how they also give back through their commitments to charitable endeavors.”

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. Its services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

Young will be the 20th person bestowed with the honor, with previous recipients including Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.

Young will be honored at a gala in Los Angeles on January 29, two days before the 2010 Grammy Awards.

Anderson Cooper To Host New Yorkers For Children Gala

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

CNN’s Anderson Cooper is to host the New Yorkers For Children 10th Annual Fall Gala in September.

The gala event – to be held at Cipriani 42 in New York City on September 22 – will honor Mary J. Blige for her work in founding FFAWN, an organization that aims to help all women gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their full individual potential.

New Yorkers For Children (NYFC) was founded in 1996 by former Commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services Nicholas Scoppetta, as the non-profit partner to Children’s Services. NYFC has developed programs that make a difference in the lives of young people including college scholarships, tutoring programs, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

To find out more about this event, click here.

Go Back To School With Celebrity Items

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Grammy Foundation and MusiCares want you to rock in the new school year by taking part in a new charity auction that features unique memorabilia and VIP experiences that benefit their high school music programs.

Decorate your room with original artwork and photos from Taylor Swift and Paris Hilton, signed postcards from Kanye West and Stevie Wonder, and play on guitars signed by Depeche Mode, John Mayer, Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow.

The auction also gives you the chance to extend your wardrobe with hoodies signed by the Jonas Brothers and a T shirt signed by Iggy Pop. There are also items and experiences from Coldplay, Maroon 5, Joe Satriani, the Dave Matthews Band, Slash, Alice Cooper, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Neil Diamond, 3 Doors Down, John Legend, Jason Mraz, U2, Melissa Etheridge, Green Day and many more.

The GRAMMY Foundation cultivates the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the impact of music on American culture through music education programs, scholarships and grants, and MusiCares provides a safety net of critical financial assistance and services for music people in times of need.

The auction runs until July 31 and can be accessed here.

Buy Guitar String Bracelets And Support Charity

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Music fans now have the chance to wear their love of Rock on their sleeves for charity.

Wear Your Music is a New York-based organization that creates 100% eco-friendly jewelry that rocks – literally. The company makes used guitar strings from artists spanning the musical spectrum into stylish bracelets. 100% of the proceeds from the bracelets goes to charities of the artists’ choice, such as UNICEF, Rock the Vote, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nordoff Robbins, MusiCares, PETA, HeadCount, The Nature Conservancy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Keep A Child Alive, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Smile Train and many more.

Over 150 musicians have personally donated guitar strings to the initiative, including Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Metallica, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Ben Harper, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Carlos Santana and Death Cab for Cutie.

“These are strings that these musicians have used and would normally throw away,” says co-president and designer Hannah Garrison, “It’s great that we can recycle them and also offer people a chance to wear rock n roll on their wrists.” In addition, the fine silver used on each bracelet is also 100% recycled, as is the DVD case each bracelet comes in. “Supporting good causes and the environment have always been important, but even more so now.”

To check out the bracelets and make a purchase, visit the official Wear Your Music website.

Chili Peppers Singer To Be Honored By MusiCares

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:00:00 -0000

The fifth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert will honor Red Hot Chili Peppers co-founder and lead singer Anthony Kiedis, and it will take place for the first time at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Friday, May 8, 2009.

Kiedis will be honored with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award for his dedication and support of the MusiCares MAP Fund and for his commitment to helping other addicts with the addiction and recovery process. All proceeds will benefit the MusiCares MAP Fund, which provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery treatment regardless of their financial situation.

Hosted by Greg Behrendt, comedian and author of He’s Just Not That Into You, the evening will feature a special performance by Kiedis along with Red Hot Chili Peppers bandmates Flea and Chad Smith, as well as performances by Thelonious Monster vocalist and “Celebrity Rehab” participant Bob Forrest with his son Elijah Forrest, musician/producer Josh Klinghoffer, the Mars Volta, the Neville Brothers’ Ivan Neville, and Iggy Pop.

