Look To The Stars News: Akon

Hip Hop Stars To Come Together For New Museum

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

The National Museum of Hip-Hop (NMoH) will host an exclusive celebrity fundraiser to benefit the development of the “first ever” true Hip-Hop Museum . This Red Carpet affair will take place on Feb 9, 2010 at the M2 Ultra Lounge, 530 West 28th Street, NYC.

Hosted by Chuck D and KRS One, this exclusive star-studded gala will raise funds and awareness for the construction and community initiatives of the museum. Guests will have a preview of some of the museum’s building plans and programs.

This “invitation only” affair will welcome entertainment executives, celebrity rappers, dj’s, b-boys, legendary graffiti artists, Hollywood entertainers, celebrity media personalities, and community leaders. Guests include: Ice T, Akon, Redman, Dana Dane, MC Lyte, Kurtis Blow, Nice n Smooth, DJ Red Alert, Kid Capri, Ralph Mcdaniels, Ja Rule, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Black Sheep, Cold Crush Brothers, Rock Steady Crew, Furious Five, Brand Nubian, Chubb Rock, Bones Thugs-N-Harmony, The Roots, Pete Rock, D Nice, Marley Marl, N.O.R.E., Kid –n- Play, Roxanne Shante, Melly Mel, and an extensive list of others.

The Event Co-Chairs include Bill Adler, Dr. Ben Chavis, Andre Harrell, KRS One, Chuck D, Afrika Bambaataa, Terry Stewart, and Jim Fricke.

“The timing is perfect for the development of a museum that will preserve the great culture of hip-hop; a museum that will serve as not only a beacon for hip-hop’s achievements but also as a hub for community upliftment,” stated Craig Wilson, MBA, President of the Museum.

Once fully developed, the museum will conduct job training programs for the local homeless, substance-abusers, and unemployed borough residents. NMoH will also provide free classes that teach the political process and sponsor students with political career interests, by providing a space/platform for practice debates, campaigns and the development of programs and policy.

The Museum’s Hall of Fame, catering & restaurant operations and profits from visitors will generate millions in economic activity and create great job opportunities throughout NYC.

Lionel Richie Honored By United Negro College Fund

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Legendary singer Lionel Richie was honored with an Award of Excellence by the United Negro College Fund on Saturday night.

Celebrities such as Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Akon, Katharine McPhee and comedian Cedric the Entertainer attended the 31st annual An Evening of Stars event, held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

“[Richie] is a national treasure and we’re proud to claim him, not only as a graduate of our storied member school, Tuskegee University, but as an artist of international renown and longtime supporter of UNCF and the work we do to make sure that every child in America gets an education that starts in preschool and doesn’t end until college graduation,” said UNCF’s CEO Michael L. Lomax.

“It is such an honor to receive this award from UNCF,” said Lionel Richie. “I am a product of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and that experience has had a tremendous influence on my life. I understand the importance of a college education and the impact it can have on our children and our nation. I am honored to join stars like [”Aretha Franklin":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1621-aretha-franklin], Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson and Patti LaBelle who have received UNCF’s Award of Excellence and who support UNCF and its students."

The event will air nationwide on January 23rd and 24th, 2010 on BET Networks and WGN and on more than 40 stations in major cities.

Wayans Brothers Launch Charity Auction

Fri, 29 May 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Catrina K. Sally

The Wayans Brothers are well known for their numerous contributions to the comedy world. In addition to keeping fans of the spoofing genre in stitches, the siblings are donating their designer stitches including shirts, jeans, jackets, and sweaters to benefit children’s charities.

The NorthStar Moving Corporation and Clothes Off Our Back Foundation are collaborating with the comedy family to auction off their charitable goods. Bids can be placed at the Foundation’s site until Tuesday, June 9th at 5 p.m. PDT. All proceeds will directly benefit Feeding America (previously America’s Second Harvest), The Art of Elysium, Hope North, and H.E.L.P. Malawi.

NorthStar Moving Corporation, “the leading eco-luxury mover in California,” collects donations from celebrity patrons and delivers the charitable items to auctions sponsored by The Clothes off Our Back Foundation. All proceeds benefit various children’s charities. Other celebrity supporters include Akon, Jessica Alba, Beyoncé Knowles and Scarlett Johansson.

Peter Buffett Joins Akon For Anti-Slavery Song

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0000

In observance of the 2009 Commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade on the 25th of March, Emmy-award winning musician and philanthropist Peter Buffett and R&B/pop star Akon will publicly debut an issue-inspired song, ‘Blood Into Gold’, with a live performance at a star-studded cultural evening and concert in the United Nation’s General Assembly Hall.

