Look To The Stars News: Common

Big Names To Celebrate Muhammad Ali's 70th Birthday At Charity Gala

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

The cast of entertainers and sports icons slated to appear at Keep Memory Alive’s 16th annual Power of Love Gala on Saturday, Feb. 18, in Las Vegas keeps getting bigger every day, though only a limited number of tickets remain for the celebrity-filled fundraiser.

Fans wishing to see what’s happening inside this one-of-a-kind 70th birthday celebration for Muhammad Ali — which will raise funds in support of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center — will also be able to tune in to “Ali 70th From Las Vegas” on ABC on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. ET and 2 p.m. PT. It will re-air on ESPN2 later that same night at 10 p.m. ET.

The lineup for the night includes performances and heartfelt tributes from some of the world’s hottest entertainers and sports icons. The list of performers and celebrity supporters slated to appear at the celebration includes Stevie Wonder, Samuel L. Jackson, David Beckham, Larry King, Ken Jeong, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Common, Lenny Kravitz, Sean Combs, Anthony Hopkins, John Legend, Chris Cornell, Cee Lo Green, Joe Perry, Slash, Terrence Howard, David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, Andre Agassi, Stefanie Graf, Jim Brown, Randy Couture, Brad Garrett, Kelly Rowland, Dave Koz, Robin Leach, James Gandolfini, Steve Schirripa, Chazz Palminteri and Sammy Hagar. Boxing icons scheduled to attend the celebration include Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and Tommy “Hitman” Hearns. Even more big names from the entertainment and sports worlds will be added to the lineup as the event nears.

VH1 Divas Bring Soul To Charity

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

VH1’s beloved franchise VH1 Divas paid tribute to the great cities of soul music last night, including Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia.

The all-star diva roster included Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Florence + The Machine, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J and Jill Scott, accompanied by one of the most exciting groups of modern soul, The Roots, with Questlove and Adam Blackstone as musical directors.

In addition to the Divas, the evening included an incredible line-up of performers including Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius, Travie McCoy, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson, Martha Reeves and Ledisi. Presenters were Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Nas, Common, Sherri Shepherd, La La Anthony, and Archie Panjabi.

VH1 Divas To Pay Tribute To Amy Winehouse

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:05:00 +0000

VH1’s beloved, popular franchise, “VH1 Divas,” has announced a special tribute to Amy Winehouse at this year’s VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul with performances by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Wanda Jackson.

“VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” premieres Monday, December 19 at 9 PM/8c on VH1.

The tribute will reflect Winehouse’s contribution to modern, London soul music. Some highlights of the tribute will include Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings performing “You Know I’m No Good,” and Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Wanda Jackson will perform her song “Back to Black.” The Dap-Kings contributed a number of tracks for Winehouse’s Grammy Award-winning album “Back to Black.” In addition, Nas, who collaborated with Winehouse on the first single of her current posthumous album, will introduce the tribute medley.

Mary J. Blige To Headline Richard Branson's Rock The Kasbah

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:15:00 +0000

Richard Branson will join his mother, Eve Branson, as host of the fifth annual Rock The Kasbah charity event to benefit Virgin Unite and The Eve Branson Foundation on November 16.

This incredible evening of music, food, auction items and more features The Pussycat Dolls, O.A.R. and DJ Chris Holmes, as well as Mary J. Blige performing selections from her new album!

The focus is on building opportunity for youth: In the USA, Virgin Unite is providing opportunities for youth facing unprecedented unemployment, while The Eve Branson Foundation is empowering young women in Moroccan villages. Business, once again, is a force for good at Rock the Kasbah 2011.

New Film Highlights Ugandan Children Saved By Hip Hop

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0000

This November, Documentary Channel (DOC) will present the US television premieres of the New Orleans-set documentary film Red Bull Street Kings on Thursday, November 3 (8 p.m. ET/PT) and the award-winning Bouncing Cats on Saturday, November 19 (8 p.m. ET/PT).

Produced by Red Bull Media House North America, each film offers an uplifting tale of the power of dance and music, and those using them to change lives.

An eye-opening look at the realities of life for the children of Uganda, Bouncing Cats is the moving story of one man’s attempt to create a better life for the struggling children of the country using the unlikely tools of hip-hop and breakdance. With narration by Common, and interviews with K’Naan and will.i.am, the film follows Ugandan b-boy/rapper Abramz and Crazy Legs, one of the founding members of the legendary Rock Steady Crew, on a journey for positive social change.