“Addiction exists in all communities and across all socioeconomic lines, but too often the challenges of making a life in music can lead people down the heartbreaking path of dependence,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and MusiCares. “When circumstances such as the economy and shifts in our industry come into play, the need for our services can become greater than ever. MusiCares exists to offer a beacon of hope and critical resources for members of the music community who are struggling with addiction. Anthony is a strong supporter of our cause and this is a perfect opportunity to recognize and honor his commitment.”

“I’ve seen firsthand the physical and emotional toll addiction takes on people – not just myself, but so many other artists and friends as well,” said Kiedis. “The pain of addiction is leveled only by the promise of sobriety and the MusiCares MAP Fund provides access to the kind of resources that can help people genuinely change their lives. I’m proud to be honored and help raise funds for this critical work.”

This special dinner and concert offers Living Room Sets that seat 10 for $12,500, Individual Floor Seats for $1,250 per person, and Preferred Balcony Seats for $100. Contact Wynnie Wynn at 310.392.3777 or wynniew@grammy.com for tickets and information. General admission balcony tickets are available for $50 each through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com. Out of respect for the clients the MusiCares MAP Fund serves, the event will be alcohol-free.

MusiCares ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need by providing programs and services including emergency financial assistance, educational workshops, and flu shots, hearing tests and medical/dental screenings. The MusiCares MAP Fund allows access to addiction recovery treatment and sober living resources for members of the music community regardless of their financial circumstances, and Safe Harbor Rooms, weekly addiction support groups and the MusiCares Sober Touring Network provide ongoing recovery support.

Established in 1989 by The Recording Academy, MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. For more information, please visit www.musicares.com.

U2's Guitarist Becomes Charity Ambassador

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

U2 guitarist The Edge has been made a Mencap ambassador.

The rocker has been a longtime supporter of the charity, which works with people who suffer from learning disabilities. In 2007, he played a surprise acoustic gig with Bono at the charity’s annual Little Noise Sessions, and he joins stars such as comedian Mathew Horne, Christopher Eccleston, investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre, actress Kellie Shirley, Newcastle-born actress and TV presenter Donna Air, Paula Sage – who became an ambassador after she won a Bafta award for her role in the film Afterlife – actor and singer Will Young, and Lisa Scott Lee as an ambassador.

“Not many people know what a learning disability is, or the challenges people with a learning disability face,” said The Edge. “I’ve seen how much work goes into Mencap and want to continue to see it flourish.”

The Edge was invited to become an ambassador by his cousin, Ciara Evans, who works with Mencap’s campaigns and celebrity teams.

“My learning disability has not stopped me from achieving my goals or getting a job, but others like me can find it hard to get paid work,” she said. “I hope that The Edge’s support will help create more opportunities for people with a learning disability.”

Bill Clinton’s iPod Nets Over $2,200 For Charity

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Isra Shah

An 8GB red iPod Nano signed by former President Bill Clinton has been auctioned off for $2,246. Proceeds benefit Music Rising, and will help replace instruments lost by musicians, schools, and churches as a result of the hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast Region in 2005.

U2's The Edge created Music Rising with the support of many industry insiders in order to “help rebuild the musical heart and culture of the Gulf Region by replacing the musical instruments and gear that were lost in the Inundation in 2005.” The campaign has raised money through the sale of memorabilia and concert events. To date, Music Rising has assisted over 2,700 musicians and almost 50,000 students and parishioners in continuing pursuing their musical passions.

The organization’s latest charity effort partners Music Rising with celebrities and other public figures to auction autographed iPods; the players are filled with music selected by the participant and sold through the website Tonic.com. Clinton, himself a saxophonist, created a playlist featuring eleven songs including Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” Carly Simon’s “I Get Along Without You Very Well,” Joan Baez’s “Winds of the Old Days,” and Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl”

Bidding for iPods signed by Hilary Duff, Mandy Moore, and Scarlett Johansson is set to begin Monday, March 16. Place your bid online or visit the official Music Rising website to find out about the most recent promotions and events benefitting Gulf Coast musicians.

