Look To The Stars News: Rufus Wainwright

Black Eyed Peas And Sting Raise Millions For Charity

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

New Yorkers joined together over the weekend to help millions of their less fortunate neighbors.

Robin Hood – New York’s largest private poverty-fighter – announced today that combined VIP tickets sales and donations made via texts from Friday night’s Black Eyed Peas concert in Central Park, donations on robinhood.org as well as ticket proceeds from Sting’s 25th anniversary/60th birthday concert at the Beacon Theatre on Saturday night, raised more than $7 million to fight poverty in New York City. These funds will be earmarked to support food pantries, homeless shelters, health clinics and will provide jobs training for New Yorkers in need throughout the five boroughs.

“This was an amazing weekend of music, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see New Yorkers come together during difficult times to help their neighbors in need,” said David Saltzman, executive director of Robin Hood. “The Black Eyed Peas and Sting have a long history of giving back to their communities and we’re truly honored that they’ve chosen to help the 1.8 million New Yorkers living in poverty through Robin Hood; we hope to do them proud.”

Sting's 60th Raises Millions For Charity

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

A host of stars – including Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and Mary J. Blige – helped celebrate Sting’s 60th birthday on Saturday night, and raised $3.7 million for charity in the process.

The stars took part in a massive charity concert at New York’s Beacon Theater in front of an audience that included Trudie Styler, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Jake Gyllenhaal and Melanie Griffith, as well as 32 members of Britain’s Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, who have all completed missions in Afghanistan.

Also appearing on stage at the event were Robert Downey Jr, will.i.am, Chris Botti, Herbie Hancock, Rufus Wainwright, Joe Sumner and Branford Marsalis.

Sting To Host Celebrity Charity Birthday Party

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Sting will be joined onstage by a number of musical legends this weekend at a special charity concert celebrating his 60th birthday.

The concert at New York City’s Beacon Theater on Saturday, October 1, will feature appearances by Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Herbie Hancock, Robert Downey Jr, Vince Gill, will.i.am, Rufus Wainwright, Branford Marsalis, Billy Joel, and Chris Botti.

Heidi Klum Attends Celebrity Charity Gala In Milan

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:05:00 +0000

Heidi Klum, Bar Rafaeli and Eva Herzigova were among the stars at amfAR Milano on Friday, the American Foundation for AIDS Research’s third annual benefit held in conjunction with Milan Fashion Week.

With special performances by Rufus Wainwright and Raphael Saadiq, and an appearance by amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, the event took place at La Permanente, and featured cocktails and dinner, as well as amfAR’s famed live auction of unique luxury items, conducted by guest auctioneer Simon de Pury.

Through the years, the Italian fashion community has been exemplary in its support of amfAR, with fashion houses and designers underwriting and leading many of the Foundation’s most successful fundraising efforts. Since amfAR’s first international benefit, held in 1993 during the Cannes Film Festival and hosted by amfAR Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor, the Foundation’s international galas in Cannes, Venice, Rome, and Dubai have become some of the most high-profile and eagerly anticipated charity events in the world and have helped raise more than $70 million for critical AIDS research programs.

Sting To Celebrate 60th Birthday With Massive Celebrity Charity Concert

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:15:00 +0000

On October 1, 2011, join Sting at the Beacon Theater in New York City as he celebrates the 25th anniversary of his solo career on the eve of his 60th birthday with a very special concert event to benefit the Robin Hood Foundation.

Representing a cross section of Sting’s vast portfolio of work and collaborations throughout his enduring career, special guest performers include Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Herbie Hancock, Robert Downey Jr, Vince Gill, will.i.am, Rufus Wainwright, Branford Marsalis, Billy Joel, and Chris Botti.

Natalie Portman Joins Celebrities In Supporting Freedom To Marry

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Natalie Portman and her fiance, Benjamin Millepied, are the latest stars to sign a letter urging Barack Obama to consider the marriage rights of same-sex couples.

The I Do letter has gained the support of 100,000 people, including Lance Bass, Dustin Lance Black, Ellen and Portia DeGeneres, Melissa Etheridge, David Geffen, Anne Hathaway, Cyndi Lauper, Jane Lynch, Eric McCormack, LeAnn Rimes, Martin Sheen, Lily Tomlin and Rufus Wainwright.

