Look To The Stars News: Willie Nelson

Celebrity Charity Concert Raises Money For Wildfire Victims

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:30:00 +0000

The Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, George Strait and Christopher Cross were some of the artists who hit the stage for a concert on Monday to help victims of wildfires in Texas.

The celebrity charity concert in Austin raised over $500,000 for victims of the September fires that killed two people and destroyed over 1,500 homes.

“When they called us to do this show, there was zero hesitation,” Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines told the crowd. “You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can’t take Texas out of the girl.”

The Nature Conservancy Names The Greenest Bands Ever

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0000

In honor of the 10th Anniversary of the legendary Austin City Limits Festival, a new list recognizes bands that are making great music while fighting to save the planet

If there’s anything Austin knows, it’s live music. But as important as entertainment is, The Nature Conservancy understands the impact all those tour buses and visitors can have on our environment. That’s why The Nature Conservancy loves bands that not only talk the talk, but walk the walk – the green walk, that is. Check out some of the organization’s favorite eco-friendly acts, all of whom have graced a stage at the Austin City Limits Festival during its 10-year run.

“A recent nationwide poll by The Nature Conservancy found that musicians are among the top three most powerful influencers on environmental issues for America’s youth,” said Laura Huffman, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Texas. “Music really does have the power to change the world. This is why these artists and events like ACL, which has incorporated a green message into just about every aspect of the festival, are massively important for educating and inspiring our next generation of environmental leaders.”

Willie Nelson To Be Honored For Charity Work

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Country music legend Willie Nelson is to be inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame for his role as founder and president of Farm Aid.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to join the company of the 38 prominent inductees already in the Agricultural Hall of Fame,” he said. “I have long said that family farmers are the backbone of our country. I never thought Farm Aid would need to be around as long as it has been, but we know our country needs family farmers, and Farm Aid will be here as long as family farmers need us. It’s up to all of us to work together to keep family farmers growing.”

The induction will be made on August 13, prior to this year’s annual Farm Aid concert in Kansas City.

Big Stars Align For Farm Aid Celebrity Charity Concert

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

Farm Aid 2011- the celebrity charity concert for farmers – will take place at the LIVESTRONG Sporting Park in Kansas City on August 13.

Each year, Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews headline a Farm Aid concert to bring together a wide variety of musicians, farmers and fans for one mission: keeping family farmers on their land. Farm Aid is the longest running benefit concert series in America, raising more than $37 million to help family farmers thrive all over the country while inspiring millions of people to learn about the Good Food movement.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my friends together in Kansas for the first time to honor family farmers” said Farm Aid president Willie Nelson. “Farm Aid celebrates the independent family farmers and ranchers who make this country strong, and we know we can only fix the challenges our country faces with the know-how of family farmers.”

Ronnie Wood And Willie Nelson Rock For Kidz

Tue, 10 May 2011 15:00:00 +0000

America’s Baby Cancer Foundation has announced the offer for sale of two music memorabilia items to mark the launch of its new Rock for Kidz charitable program.

For sale are the worldwide publishing rights to a previously unreleased song featuring Willie Nelson, entitled “Indian Paintbrushes, Blue Bonnets and You,” and a limited edition art print by Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, entitled “Conversation Piece.” These two items were donated to Rock for Kidz through the generosity of private individuals. The proceeds of the sale will benefit America’s Baby Cancer Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that provides support to the families of children with cancer.

Jack Johnson Headlines Celebrity Charity Concert For Japan

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Jack Johnson was joined on stage in Hawaii on Sunday, April 10, by a host of stars at a special celebrity charity concert for Japan.

The singer hit the stage with Willie Nelson, Michael McDonald and Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood for the Kokua For Japan gig, which raised $1.6 million for victims of the Japanese tsunami disaster.

“Kokua for Japan was truly a labour of love to show our care and concern for the people of Japan,” said Coralie Chun Matayoshi of the Hawaiian branch of the American Red Cross. “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support that Hawaii’s people have shown today. Their compassion will give strength to humanitarian efforts in Japan as we help them recover from this terrible tragedy. We want to thank everyone involved in this event for their wonderful contribution to the cause of humanity.”