Steven Tyler To Auction Items At Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has announced that he will headline this year’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp, and has donated a swag of memorabilia to be auctioned for charity.

The singer will join Duff McKagan from Guns n’ Roses and Velvet Revolver, Todd Rundgren, Toto’s Steve Lukather, Bruce Kulick from Kiss, Alan White from Yes, and Elliot Easton from The Cars at the event that allows fans to perform alongside veteran musicians and learn their tricks of the trade.

The closing event will include a massive concert at LA’s Whiskey A Go Go, where Tyler will auction off autographed items to benefit MusiCares, a charity that provides critical assistance for music people in times of need. The charity focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community, and provide services and resources that cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies.

The Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp runs from April 29 to May 3 and gives attendees the chance to rehearse daily with iconic Rock Star counselors, write and record their own original song, play live at the Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip, record at the world famous Capitol Studios (designed by Les Paul) in the Capitol Records building, and live like a rock ‘n’ roll star. More info can be found here.

American Express Travel is offering its Gold cardmembers a vacation package to the Camp that will allow them benefits and access other attendees will not have: for more information, see americanexpress.com/goldtravel or call 1-866-297-9491.

Celebrities Sign iPods For Charity Auction

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Tonic.com has announced the launch of a new charity auction series. Leading celebrities from the worlds of music, film, television, and fashion have contributed an autographed iPod loaded with their personal playlist to be auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting Music Rising, a campaign founded in 2005 to replace lost or destroyed instruments of musicians in the Gulf Coast Region after the hurricane disasters.

Over seventy celebrities will participate in the auction series including U2's The Edge, former President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Beyoncé Knowles, Cher, Donna Karan, Warren Buffett, Christy Turlington, Britney Spears, Michael Stipe, Gwen Stefani, Mariah Carey, Stevie Nicks, Michael Buble, Ben Affleck, Ellen DeGeneres, Estelle, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Scarlett Johansson, Peter Wentz, Randy Jackson, will.i.am, Kevin Bacon, Gisele Bundchen, Marc Jacobs, Ed Burns, Samantha Ronson, Nick Lachey, Petra Nemcova, Mandy Moore and many others.

Each celebrity was given a new iPod which they each autographed and Tonic pre-loaded with a playlist of ten to twenty of the celebrities’ favorite songs. Beginning February 12 between one and five separate iPod auctions will simultaneously launch every week on eBay; playlists will be revealed to the public on both tonic.com and eBay when auctions are launched.

“Music Rising is honored to be the charitable beneficiary of Tonic’s innovative iPod auction series,” said Bob Ezrin, Co-founder of Music Rising. “My visits to New Orleans gave me a firsthand look at the devastation which tragically destroyed the lives of thousands. Every person who wins an iPod bid will directly be helping ensure that one of the Gulf Coast’s greatest assets, its music, will rise again.”

“Everyone who has ever wondered what songs their favorite celebrities listen to in their home or on the road won’t have to wonder much longer,” said Pankaj Shah, CEO and Founder of Tonic. “We’ve compiled pre-loaded, autographed iPods from countless iconic celebrities to share with the public. By bidding on an autographed iPod, you’ll be helping to aid in the continued rebirth of the Gulf Coast Region. The Celebrity iPod Auction Series is Tonic’s first major campaign of 2009 to offer consumers an opportunity to create social good and we’re thrilled to rally people behind a great cause.”

Neil Diamond MusiCares Concert Is A "Double-Whammy"

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Neil Diamond will be honored as MusiCares Person Of The Year later tonight – Friday, February 6 – in a concert celebrating his music and humanitarian spirit.

Heading up the list of performers set to join the music legend on stage at the Los Angeles Convention Centre are Kid Rock and British band Coldplay. Also on the agenda are the Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson, Jonas Brothers, Josh Groban and Faith Hill.

“It’s a double-whammy,” Diamond joked to the Associated Press. “I get a chance to help raise a lot of money and a little plaque that says, ‘Hey, you’re OK.’”