“Natalie Portman and her fiance, Benjamin Millepied, are in love, and believe all loving couples should be able to share in the freedom to marry without discrimination,” says Evan Wolfson, president of campaign group Freedom to Marry, "That is why they are joining the more than 100,000 people on Freedom to Marry’s Say, “I Do” Open Letter calling on the president to do the right think and become part of America’s majority for marriage."

Bill Clinton And Sting Honored At Charity Fisherman's Ball

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Hundreds of clean water supporters gathered on the Hudson River last night for Riverkeeper’s Annual Fishermen’s Ball to honor the environmental advocacy of President Bill Clinton and Trudie Styler and Sting.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and John McEnroe were among the notables present, and guests were treated to a special musical performance by Rufus Wainwright. Riverkeeper presented its honorees with the inaugural “Big Fish” Award to recognize their extraordinary contributions to environmental protection.

Funds raised benefit Riverkeeper, New York’s clean water advocate.

Celebrities Pen Letter To President Obama For Gay Rights

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

A number of stars have added their names to a letter to Barack Obama urging him to end discrimination of same-sex marriages.

Anne Hathaway, Ellen DeGeneres, Jane Lynch, David Geffen, Eric McCormack, Martin Sheen, Melissa Etheridge, Rufus Wainwright and many others have signed the letter.

“In law, in love, in life, marriage says ‘we are family’ in a way that nothing else does,” reads the letter. “Marriage is the coming together of two lives, marked by a public promise of love and responsibility in front of friends and family. And marriage brings not only public respect and personal significance, but also a safety net of legal protections, rights, and responsibilities for which there is no substitute.”

Susan Sarandon To Host Celebrity Charity Ping-Pong Ball

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Susan Sarandon will join Mary-Louise Parker as host of a very special night of celebrity charity ping-pong and live music in New York later this month.

The Ping-Pong Ball will benefit Hope North – a 40-acre campus in northern Uganda where refugees, orphans and escaped child soldiers find a place to call home – and will feature live music from Rufus Wainwright, Josh Ritter, Jesse Malin, Martha Wainwright, Charlie Mars and Hope North founder Okello Kelo Sam. There will also be an auction hosted by Ryan Willard.

The host committee for the event includes Forest Whitaker, Chris Rock, Malaak Compton-Rock, Julianne Moore, Adrian Grenier and many more.

Stars Want You To Protect The Skin You're In

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Model Marisa Miller has joined the fight against skin cancer by posing nude for a new charity campaign.

The model has swapped her swimsuit for her birthday suit Marc Jacob’s Protect The Skin You’re In campaign, with her image appearing on t-shirts and other merchandise. She joins a host of other celebrities who have appeared on shirts for the campaign in the past.

Kylie Minogue Joins Rufus Wainwright On Stage For Charity

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Kylie Minogue joined Rufus Wainwright on stage at the Hamptons Watermill Center on Saturday for a special charity performance.

Rocking out tunes such as Can’t Get You Out Of My Head and Locomotion, the pair raised $200,000 for the Watermill Center’s artist in residence and education programs.

Watching from the audience were a plethora of famous faces, including Anjelica Huston and Mark Ronson.

Adam Lambert To Perform At GLAAD Awards

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced today that recording artist Adam Lambert will perform at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards Presented in Los Angeles on April 17, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

The GLAAD Media Awards elevate and promote fair, accurate and inclusive stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, people and allies that have increased awareness, understanding and respect for the lives of LGBT people. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories of LGBT people and issues that build support for equality.

“GLAAD has advocated for out music artists, including myself, and I am proud to be part of the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards this year,” said Adam Lambert. “GLAAD’s work to share stories that grow acceptance and understanding about the gay and transgender community is so important in our culture today.”

Drew Barrymore To Be Honored By Gay And Lesbian Alliance

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:10:00 +0000

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has announced that Golden Globe Award-winning actress and producer Drew Barrymore will receive the Vanguard Award, and Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Wanda Sykes will receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards on April 17 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

The GLAAD Media Awards elevate and promote fair, accurate and inclusive stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, people and allies that have increased awareness, understanding and respect for the lives of LGBT people. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to bring stories of LGBT people and issues to Americans.