Peter Buffett was asked by non-profit organization, the Culture Project, to write the song specifically for this commemoration. Akon, who has previously collaborated with Peter, loaned his voice and production expertise on ‘Blood Into Gold’. All proceeds from the download of the single will go to an organization whose purpose is to educate and bring an end to human trafficking worldwide. A poignant video to accompany the song is currently in production.

For the first time at the United Nations, the evening concert will bring together: Akon (Senegal/USA) & Peter Buffett (USA); Mezzo-Soprano Audrey Babcock (USA); Soprano Angela Brown (USA); The Blind Boys of Alabama (USA); Izaline Calister (Curacao/The Netherlands); Toumani Diabaté (Mali); Danny Glover (USA); Gilberto Gil (Brazil); Bill T. Jones (USA); Sarah Jones (USA); Salif Keita (Mali) and his Band; Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa); Emeline Michel (Haiti); The Marley Brothers (Jamaica); CCH Pounder (Guyana/USA/Senegal); Stephanie Benson (Ghana); Phylicia Rashad (USA); Tenor Noah Stewart (USA); Randy Weston (USA) and his Quintet; Choreographer Gabri Christa (Curacao/The Netherlands) and others. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and General Assembly President Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann will deliver testimonies at the concert and pre-taped testimonials from Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali will be broadcasted.

The concert is being produced by the Culture Project. Legendary music producer, Nile Rodgers, will be the concert’s music director.

Organized around the theme ‘Breaking the Silence, Beating the Drum’, the concert is part of a series of events celebrating the triumph of the spirit over slavery and human trafficking. This year’s theme was chosen because drums are traditionally used throughout the world, especially in Africa, to send a loud message. In this case, drums will serve to remind all of the causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade, and of the dangers of racism and prejudice.

Peter Buffett and Akon’s social action website, IsThereSomethingICanDo.com, will re-launch on March 25th to coincide with the release of ‘Blood Into Gold.’ Powered by YourCause.com, the leading cause-focused social networking site, the site is an online destination where users can get involved, share personal experiences in making a difference, and meet others with common goals and a passion for change. Spotlighting a new social cause of worldwide concern monthly, April will bring much-needed attention to human trafficking as the featured subject with more to come.

Chase Johnson To Host Rock The Smile

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Chase Johnson from MTV’s Laguna Beach will host a special event for charity this weekend.

Rock The Smile is a dance and fashion show that will be held at the San Clemente Community Center in Orange County, Los Angeles, on Saturday, January 24 to raise money for Operation Smile. Over 300 teens from high schools around the area are expected to be part of the event that aims to change children’s lives forever.

Operation Smile is an organization that provides free reconstructive surgery to tens of thousands of children and young adults in 25 developing countries and the United States. Not only does this help the financial burden of surgery, but also brings patients new hope and new lives.

Since appearing on Laguna Beach, Chase Johnson has become known for his charity work. Last year he attended the CNN Hero Awards, Rodney Jerkins’ Toy GiveAway, Akon’s Holiday Celebrity Toy Drive, and many more charitable events. He will be releasing a solo album in June.

For more information and tickets – which cost $15 – contact Sam or Frannie Coxe on 949-365-1739.

Inaugural Hip Hop Ball Provides Catalyst For Education

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Russell Simmons, Valeisha Butterfield, Dr. Benjamin Chavis and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), the world’s largest coalition of hip-hop artists and entertainment industry executives, announced today that Heineken is the Presenting Sponsor and MySpace Music Hip-Hop (www.myspace.com/hiphop) is the Platinum Online Sponsor of the upcoming Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball, a black tie charity gala, on January 19, 2009 at 8:00pm, at The Harman Center for the Arts, 610 F Street, N.W., Washington, DC.

Russell Simmons, HSAN Chairman and Co-founder, emphasized, “The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball will be a fantastic gala and upscale party in celebration of Barack Obama being inaugurated President of the United States. We are also recognizing the outstanding contributions of T.I., LL Cool J and [”Young Jeezy":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1619-young-jeezy] in helping to turn out the largest young adult vote in American history."

“Heineken is proud to be part of the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball, celebrating the drive and passion of artists who were instrumental in mobilizing voter turnout in this year’s election,” said Filip Wouters, Vice President of Marketing for the Heineken Brand Equity. “While all of these artists have achieved tremendous success through their music, Heineken further applauds their efforts to empower and encourage voters to take an active role in their futures by casting their votes in this historic election.”

MySpace Political Director, Lee Brenner stated, “It’s a great honor to be part of this momentous occasion and to be partnering with the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network for this celebration of positive change. As the biggest online community for Hip-Hop music, we feel that it is a privilege to help spread the word about the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball and all that it stands for.”

The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball is a fundraiser with all ticket proceeds going to the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network to continue its non-profit work in helping to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other empowerment programs for young adults throughout the United States.