Celebrity Charity Initiative: Aid Still Required In Haiti

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

What do Maroon 5, Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce and Spike Lee have in common? They’re three of dozens of celebrities who are concerned about the situation in Haiti and are doing something about it.

This month celebrities around the world are joining forces to launch the “Haiti: Aid Still Required” campaign to raise public awareness and fund the next wave of support for the Haitian people.

“It’s impossible to hear what’s happening in Haiti and not want to help,” says NBA star Blake Griffin. “For a full year they’ve lived through the worst nightmare.”

Richard Branson To Rock The Kasbah With Celebrity Charity Event

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Sir Richard Branson will host his 4th annual Rock The Kasbah celebrity charity fundraising event in Los Angeles on Thursday, November 11.

With celebrity performers and guests such as Common, Colbie Caillat and Robin Thicke, the event will raise money for Virgin Unite and the Eve Branson Foundation, an organization set up by Sir Richard’s mother to help women in Morocco generate their own incomes to support their families.

As part of the event, CharityBuzz.com is currently hosting an auction with lots such as 7 nights accommodation on Sir Richard’s Necker Island, and the chance to name a Virgin America plane. Access the auction here.

Rosario Dawson Invites Celebrity Friends To Fight Immigration Laws

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:30:00 +0000

Rosario Dawson has brought together stars such as Eva Longoria, Wilmer Valderrama, Jessica Alba, Common, Amy Smart and Carla Gugino for a new PSA campaign to fight Arizona’s new immigration laws.

Dawson has launched the United We Win campaign through Voto Latino, an organization she co-founded in 2004. The new law – called SB 1070 – allows police to question any individuals they suspect are illegal immigrants, and all legal immigrants are required to carry registration documents at all times.

“I haven’t made it a secret that I’m strongly opposed to the Arizona law and I’ve been pretty vocal about it,” says Eva. "It’s unfortunate that this immigration issue has been on the national agenda for the past three administrations.

Signed Perfumes From Halle Berry And Kim Kardashian Auctioned For Charity

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Makatto.com has some great new celebrity charity auctions.

The auction site, which as formerly run auctions for Britney Spears’ sunglasses and Kobe Bryant’s shoes, is currently offering signed perfumes from Halle Berry and Kim Kardashian, Common’s lap top case, Lindsay Lohan’s Fendi choker, Wendy Williams’ shoes, Audrina Patridge’s ring and Phil Laak’s I-Pod case.

Proceeds from the auctions will go to charities such as the Red Cross, the American Heart Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Yéle Haiti Foundation.

Slip Into Kobe Bryant's Shoes For Charity

Mon, 24 May 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Now is your chance to step into the shoes of Kobe Bryant for charity.

Makatto.com is auctioning Nike ID sneakers signed by the LA Lakers guard – including a signed Letter of Authenticity – to benefit After-School All-Stars’ programs aimed at preparing middle school kids for high school, college, and the 21st century by offering academic support, enrichment opportunities, and health/fitness activities.

The auction site is also currently selling Common’s laptop case and a ring owned by Audrina Patridge to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Heart Association, and the Red Cross, among others.

Bono Leads Celebrity PSA For (RED) Charity

Sun, 02 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

(RED) has announced the launch of The Lazarus Effect Campaign, a multi-platform campaign across TV, online and print, including an HBO documentary airing on May 24, that will help raise awareness of the transformative effect of antiretroviral medicine for those living with HIV in Africa.

Launching April 29 on HBO, the awareness campaign will roll out across various TV and online networks in the coming weeks. The campaign equates the relative value of 40 cents by comparing trivial items worth 40 cents e.g. a stick of gum, a smear of lipstick — to the value of one day’s worth of life transforming antiretroviral medication.

The campaign, directed by renowned photographer Brigitte Lacombe, features Bono, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Claire Danes, Alek Wek, Iman, John Turturro, Toni Collette, Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom, Lucy Liu, Gabourey Sidibe, Kerry Washington, Bryan Cranston, LeAnn Rimes, Jane Lynch, Michelle Rodriguez, Gwen Stefani, Hayden Christensen, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Don Cheadle, Ludacris, Common, Benicio del Toro, Dakota Fanning, Christy Turlington and the Jonas Brothers.

Britney Spears Donates Sunglasses To Celebrity Charity Auction

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Calling all Britney Spears fans: you’ve only got a few hours left to bid on a pair of sunglasses signed by the pop princess to benefit charity.

Makatto.com is selling the autographed sunglasses to raise funds for charities such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Heart Association and the Red Cross, and the current bid is already almost $500.

