Look To The Stars News: James Taylor

Paul McCartney Honored As MusiCares Person Of The Year

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Beatles legend Paul McCartney was honored as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year at a special event in Los Angeles on Friday, celebrating his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work.

The sold-out tribute to McCartney benefits MusiCares’ emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs. Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute — now in its 22nd year — provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that members of the music community have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Hosted by Eddie Izzard, performers included Cirque du Soleil, Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, James Taylor, Diana Krall, Neil Young with Crazy Horse, Sergio Mendes and Katy Perry. The evening also featured a special performance by 14-time GRAMMY winning artist and 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year Paul McCartney.

Stars To Come Out For Paul McCartney At Charity Gala

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

An impressive star-studded cast will come together to honor 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree Paul McCartney during a sold-out gala on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles, two days prior to the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Hosted by actor/comedian Eddie Izzard, artists set to perform are current GRAMMY nominees Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, and Katy Perry; GRAMMY-winning artists Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Diana Krall, James Taylor, and Neil Young with Crazy Horse; two-time Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Sergio Mendes; and the cast of Cirque du Soleil’s “Love” Beatles tribute show. The evening will also feature a special performance by McCartney.

The 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year gala, which will celebrate McCartney’s exceptional artistic achievements and philanthropic work, will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction sponsored by the Starkey Hearing Foundation that will offer an exclusive selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The auction will be followed by a gala dinner sponsored by AEG Live, and a star-studded tribute concert sponsored by Acura/ELS. This year’s red-carpet press arrivals will be sponsored by Kinect for Xbox 360 and Dance Central 2. Other event supporters include CenterStaging — A SoundCheck LA Company, Classic Wines of California, Delta Airlines, Double Platinum, Gibson, Global Art, Heineken, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Jackson Limo, Korbel, Patron Spirits Company, Pepsi, and Sweetwater.

Paul McCartney To Perform At MusiCares Person Of The Year Event

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Legendary singer/songwriter, 14-time Grammy winner and 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree Paul McCartney is set to perform at the sold-out star-studded tribute concert, taking place in Los Angeles during Grammy Week on Feb. 10.

The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. Proceeds from the dinner and concert will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Sting And Friends To Hit The Carnegie Hall For Charity In April

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Sting and Trudie Styler will present the 2012 Sting & Friends Rainforest Fund Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday, April 4.

Performers are yet to be announced, but ticket prices are as follows:

- $50,000 Packages (16 Tickets for concert & supper)

Celebrity Charity Gifts That Give Twice

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Looking for a gift to top all gifts this holiday season? Leading charity auction site charitybuzz.com is offering access to hundreds of once-in-a-lifetime celebrity experiences.

The site’s “Gifts That Give Twice Holiday Auction” features lots ranging from the chance to meet Christina Aguilera on set at The Voice to the chance to hang with BB King backstage.

Auction proceeds support the work of hundreds of nonprofit organizations around the world, such as the the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, Tibet House, True Colors Fund, GO Campaign and more.

Play Tennis With Anna Kournikova For Charity

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Here’s a chance for you and two friends to spend an hour on the tennis court in Miami with Anna Kournikova for charity.

The opportunity is being auctioned right now on CharityBuzz.com, and is part of the Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic Fall Auction.

Chris retired from Professional Tennis in September 1989, after her final match in the U.S. Open. One month later, Chrissie was back on the tennis court hosting the first Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic in Boca Raton, Florida.

Paul McCartney Documentary To Chronicle Reactions To 9/11

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000

As the United States prepares to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, SHOWTIME will premiere a highly-anticipated feature documentary.

“The Love We Make”, which chronicles Paul McCartney’s poignant and cathartic journey through the streets of New York in the aftermath of the World Trade Center’s destruction, and during the planning and performance of the monumental benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, “The Concert for New York City,” which took place less than six weeks after the terrorist attacks.

Directed by iconic documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles (Gimme Shelter, Salesman, Grey Gardens) and award-winning filmmaking partner, Bradley Kaplan (Muhammad and Larry, Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!, Sand and Sorrow), The Love We Make was shot in the signature cinéma vérité style that Maysles pioneered and made famous when he filmed the Beatles’ first visit to America in the legendary 1964 documentary What’s Happening! The Beatles in the U.S.A.

Hot Concert Tickets To Benefit Charity

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0000

In celebration of MusiCares’ 20th anniversary, a host of stars are offering tickets to shows to benefit the charity.