Diamond is being honored for his charity work, which includes his recent donations to victims of Hurricane Ike.

Proceeds from the concert will go to MusiCares, an organization that provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need by supplying services and resources that cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies. The evening will also feature a fantastic silent auction.

Grammy Charity Auction Set To Rock

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

With the Grammy Awards only days away, now is the time to bid on exclusive celebrity items in the annual Grammy Awards Charity Auction and help a good cause.

Going under the hammer this year are VIP experiences with Katy Perry and Kathy Griffin, guitars signed by AC/DC, Taylor Swift, John Mayer, Fall Out Boy and the Jonas Brothers, books signed by Mariah Carey, Slash, and Céline Dion, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the set of a Rihanna music video or photo shoot.

Also on offer are DVDs signed by Flight of the Conchords, drums signed by the Foo Fighters, and memorabilia signed by Sheryl Crow, Katherine McPhee, Jesse McCartney, Tom Jones, Christina Aguilera, Robert Plant, and Sarah McLachlan.

And for the person who thinks they have everything, the auction also offers the opportunity to receive a personal phone call from Aretha Franklin, who will share her favorite recipes with you!

The auction will benefit MusiCares – which works to help those in need in the music industry – and the Grammy Foundation, which works with industries, cultural communities and the public to raise awareness of music and arts education. It runs until February 19 and can be accessed here.

Neil Diamond Donates Money To Hurricane Ike Victims

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Neil Diamond has donated the profits from merchandising sales on his recent tour to the victims of Hurricane Ike.

The singer – who is to be honored as MusiCares Person of the Year in February – initially agreed to donate his merchandising sales from his shows last October to victims of the disaster, but has now turned over proceeds from every show he has played since then.

“Hurricane Ike hit southern Texas so fiercely and has been forgotten about by the rest of the country – but these people are still in desperate straits, and are in dire need of our help,” he told CNN. “I saw what was going on. The mayor of Houston took me around, and he told me about it and introduced me to some people. The next day, I drove down to some of the hardest-hit areas, and I just felt that I had to do something, and I felt that maybe my audience would help me out with it.”

The singer will be joined by performers such as Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, the Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, and Josh Groban at a charity show on February 6 at the Los Angeles’ Convention Centre to benefit MusiCares, an organization that provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need by supplying services and resources that cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies. The evening will also feature a fantastic silent auction.

Tickets for the event are available here.

Coldplay And Foo Fighters Join Neil Diamond For Charity Gig

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Neil Diamond has announced plans for a star-studded charity concert to be held next month.

The veteran singer – who was named the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year – will be joined by performers such as Tim McGraw, the Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Josh Groban, Adele and Raul Malo for the gig on February 6 at the Los Angeles’ Convention Centre.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the MusiCares program, which provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need by supplying services and resources that cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies. The evening will also feature a fantastic silent auction.

Diamond is being honored by the charity for his charity work, which includes donating 100 percent of merchandise sales from his October concerts in Houston, Dallas and Oklahoma City to the hurricane relief efforts in Texas for areas ravaged by Hurricane Ike.

Tickets for the event are available here.

Michael Jackson To Auction Almost Everything He Owns

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Michael Jackson – the King of Pop himself – is to clear out his belongings from the Neverland Ranch and auction them for charity.

The 50-year-old will see over 2000 items – such as his famous white glove, the Neverland Ranch gates, art works, a life size bronze statue, garden furniture, and memorabilia – go under the hammer between April 21-25 in what will go down in history as one of the most monumental auctions of music memorabilia ever.

A portion of the proceeds from the auction will go to MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy – the group that gives out the Grammys – that provides critical assistance for music people in times of need.

“He has never had one [an auction],” said Darren Julien of Julien’s Auctions. “We have been working closely with him for five months and he is in complete control of this.”

The auction is expected to raise a lot of money for the charity, with one of Jackson’s gloves selling for $35,000 in 2006, and his socks going for $15,000 in 2005.