Makatto.com runs charity auctions with items from stars such as Conan O’Brien, Nicole Scherzinger, actress Gabourey Sibide, Steve Smith, Thomas Jones, Jimmy Cliff, musician Common and Audrina Patridge on a regular basis.

New Celebrity Charity Auction Site Launched

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Recently launched Makatto, an online selling website, has garnered much attention after adding to its website content celebrity auctions sponsoring charitable causes.

Proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Heart Association, and the Red Cross, among others.

Users and first time visitors can bid on items donated from big names, such as Conan O’Brien, Nicole Scherzinger, actress Gabourey Sibide, Steve Smith, Thomas Jones, Jimmy Cliff, musician Common and Audrina Patridge just to name a few, and have the additional option of donating their winning bid to any charity of their choice.

Celebrities Play Hollywood Dominoes for Peace and Justice

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:57:00 +0000

Celebrities en route to the Academy Awards this year will make a pit-stop beforehand to take part in the 3rd Annual Pre-Oscar Hollywood Domino Gala Benefiting Artists for Peace and Justice.

The much anticipated dominos tournament of the Academy Awards, invites iconic personalities of Hollywood, such as Penelope Cruz, Charlize Theron and Demi Moore, to play at ‘bar210’ in an effort to aid Haiti and its people. This black tie ‘island style’ evening will include specialty Disaronno cocktails and delectable hors d’oeuvres by Executive Chef Marcel Vigneron and music by DJ Jus Ske.

One hundred percent of the donations received at this event will be directed to Artists for Peace and Justice’s relief efforts in Haiti.

Hollywood Legend Ernest Borgnine's Pre-Oscar Party

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:46:00 +0000

Most of Hollywood’s celebrities are gearing up for this years Academy Awards, with many of them attending pre-parties in support of their favorite charitable organizations.

One such organization, Believe in Dreams, is throwing a private cocktail party, hosted by Ernest Borgnine and  Chandler Lutz, to raise awareness for their organization, whose goal is to improve the quality of life in seriously ill people.

The bash will welcome stars like Sean Penn, Amanda Seyfried, Henry Winkler, Donny  Osmond, Susan Lucci, Nia Vardalos, and takes place in a large soundstage on the famous Universal Studios backlot in Universal City, CA on March 5, 2010.

Ellen DeGeneres Launches eBay Charity Auction For Haiti

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Ellen DeGeneres has launched a special online auction to benefit the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.

Adam Lambert made a special appearance for Ellen’s birthday on Tuesday, January 26th, and after his performance he had a surprise for her — a special signed portrait and a signed pair of Ellen underwear! He knew Ellen has been raising funds for Haiti relief efforts, and offered the gifts to be auctioned.

Country music superstars Lady Antebellum also visited Ellen and wanted to help her raise money for Haitian relief efforts. While there, they autographed a copy of their new CD, “Need You Now,” to be auctioned.

Kanye West Takes To Stage At Charity Event

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:30:00 +0000

The Common Ground Foundation held its second annual “Common & Friends” concert at the famed Hollywood Palladium on Saturday night. The show raised funds for the foundation, created by Grammy-Award winning hip-hop artist and actor, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, best known as Common.

The concert featured live performances from Common, The Roots, Nas, De La Soul, Ludacris, Queen Latifah, Kanye West, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Heavy D, while Freddy Rodriguez, Garth Trinidad, Rasual Butler, Toccara Jones, Serena Williams, Amber Rose, Erica Hubbard, Alyssa Milano, Eva Amurri and Ian Ziering were all in attendance to support the Common Ground Foundation.

“I am very grateful and thankful to all who attended and supported the 2nd annual Common Ground Foundation event. To all the gifted artists that participated – I thank you for giving your time, energy, and creativity,” said Common. “To all the sponsors, thank you for your ongoing commitment to the progress of the future of our youth. God bless… Love.”

Ludacris Joins Common For Charity Hip Hop Concert

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:30:00 +0000

The Common Ground Foundation has announced the second annual “Common & Friends” concert to be held at the famed Hollywood Palladium on September 26, 2009.

The show will raise funds for the foundation, created by actor and hip-hop artist, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, best known as Common. Tickets are available through Live Nation, and the show will feature live performances from Common, Ludacris, Nas, The Roots, De La Soul and many special guests. Tickets are $100 for general admission and $200 for VIP Balcony seating. All proceeds will benefit the Common Ground Foundation.