Artists including the Doobie Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire, “Glee” Live! In Concert!, Josh Groban, Ray LaMontagne, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Taylor Swift and James Taylor are teaming up with Tickets-for-Charity while on tour to offer fans access to great concert seats to benefit MusiCares.

“We’re honored to involve such a talented group of performing artists, representing multiple genres and generations, in this important campaign,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “Funds raised through these tours on Tickets-for-Charity will help support MusiCares’ goal of raising $5 million to complete our historic $15 million dollar campaign. These funds will enable MusiCares to reach more people in need, both those working behind the scenes and those who are in the spotlight of our vibrant music community.”

Stars Donate To Celebrity Charity Auction For Japan

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Kim Kardashian, James Taylor and Jimmy Kimmel are some of the stars who have donated once-in-a-lifetime experiences and items to a new celebrity charity auction aimed at raising money for victims of the unfolding disaster in Japan.

Bidders have the option of the chance to meet Kim Kardashian on April 14, an acoustic guitar signed by James Taylor, the chance to meet Jimmy Kimmel at his ABC show, items from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and tickets to the Maxim 2011 Master’s Party in Augusta in the auction, with proceeds going to the US Fund for UNICEF.

The auctions run until April 7, and can be accessed through CharityBuzz.com.

Sting To Join James Taylor At Charity Concert

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:30:00 +0000

James Taylor will play a special charity concert at Carnegie Hall next month, joined by a host of celebrity friends.

The show on April 12 will celebrate Carnegie Hall’s 120th birthday and will raise money for the venue’s artistic and educational programs. Musical guests will include Sting, Bette Midler and Steve Martin.

The Honorary Artist Committee for the event includes Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Kelly Preston, Tavis Smiley, John Travolta and Jay-Z.

Music Legends Support Hungerthon Celebrity Charity Auction

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Some of music’s legendary performers have come together as part of a special celebrity charity auction for Hungerthon.

Hungerthon was started in 1975 as a partnership between WhyHunger and Infinity Broadcasting and has since expanded to become an autumn radio tradition among the New York tri-state area radio stations in the CBS, Clear Channel and Emmis Radio Groups, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio, with support from Citadel New York stations, Last.FM and more.

WhyHunger is a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment. WhyHunger was founded in 1975 by the singer-songwriter Harry Chapin and radio talk-show host and current Executive Director Bill Ayres.

Celebrities Donate Gifts That Give Twice For Charity

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Charitybuzz.com, the leading destination for online charity auctions, presents its second annual Gifts That Give Twice Holiday Auction, featuring hundreds of once-in-a-lifetime celebrity and luxury experiences to benefit more than 50 nonprofit organizations.

Carrie Underwood, Betty White, Justin Bieber, The Edge, Michael Moore, Ne-Yo, Quentin Tarantino and many more celebrities have signed on to give back this holiday season, in addition to coveted brands like HBO, Ritz Carlton, and Barbie. Bidding is open to the international community through December 21 at www.charitybuzz.com/HOLIDAY2010.

From magnificent tropical getaways to exclusive access to A-list stars, charitybuzz is the ultimate destination for luxury gifts that give back to those in need this holiday season. 100 percent of net proceeds from the Gifts That Give Twice Holiday Auction will benefit nonprofits such as TreePeople, The Art of Elysium, Operation Smile, Habitat For Humanity NYC, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Reality Cares, Better Life Foundation, Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, First Tee, TACA, Musicians on Call and many others.

Top Stars Donate Songs For Tsunami Relief Album

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The tsunami? Wasn’t that fixed years ago? Not so, says Los Angeles-based non-profit Aid Still Required (ASR), citing tens of thousands who are still looking to restore their lives in Southeast Asia following the disaster.

With an endorsement from former President Clinton’s United Nations Office for Tsunami Recovery, ASR has enlisted the help of many of the World’s favorite musicians to champion this forgotten issue, including Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, James Taylor, Sarah McLachlan, Maroon 5, John Lennon (estate), Avril Lavigne, Shawn Colvin, Phantom Planet, Ani DiFranco, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Ray Charles (estate), Hunter Payne and The Blind Boys of Alabama.

“We’ve all seen it,” says Bonnie Raitt. “Money pours in when a disaster first occurs. But then the World’s attention turns to other matters and the real work of rebuilding goes underfunded. I’m involved with this project because it will help thousands restore their lives in a sustainable manner.”

James Taylor And Carole King Raise Cash For Charity

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:30:00 +0000

James Taylor and Carole King have raised more than $1.5 million in charitable donations so far on their Troubadour Reunion tour.