Actress Drew Barrymore will receive the Vanguard Award which is presented to media professionals who have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community. In 2009, Barrymore took on the role of the lesbian daughter of a widower played by Robert De Niro in Everybody’s Fine, nominated for Outstanding Film – Wide Release at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards, and in 1995 starred in Boys on the Side which won the Outstanding Film award at the 7th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. She also joined thousands of marriage equality advocates in the streets of West Hollywood when the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, which eliminated marriage for gay and lesbian couples. Past recipients of The Vanguard Award include Charlize Theron, Antonio Banderas, Sharon Stone, Eric McCormack, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Kathy Griffin and Whoopi Goldberg.

Stars Remember Natasha Richardson At Charity Gala

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The stars were out and about on Wednesday, February 10, to remember actress Natasha Richardson – who died in a skiing accident last year – and honor Elton John at the annual New York Fundraiser for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

The event, held at Cipriani 42nd Street, featured performances by Rufus Wainwright and Lady Gaga, and featured a guest list that included Cyndi Lauper, Vanessa Redgrave, Meryl Streep, Sharon Stone, Stanley Tucci and many more.

Sir Elton received amfAR’s Award of Courage for outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furthering amfAR’s mission, and for playing a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research.

Guests Announced For UK A Not So Silent Night Concert

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Boy George, Dawn French, Guy Garvey, Jennifer Saunders and The Thompsons (Teddy, Kami, Linda) are just a few of the special guests and friends announced for the hotly anticipated Wainwright/McGarrigle Family Christmas concert, ‘A Not So Silent Night’ at the Royal Albert Hall, December 9th. It is the first time the show will take place in the UK.

This special seasonal Royal Albert Hall show will be headlined by Rufus and Martha Wainwright, and will also include performances by Ed Harcourt, International soprano and ‘Prima Donna’ star Janis Kelly, Jenni Muldaur plus human beatbox Shlomo.

In the US, Christmas has practically become synonymous with the bi-annual Wainwright/McGarrigle Carnegie Hall shows. The New York Times has called the show an “enactment of a family gathering: motley, full of overlapping agendas, a little sentimental, a little fractious but harmonious in the end.”

Bono And Friends Rock Carnegie Hall For Charity

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

U2’s Bono and The Edge led an assortment of stars – including Courtney Love, Lou Reed, Scarlett Johansson, Rufus Wainwright and Lady GaGa at the massive (RED)NIGHTS charity concert in New York on Sunday, October 4.

Held at Carnegie Hall, the concert will benefit Bono’s (RED) charity to eliminate AIDS in Africa, and follows the successful (RED)NIGHTS concerts that were held earlier this year, featuring Katy Perry, Fall Out Boy, The Veronicas and many others.

The musicians reportedly took part in some massive jam sessions during the concert, playing David Bowie’s Jean Genie and The Velvet Underground’s ‘Sweet Jane’.

U2 To Turn The Night RED For Charity

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000

U2 will join a host of performers including Scarlett Johansson, Courtney Love, Maria McKee, Shane MacGowan, Martha Wainwright, Rufus Wainwright plus other special guests for a special concert to benefit Bono’s (RED) on October 4.

The concert follows the successful (RED)NIGHTS concerts that were held earlier this year, featuring Katy Perry, Fall Out Boy, The Veronicas and many others.

The concert will take place at New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall and, as with all (RED)NIGHTS shows, a portion of the proceeds from the concert goes directly to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Rufus Wainwright To Headline A Not So Silent Night

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright will join his sister Martha Wainwright, Kate McGarrigle, family & friends for a charity show in London in December called A Not So Silent Night.

This special show will take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England on Wednesday, December 9th.

A limited number of exclusive A Not So Silent Night VIP Packages include excellent seats for the concert, entry to an intimate post-show cocktail with the performers, and unique gift bags are available. These packages can be obtained by making a donation of $1,000 CAD, $750 USD, or £500 GPB to benefit cancer research in Canada and the UK through the Kate McGarrigle Fund and Cancer Research UK.

Stars Join Together To Raise Money For Emerging Artists

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Rufus and Martha Wainwright will appear alongside Norah Jones at the second annual Watermill Summer Concert to raise funds for emerging artists.

The show, called ‘Last Show of Summer,’ will take place on Saturday 29th August in the Hamptons and will commence at 5pm. Whilst Martha Wainwright will perform a selection of material from her new project of rare Edith Piaf songs, it is reported that her brother Rufus Wainwright will sing with Norah Jones on stage for the first time.