“For the second year in a row Common and the biggest artists in hip-hop will come out and lend their support for the Common Ground Foundation,” said Executive Director, Jodie Blum. “With proceeds from this amazing event, we are able to raise much needed funds to empower youth in the United States.”

Chicago White Sox Team With Common Ground

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:44:00 +0000

The Chicago White Sox are once again teaming with hip-hop superstar, actor and children’s author Lonnie Rashid Lynn – better known as Common – and the Common Ground Foundation this season for a night at the ballpark to help serve Chicago youth.

On Friday, July 17 at 7:11 p.m., the White Sox will play Baltimore at U.S. Cellular Field. A portion of every ticket purchased on behalf of the Common Ground Foundation when using the special promotion code of “CGF” will go toward the organization.

The Common Ground Foundation was created by Common to serve as an inspiration for equality, opportunity and hope among youth in underserved communities. The Foundation is committed to empowering youth in urban neighborhoods and providing life skills needed to achieve their dreams.

Bid2Beat AIDS For Special Christmas Gifts

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest celebrity charity auction events of the year is currently gearing up for its launch on December 1.

Bid2Beat AIDS is an annual event that will feature over 1000 items from top stars such as 50 Cent, Adam Sandler, Adrian Grenier, Aerosmith, Alec Baldwin, Amy Winehouse, Antonio Banderas, Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz, Common , Death Cab for Cutie, Denzel Washington, P. Diddy, Donny Osmond, Elton John, Fall Out Boy, Foo Fighters, Good Charlotte, Green Day, Hanson, Hilary Duff, Jake Gyllenhaal, James Blunt, James Earl Jones, James Morrison, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z , Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jeremy Piven, Jessica Alba, John Legend, Johnny Depp, Kanye West, Kirsten Dunst, Ludacris , M.I.A., Madonna, Mariah Carey, Neil Patrick Harris, Ozzy Osbourne, Phil Collins, Raven Symone, Razorlight, Rihanna , Sacha Baron Cohen, Sharon Osbourne, Victoria Beckham, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Ferrell, Wyclef Jean, and many, many more. Also up for grabs will be VIP tickets to concerts and backstage visits with stars like Bernadette Peters, Jewel, Aimee Mann, Joan Rivers, and Michael Feinstein.

The annual auction will raise money for LIFEbeat, the music industry’s AIDS fundraising and service charity. The first three BID 2 BEAT AIDS auctions raised nearly $250,000, and this year’s looks set to be the biggest yet.

Stars To Be BRAVE For Veterans

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Hip Hop stars 50 Cent and Ludacris will perform at a concert to raise awareness of veterans causes next month.

“A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE” is part of MTV’s Choose or Lose campaign, an initiative designed to engage, inform and empower young voters on the political issues that matter to them most. The concert hopes to draw attention to a new petition launched by MTV called the Bill of Rights for American Veterans (or BRAVE) which calls on politicians to support vets’ issues and enact positive legislative changes.

“It doesn’t matter where you stand on the war — we can all agree that young veterans serving our country must receive the benefits they’ve earned for their sacrifices,” said MTV President Van Toffler. “By raising awareness through ‘A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE,’ and by launching the BRAVE petition, we aim to elevate these issues and ensure they’re a top priority for our government officials.”

Dave Dobbyn Promotes Hearing Awareness In Fiji

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:30:00 +0000

You may have heard of Heal The World – well, now some of the world’s greatest musicians are taking part in a campaign to raise awareness of hearing loss called Hear The World.

Hear the World is an initiative by Phonak – a leading manufacturer of hearing aids – that aims to raise awareness of the topic of hearing and hearing loss and to promote good hearing all over the world, and musician Dave Dobbyn spent the weekend in Fiji doing exactly that.

“I see other people who support ‘Hear the World’ like Harry Belafonte, Annie Lennox, Placido Domingo,” said 51-year-old Dobbyn, whose new album, Anotherland, has just been released. “I’m in great company when we’re all thinking about our ears and our health. Your ears get fatigued like every organ in your body so to treat them with respect and keep the volume down.”

Rapper To Host Common Ground Concert

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:30:00 +0000

The Common Ground Foundation is to host the first annual “Common’s Start the Show n’ Bowl” and “Common & Friends Concert” to raise over $350,000 for charity.

The event will kick off on September 26 with a VIP gala at the Cartier Boutique in Chicago, with the bowling competition and concert taking place the following day. Joining rapper Common for the festivities will be Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am, as well as The Roots, Talib Kweli, Bilal, Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry, and many more yet to be announced.