“We have not put an estimate on the gates yet. There is a lot of history there,” Julien said.

The auction catalog will sell for $100 with a limited signed edition available for $500.

Bidding starts in February, and more information about the auction can be found at the Julian’s Auctions website.

Project Angel Food Hosts Celebrity Shopping Spree

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:30:00 -0000

With the Holidays around the corner, Project Angel Food kicked off their annual DIVINE DESIGN on Thursday December 4th, celebrating style and philanthropy with a big dose of holiday shopping.

David Arquette, Eric McCormack, and Elton John's partner David Furnish were some of the stars who helped out during the weeklong event, in which top designers sold fashion, furniture, beauty and gift items, with proceeds going to provide meals for victims of HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. For every $5 spent at Divine Design, Project Angel Food can cook and deliver a meal to someone facing HIV/AIDS, cancer and other debilitating illnesses.

Divine Design kicked off in the heart of Beverly Hills with a special gala evening held at the Beverly Hilton, featuring a runway show presented by Divine Designer honoree, Tadashi Shoji, and an awards presentation. Honors were also given to Man of Style, David Furnish and Woman of Style, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Over 500 celebrities, designers and supporters of Project Angel Food attended the opening night which also included a live fantasy auction and an exclusive night of VIP shopping. Following the awards ceremony, the gala attendees returned to shopping in the marketplace at 9900 Wilshire Boulevard (formerly Robinson’s May building and generously donated by Candy & Candy), where cash registers rang in the holiday shopping season all in the name of love. The Divine Design marketplace opened to the public on Friday December 5th at 11am.

Opening night attendees enjoyed NUVO Cosmopolitans and listened to jazz and blues by KJAZZ.This year’s gala night also featured one-of-a- kind Live Auction items to bid on including a unique BARBIE Holiday Tree donated by Mattel and created by the lead designer for Barbie; a New York Fashion Week package which includes first class airfare for two on American Airlines, front row tickets to the Tadashi Shoji Show at New York Fashion Week in Bryant Park and a dress made especially for you by Tadashi Shoji himself; sponsor a day of meals for Project Angel Food clients. These fantastic auction items and others were auctioned off by the vivacious auctioneer, Ed Beardsley of Bonhams & Butterfields and the beautiful actress and Project Angel Food supporter, Lisa Rinna.

One of the companies that donated items to the event was luxury bag designers Trina, who provided over $20,000 worth of products to the event. For anyone who wasn’t able to make it to the shopping event last week, Trina are currently auctioning off some celebrity-sign bags online, with all proceeds to go to Project Angel Food.

Visit eBay to bid on bags autographed by John Mayer, Adam Sandler, Ryan Seacrest, Neil Patrick Harris, and the casts of Ugly Betty and Lost.

Divine Design was born 16 years ago in response to the devastation the design community was experiencing from HIV/AIDS. Since its inception Divine Design has raised more than $13 million to help fund Project Angel Food’s meal-delivery program throughout Los Angeles County. Founded in 1989, Project Angel Food provides life-sustaining meals and nutritional counseling each day to more than 1,400 men, women and children disabled by HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Thanks to a devoted core of 1,500 volunteers, meals are cooked and delivered daily to people’s homes throughout Los Angeles County.

(Photos copyright Alex J. Berliner)

It's Business Time For The Flight Of The Conchords

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Grammy award-winning comedy duo Flight of the Conchords are part of a huge new auction being run to raise cash for charity.

The Conchords shot to fame in 2007 when their quirky television series debuted on HBO and immediately received ratings and critical acclaim. Originally from New Zealand, the duo uses a mix of music and comedy to make witty and deadpan observations on society. Their new series starts next month.

Now – as part of the annual Grammy Charities Auction – you have the chance to bid on an acoustic guitar, DVD and CD signed by “New Zealand’s fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo.”

The auction is raising money for MusiCares – which works to help those in need in the music industry – and the Grammy Foundation, which works with industries, cultural communities and the public to raise awareness of music and arts education.