Willie Nelson Records Rolling Stones Classic For Animal Charity

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:30:00 +0000

The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) has announced the exclusive release of the Rolling Stones’ classic “Wild Horses” – performed and produced by the legendary Willie Nelson and his family members.

Willie & The Nelson Family are donating the proceeds from the sale of the song to AWI’s campaigns on behalf of wild and domestic horses. Willie and the entire Nelson family are long-time supporters of AWI and its efforts to end horse slaughter and preserve the right of wild horses to roam free.

Neil Young To Receive Humanitarian Award

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Legendary musician Neil Young will receive the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award during the JUNOs, Canada’s music awards event, on March 27. The Allan Waters Humanitarian Award “recognizes an outstanding Canadian artist whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada.”

A long time campaigner for social issues, Young’s concern about the survivability of American small farms led him to co-found Farm Aid, a benefit concert and awareness drive, in the mid-80s, along with musicians Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp. In its 25 years of existence, Farm Aid has raised over 37 million dollars to help save farms from foreclosure.

Willie Nelson And Woody Harrelson To Hold Charity Poker Tournament

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Willie Nelson and Woody Harrelson will host a very special charity poker tournament later this month.

The pair will hold the "Willie and Woody All-Star Texas Hold ’Em Charity Tournament on September 27 at the Hustler Casino in LA to benefit the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, which aims to increase awareness of community-based biodiesel initiatives.

The no-limit tournament will also feature a silent auction that includes items such as a lithograph signed by Jack Johnson, a guitar donated by Ziggy Marley, and a SBA Bandanna signed by Willie Nelson.

Farm Aid Launches Celebrity Charity Auction

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Farm Aid 25 takes place in Milwaukee on October 2, and a number of ticket packages are going under the hammer in an online auction to raise money for the charity event.

Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family-farm centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $37 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

This year’s concert will be held in Milwaukee on Saturday, October 2 at Miller Park. The performing artist line-up includes: Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Kenny Chesney, Norah Jones, Jason Mraz, Jeff Tweedy, Band of Horses, The BoDeans, Amos Lee, Robert Francis, Lukas Nelson and The Promise of the Real.

Willie Nelson Challenges Fans To Go Green

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Willie Nelson is challenging you to make an eco-friendly change in your life – and offering cool prizes if you do.

The country star wants you to take a photo of yourself using an alternative form of transport – one that has less of an effect on the environment. Simply by sending your photo to the Green Music Group, you can win $500 to spend at the Hard Rock Cafe. Every two weeks a GMG artist will make a challenge, and at the end of the competition – in August – one lucky entry will win a Honda Hybrid LX.

Willie is one of the founding members of the Green Music Group, along with Sheryl Crow, the Dave Matthews Band, The Roots, Linkin Park, Bonnie Raitt, Maroon 5, Barenaked Ladies and Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records. GMG is a large-scale, high-profile environmental coalition of musicians, industry leaders and music fans using their collective power to bring about widespread environmental change within the music industry and around the globe.

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.

Sheryl Crow Rides Out For Horses

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Singer Sheryl Crow is trying to stop the US government from relocating wild horses from their native lands in the plains in the West to the East.

The government claims the horses have become too numerous, and the ranges of Nevada can no longer support them. Plans have been made to transport around 25,000 to new pastures.

“I think there has to be a better way than taking them away from their native lands,” said Crow. "I feel so passionate about the issue because wild horses are one of the last remaining ties to the land as it was and our history in America.

Legends Sign Guitars For Charity Auction

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

A huge selection of guitars signed by rock legends both old and new will go under the hammer next weekend to aid in the fight against child cancer.