The pair have reunited for a tour, with proceeds benefiting the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Alliance for the Wild Rockies – which King and Taylor have long championed—plus more than 90 additional national and local charitable organizations.The cash raised so far is 50% more than expected.

The money is being raised through special packages offered to fans, including stage seating, pre-show soundcheck sessions, private VIP receptions and a commemorative tour book.

Stand Up To Cancer To Return With Second Celebrity Charity Telecast

Thu, 20 May 2010 20:45:00 +0000

Two years after an historic fundraising telecast and the start of a groundbreaking grassroots movement, Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) will return to primetime television on September 10, 2010, at 8PM EST & PST / 7PM CT, with a star-studded appeal to build continuing public support and donations for cutting-edge cancer research that translates at a rapid pace from the laboratory to treatments and technologies that benefit patients.

Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer and Brian Williams announced the upcoming show during individual live appearances on CBS’s “The Early Show,” ABC’s “Good Morning America” and NBC’s “TODAY” show, respectively. The three network evening news anchors — who will host the September 10th telecast, executive produced by Laura Ziskin — participated in an interview together last week, discussing the upcoming fundraising event as well as the encouraging progress of “Dream Teams” of researchers SU2C has funded to date. Portions of that interview, the first joint appearance by this group of anchors, also aired on the morning shows.

Rare Celebrity Items Go Under The Hammer At Charity Grammy Auction

Wed, 12 May 2010 13:00:00 +0000

The Grammy Charity Online Auction, sponsored by The Recording Academy, is on through May 20, 2010. A wide selection of music and memorabilia from famed artists are being auctioned off to the general public. All proceeds raised will directly benefit The Grammy Foundation and MusiCares.

This year’s special charity auction is presented in partnership with Kompolt Online Aunction Agency, a California based online aunction agency, focused on securing the highest quality of merchandise sale. Managed by professionals, buyers are guaranteed bona fide VIP experiences, bidder pre-qualifcation, and the authenticity of celebrity autographed items to ensure overall customer satisfaction.

A few of this year’s auctioned items include music memorabilia from Neil Young, Kings of Leon, Green Day, Colbie Caillat, James Taylor, Elton John, Jackson Browne, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews; a Red Hot Chili Peppers signed model Gibson guitar; a guitar signed by stars including Beyoncé, Carrie Underwood, and Lady Gaga; a meet and greet VIP experience with Michael McDonald; a DJ AM signed iPod Classic with his own personal playlist; a Lynyrd Skynyrd signed remo drumhead; celebrity-signed memorabilia from the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards and more.

See Carole King And James Taylor In The Round For Charity

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Carole King and James Taylor are offering fans the opportunity-of-a-lifetime to see two musical icons up-close-and-personal with ‘intimate and in the round’ Stage Seats on their Troubadour Reunion Tour.

The VIP Stage Seats were designed as tables for two surrounding the center stage performance. The innovative design recreates the intimacy of a vintage nightclub within the high-energy atmosphere of a modern arena performance—paying tribute to Carole King and James Taylor’s legendary 1970 performances at L.A.’s famed Troubadour club.

All VIP Stage Seat Packages benefit established charities, including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Alliance for the Wild Rockies, which King and Taylor have long championed—plus more than 90 additional national and local charitable organizations. The VIP Stage Seat Packages are estimated to raise over $1 million for charity and are available for 37 of the Troubadour Reunion North American concerts.

Stars Support RFK's Human Rights Dream With Charity Auction

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Whether you dream of dancing up a storm with Elton John or grabbing a cup of joe with Robert De Niro, learning to run a fashion empire from Diane Von Furstenberg or belting out a ballad with Alicia Keys, you can help support the RFK Center’s dream of worldwide human rights.

The 2010 Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights’ spring auction is launching on April 8th at Charitybuzz with a star-studded line-up of once-in-a-lifetime experiences up for auction.

Pop culture icons including Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, Reggie Bush, Diane Von Furstenberg, Elton John, Robert DeNiro, Shepard Fairey and many more have donated jaw dropping experiences to raise funds for the 42-year-old organization dedicated to providing an ongoing base of support to human rights defenders around the world. Additional notable participants include: George Lucas, Michael Buble, Tim Gunn, Bill Maher, Whitney Houston, Oprah Winfrey, Venus Williams, Evan Lysacek, Ken Burns, Anderson Cooper, Bobbi Brown, George Lopez, Paula Zahn, Martin Sheen, Jimmy Smits, Ray Romano, John Cusack, James Taylor, Meryl Streep, Tom Ridge, Viggo Mortensen, and Laird Hamilton, with more A-listers joining the cause each day.