Tickets can be purchased on a first come, first served basis by going to www.Hiphopinaugural.org or www.HSAN.org.

The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball will kick off with a star-studded red carpet and celebrity sponsorship reception at 8pm at the Harman Center, followed by an awards presentation and a VIP black tie gala and party on all four levels of the venue. DJ D-Nice will serve as the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball Celebrity DJ throughout the whole night.

The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball Host Committee is a select group of hip-hop leaders and artists who have expressed their endorsement and support including T-Pain, Akon, Bryan-Michael Cox, Big Jon Platt, Fat Joe, MC Lyte, Terrence J, Devyne Stephens, Mario, Ginuwine, DJ Don Cannon, Winky Wright, NFL players Baltimore Ravens’ Terrell Suggs, San Francisco 49ers’ Vernon Davis and Free Agent All Pro Defensive End, Simeon Rice.

Peter Buffett Offers Album Download For Charity

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Food Bank For New York City is seeing first hand the effects of the economic downturn – finding funding has become more challenging while the need for emergency food is increasing rapidly.

The Food Bank’s Community Kitchen of West Harlem, which served 92,000 meals last year, has seen its already long lines become even longer. As demand for emergency food increases, supply continues to decrease. More than 1.3 million New York City residents turned to food assistance in 2007 – a 24 percent increase from 2004. Given the downward economic climate, compounded by skyrocketing food prices and escalating unemployment, the demand for food is reaching crisis levels.

Recognizing this time of unprecedented need, Peter Buffett, The Robin Hood Foundation, AmieStreet.com, and the Food Bank For New York City have united to help fund the Food Bank this holiday season.

Starting today, Peter Buffett’s new holiday album, Star of Wonder, is available to download for free at http://amiestreet.com/fhb. For every free download, AmieStreet.com will make a $1 donation, which will be tripled by Robin Hood, allowing the Food Bank to provide 15 meals for New Yorkers in need.

“I have always looked for ways in which the music I make can play a larger role in the lives of others,” said Buffett, the son of Warren Buffett. “And I can think of no better way to accomplish this than having the direct effect of a download of free holiday music support the Food Bank of New York City. Every day millions of New Yorkers are dependent on the generosity of others – and by simply downloading this holiday album an additional 15 meals will be provided to those in need.”

In his accomplished career, Buffett, an Emmy Award-winning musician, has authored commercials for MTV, CNN and Coca-Cola, scored part of Dances With Wolves, and collaborated with Grammy-winner Akon, which was part of a previous Download To Make A Difference campaign with AmieStreet.com. He recently launched his new ‘Concert and Conversation’ series in the Fall of 2008, which is an entertaining and informative look at Peter’s extensive background in music, punctuated with stories about his philanthropic and life experiences as the son of one of the most noteworthy investors of our time.

Idol And Dancing With The Stars Auctions For Great Causes

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:59:51 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

What’s better than an auction featuring items from your favorite television show? An auction featuring items from two of your favorite television shows! Fans of American Idol and Dancing With The Stars will be jumping up and down with excitement when they see what’s on offer over at www.clothesoffourback.org this week, with a mouthwatering assortment of garments and other surprises up for grabs.

The auction presents a unique opportunity for all those people who have watched Dancing With The Stars and said to themselves “I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes.” A host of the best celebrity dancers from the show are selling their fancy footwear for charity, and are inviting people to step up and make a bid. Melanie Brown, Vivica Fox, Julianne Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, Samantha Harris, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Jane Seymour, and Lisa Rima are all putting their best foot forward and donating shoes to the auction, and the highest bidders will also receive a selection of products from Dr Scholl. Proceeds will go to a selection of charities chosen by the stars.

Anybody interested in the auction should hot-foot it over there soon – the auction ends on May 7.

Following hot on the heels of the shoe auction is a sale from American Idol’s Kimberley Locke. The Season 2 finalist is auctioning the dress she wore when she performed her song “Fall” on the show, and it just happens that the garment was designed by Project Runway’s Season 4 winner, Christian Siriano. The auction ends on April 18, and proceeds will benefit Camp Heartland.

And just in case you want to put your feet up after all of your hard bidding, why not check out the Modern Studio Furnishings celebrity signed couch that is also on offer over at Clothes Off Our Back. A colossal crowd of celebrities have autographed the sofa, used at last year’s BET Awards, including Patti La Belle, Gladys Knight, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Robin Thicke, Akon, Stevie Wonder, Vanessa Williams, and many more. Proceeds from the auction – which ends April 18 – will go to the BET Foundation.

What a pity it is only signatures on the couch… it would make for a cosy and interesting evening squeezed up to all those celebrities!

Look To The Stars News: Akon

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