Marisa Petroro Attends Sarcoma Gala

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

The Seventh Annual Fundraising Gala for the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to increasing research to find new and better therapies with which to treat patients with sarcoma, was held on Monday, April 20, 2009, at Cipriani 42nd Street New York City. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the organization’s sarcoma research programs.

“It has been an incredible year for the SFA. With the support of many generous people we have been able to fund 10 sarcoma research grants this year,” said actress Marisa Petroro, 2009 spokesperson for SFA and an 18-year survivor of Rhabdomyosarcoma. “The gala is a time to celebrate, but it is also a reminder for us to be resolute if we are to find the cure.”

This year, the SFA honored Beverlye Hyman Fead, artist and author, and singer/songwriter Kate McGarrigle with their Courage Award. The award is given to individuals for their strength and perseverance in their battle against sarcoma.

Lily Allen To Go Abroad With War Child

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0000

British singer Lily Allen has announced her plans to travel overseas for charity and explained why.

“I sometimes feel like my life is a bit empty – as ridiculous as that sounds to some people, a bit vacuous,” she told Q Radio host Samanthi. "It is pop music and people do talk about it too much and sometimes I feel like I want to have a bit more substance in my life.

“I am going to be going to Afghanistan or the Congo in a few weeks to help War Child. They want me to go there and see how the money I have earned for them in the past is being used. And that is the stuff I get really excited about.”

Springsteen Chooses Rockers For Charity Album

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:30:00 +0000

The long-delayed Heroes charity album will finally get its release in February, and anticipation is already high from music fans and musicians alike.

“We’d already done ‘Atlantic City’ at a charity benefit, so we kind of had an arrangement worked up, so we decided to record that,” Craig Finn, lead singer with The Hold Steady told XFM radio after Bruce Springsteen chose the Brooklyn-based band to cover his song for Heroes. “It’s a pretty fun song, and I’m pretty happy with our version of it. We’ve been compared to Bruce Springsteen a lot, and he is a hero to all of us. It’s flattering that he’d think of us, given the choice. We hope our version of the song conveys the respect we have for him as an artist.”

The album will raise money for War Child, and features a series of once-in-a-lifetime collaborations between some of the best known names in the music world and up-and-coming stars – a concept that mirrors one of the intrinsic aims of War Child’s worldwide efforts in war zones across the world – to place faith in the next generation. Stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Brian Wilson have selected one of their best-known classic songs and nominated a new artist to record a cover of the track. Artists taking part include Beck, who will cover Dylan’s Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat; Rufus Wainwright, who will perform a medley from Wilson’s Smile; and The Kooks, who will cover The Kinks’ Victoria.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Benefits AIDS Charities

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Sir Elton John performed at a special concert celebrating the 35th anniversary of his classic album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road in New York on Monday.

The concert benefited a number of AIDS charities, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and included the album being played in its entirity by a host of artists such as Jane Krakowski, Ben Folds, Rufus Wainwright and Jake Shears.

Sir Elton appeared on stage to perform the final three songs of the night – Roy Rogers, Social Disease, and Harmony.

Singers Cover Heroes For War Child

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:30:00 +0000

War Child has announced the release of their biggest and most ambitious album to date: Heroes.

The album – to be released on November 24 – will raise money for the charity, which works to help children around the world affected by war. It will feature a series of once-in-a-lifetime collaborations between some of the best known names in the music world and up-and-coming stars – a concept that mirrors one of the intrinsic aims of War Child’s worldwide efforts in war zones across the world – to place faith in the next generation.

The idea behind the project is to have stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Brian Wilson select one of their best-known classic songs and nominate a new artist to record a cover of the track.

Stars Support Fashion Against AIDS

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:14:07 +0000

A major worldwide fashion store and a charity set up by artists and fashion designers have initiated a campaign to help raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS projects.

H&M, a chain of 1,500 stores spread across 28 countries, has joined together with Designers Against AIDS to launch Fashion Against AIDS, a clothing collection for men and women, designed to draw attention to HIV/AIDS and increase awareness of the disease. Musicians, designers and artists such as Timbaland, Good Charlotte, Jade Jagger, and Ziggy Marley have collaborated to create a special selection of T-shirts, tank tops, and hooded sweatshirts that use color and style to highlight the cause.

“Supporting the Fashion Against AIDS campaign was a great way to encourage my fans to join me in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said singer Rihanna, who is also taking part in the initiative. “I love that H&M is providing a fashionable and easy way for young people all over the world to get involved in this worthy cause.”