Also up for auction are guitars signed by the Jonas Brothers, Slash, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Bonnie Raitt, and John Mayer. But if you don’t know one end of a guitar from another, don’t worry – there are plenty of other great items, such as signed posters from the Dixie Chicks and Robert Plant, clothes from Ricky Martin and Carrie Underwood, and the chance to have lunch with John Stamos or meet Donny and Marie Osmond.

But wait – there’s more!

Maybe you would be interested in handwritten lyrics from Annie Lennox, a sketch by Anthony Kiedis and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, or a photo signed by Good Charlotte. There are also a stack of CDs and other items signed by Steven Tyler, Rascal Flatts, Richie Sambora, Avril Lavigne, and many others.

The auction is live right now on eBay and ends on December 11.

Mencap Gains New Celebrity Ambassador

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Aime Pingi

UK charity Mencap – which works with people with learning disabilities – has just acquired a new ambassador, the English comedian and actor Mathew Horne, who will help promote awareness of learning disabilities.

30 year-old Horne was nominated for Best Male Comedy Newcomer at the 2007 British Comedy Awards and is best known for playing the role of Gavin Shipman in the BBC Sitcom Gavin & Stacey.

Horne revealed that he would be supporting the charity during the Little Noise Sessions at The Union Chapel of Union in London.

He also said he was looking forward to helping Mencap raise much needed funds, awarness and hopes to keep things humorous at the same time.

“I am absolutely honored to become an ambassador. It is a brilliant charity and one that is very dear to my heart,” he added.

Many other celebrities are involved with this charity, including actor Christopher Eccleston, investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre, actress Kellie Shirley, Newcastle-born actress and TV presenter Donna Air, Paula Sage – who became an ambassador after she won a Bafta award for her role in the film Afterlife – actor and singer Will Young, and Lisa Scott Lee.

Neil Diamond To Be Honored As 2009 MusiCares Person Of The Year

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On February 6, 2009, Grammy-winning recording artist Neil Diamond will be honored as the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year during the 19th Annual Gala Benefiting the MusiCares Foundation.

Proceeds from the annual Grammy Week gala dinner and concert honoring Diamond will provide support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn to in times of financial, medical and personal need.

The legendary “Solitary Man,” “Sweet Caroline,” and “Song Sung Blue” singer/songwriter will be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year not just for his artistic achievements, but for his philanthropic work as well. Diamond has been very generous in his charitable donations over the years and most recently has been donating 100 percent of merchandise sales from his October concerts in Houston, Dallas and Oklahoma City to the hurricane relief efforts in Texas for areas ravaged by Hurricane Ike.

“As we enter the next 50 years for The Recording Academy and the Grammy Awards, and approach the 20th anniversary of our MusiCares Foundation, it is fitting that we honor a most enduring artist and songwriter whose musical influence is truly unmatched — the extraordinary Neil Diamond,” said MusiCares Foundation President/CEO Neil Portnow.

The 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will include a special online auction – using real-time bidding technology – to be broadcast live worldwide on Auction Network. The silent/live auctions will be followed by the gala dinner, an award presentation and a tribute concert.

For information on purchasing tables and tickets to the event, contact Dana Tomarken at MusiCares, 310.392.3777 or go to the MusiCares website.

The Killers Play Surprise Charity Gig

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Killers played an unannounced acoustic set at the first of Mencap's Little Noise Sessions in London on Saturday night.

The British rockers made their surprise appearance at a show that also featured Glasvegas, White Lies and Cage The Elephant. They played 3 songs, including Human, Smile Like You Mean It, and an inspired performance of Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want to Have Fun.

Surprise acoustic performances are a traditional part of Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions. Last year, Bono and The Edge from U2 took to the stage unannounced and played four acoustic songs.

The sessions take place over eleven nights at Islington’s Union Chapel to raise money for the charity, which works with people who suffer from learning disabilities. Kasabian, Stereophonics, Keane, and Razorlight are all scheduled to perform over the next week and a half, and tickets are available from the Mencap Music website.

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