Elton John And Lady Gaga To Join Sting At Charity Concert For Rainforests

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Elton John, Lady Gaga and Shirley Bassey will join Sting and Trudie Styler at this year’s Rainforest Fund benefit concert.

The event will celebrate Sting and Styler’s 21st year supporting the work of the Rainforest Foundation Fund. The Foundation was established in 1989 to raise awareness about the need to conserve tropical forests, support indigenous peoples, their land, their rights and to develop resource management. It began its focus in Brazil and then spread throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia.

The semi-annual concert has attracted performers such as Don Henley, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Brian Wilson and many more in the past. The concerts are the main fundraising initiative for the organization, and have raised over $30 million.

Get James Taylor And Carole King Tickets For Charity

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

In conjunction with Tickets-for-Charity, James Taylor and Carole King are offering fans one-of-a-kind VIP Stage Seat Charity Packages to their long-awaited Troubadour Reunion Tour, including the very best seats in the house, to benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and other outstanding charitable causes.

Charity Packages include unique Stage Seating arranged in tables of two around the stage, designed especially for the Tour to recreate the intimacy of the duo’s legendary performances at LA’s Troubadour. Available exclusively on www.ticketsforcharity.com, Charity Packages offer fans the concert experience of a lifetime while honoring the life-long environmental work of both Artists.

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 and 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.

James Taylor To Play Two Charity Shows For Haiti

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Tickets to singer and songwriter James Taylor’s just-announced benefit concert for Haiti sold out in 90 minutes, raising $150,000 for Partners in Health (pih.org), which Taylor and his wife, Kim, then matched, making the total amount raised so far to benefit the people of Haiti: $300,000.

Upon hearing news of the sold out concert, Taylor volunteered to donate his services for a second show on Saturday, January 23 at 8pm.

“The need in Haiti is so great and our community in the Berkshires is so generous. Performing another concert is the least I can do and, fortunately, the Mahaiwe is free the next night,” he said.

Wynonna To Headline Charity Soundcheck

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Wynonna is set to perform at a special concert for the GRAMMY Foundation in Texas on December 4.

Prior to her concert at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, forty high school students and Texas Chapter Board members will have the unique opportunity to watch Judd soundcheck before her concert. Afterward, Judd will come down from the stage for an intimate question-and-answer session with students to talk about her career in music. Additionally, students and Board members will receive a discounted ticket price for that evening’s concert.

Throughout the year, the GRAMMY Foundation presents GRAMMY SoundChecks with a wide range of artists on tour in cities across the country. GRAMMY SoundChecks provide young people with a glimpse into the realities of music careers by inviting them to attend rehearsals and concert sound checks of major artists. GRAMMY SoundChecks have featured a host of artists, including Babyface, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Coldplay, the Dave Matthews Band, Destiny’s Child, Macy Gray, Billy Joel, Jack Johnson, Juanes, John Mayer, No Doubt, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, U2 and Kanye West.

Taylor Swift Signs Elephant For Family Health International

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:29:00 +0000

As reported earlier by Look To The Stars, Family Health International is one of many charities to benefit from the current auction of celebrity-signed toy elephants organized by PROJECT ZAMBI.

Among those who have signed the elephants specifically for FHI are Taylor Swift (pictured below), the Jonas Brothers, Hugh Jackman, Heidi Klum and Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi.

Will Smith's Children Support Charity Initiative

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Jaden and Willow Smith – the actor children of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith – have spoken about their support for PROJECT ZAMBI, a charity initiative started by a group of Hasbro employees to help raise awareness and funds for the estimated 15 million children who have lost parents and relatives to the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

“Willow and I joined Project Zambi to represent all the kids out there who want to make the world a better place,” said Jaden. “We want to encourage kids everywhere to lend a hand and join us in spreading the word about how much children who have been orphaned by AIDS in Africa need our help.”

The children have joined a host of stars – including Jessica Biel, George Clooney, Glenn Close, Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joely Fisher & Brad Garrett, Jennie Garth & Peter Facinelli, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Jonas Brothers, Alicia Keys, Heidi Klum, Kathy Najimy, Rhea Perlman & Danny DeVito, Graham Rahal, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Taylor Swift, James Taylor, Barbara Walters, Denzel Washington, and Naomi Watts – in signing toy elephants to benefit charities such as Keep A Child Alive, the African Children’s Choir, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, the Chikumbuso Women and Orphans Project, the Children of Uganda, Global Action for Children, the Global Fund, Save the Children, SOS Children’s Villages and many more.