Stars Guitars is a family friendly gala that will feature a concert by REO Speedwagon, exciting live and silent auctions featuring guitars signed by popular musicians and a gourmet strolling dinner. Proceeds from this high-energy evening support the Charles A. Main, M.D. Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund of Beaumont Hospitals. In addition to college scholarships, health grants will also be awarded to Beaumont Hospitals’ Late Effects Clinic for Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

Among the guitars on offer are instruments signed by Carlos Santana, Ozzy Osbourne, The Doobie Brothers, Jason Mraz, Alice Cooper, Steve Vai, Yoko Ono, Paramore, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Les Paul, Bad Company, Melissa Etheridge, Motley Crue, Counting Crows, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Kid Rock, Bob Seger, Angels & Airwaves, Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Eat World, Rob Zombie, Staind, The Jonas Brothers, Gretchen Wilson, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney and many more.

Farm Aid 2009 Hits Missouri

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Farm Aid 2009 was held in Missouri on Sunday, October 4, and featured performances by Farm Aid board members Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews and John Mellencamp.

Held at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, it was the first time the annual event has been held in the state.

“Family farmers are the first rung of the economic ladder in this country,” said Willie Nelson, president and founder of Farm Aid. “Against all odds, they have persevered and found ways to stay on their land, growing good food for all of us and creating strong communities. It’s time now for policy to rise to meet their needs with fair prices and support for their innovations.”

Early Tickets To Farm Aid Go On Sale Today

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Pre-sale tickets to this year’s Farm Aid concert are available today, July 17.

The concert will take place on October 4 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The annual event is set to include Farm Aid board members Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews and John Mellencamp, with more acts to be announced soon.

“Just as rock & roll is loud and proud, so is Farm Aid,” said Neil Young. “Farm Aid’s greatest accomplishment, I believe, is in the spirit. It’s the fact that we represent the spirit of the good fight, to keep something good happening. It just keeps getting stronger and stronger….”

Jack Johnson And Friends Launch Charity Auction

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Jack Johnson has signed a guitar as part of his new charity auction to raise money for the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, an organization that supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawaii.

As well as the guitar, Johnson has also donated a signed surfboard, CDs, songbooks, photos and a signed poster collection to the auction. Other artists to join him in donating items include the Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper, and Eddie Vedder – all who have donated concert tickets – and Willie Nelson, who has signed a pair of his old sneakers! Jackson Browne has donated a selection of autographed CDs and LPs.

Established by Johnson and his wife, Kim, the Kokua Hawaii Foundation’s mission is to provide students with experiences that will enhance their appreciation for and understanding of their environment so they will be lifelong stewards of the earth. It supports hands-on learning activities that engage their senses and make lasting impressions on children’s minds.

William Shatner To Host Charity Horse Show

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:00:00 +0000

For the past nineteen years, William Shatner has spearheaded the Hollywood Charity Horse Show to raise money for a worthy children’s charity.

It was back in the late 1980s that Shatner first watched an exhibition by children who were so severely handicapped that some of them could not hold their head up, yet there they were going through intricate exercises on the back of a horse. The program was sponsored by Ahead With Horses, a therapeutic riding group for handicapped children.

When the exhibition was over, Shatner sat, deeply affected by what he had seen. “You can’t watch these kids without knowing you have to help, somehow.” And so, in March of 1990 came the birth of the first Hollywood Charity Horse Show. Soon, other charities in need of help were added, small, grass root charities doing big time jobs.

William Shatner Helps Children With Horse Show

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0000

William Shatner is probably best known for his rendezvous in outer space and his diligence in protecting people from high hotel prices, but the high-profile actor has another project near and dear to his heart—and this venture involves horses.

Since March 2009, Shatner has been the organizer of the Hollywood Charity Horse Show. The idea for the program birthed from the actor’s viewing of a 1980 exhibition by severely handicapped children. The children – including some who could barely hold their heads up – were performing complex calisthenics on the back of a horse. The program was sponsored by Ahead With Horses, a therapeutic riding group for handicapped children. Shatner commented, “You can’t watch these kids without knowing you have to help, somehow.” And help he did.

Today, the Hollywood Charity Horse Show is an annual, nationally-covered event. HCHS begins with world-class reining horses and riders competing for honors by performing spectacular stunts and tricks. The competition is followed by an auction and music show put on by popular artist such as Brad Paisley, The Ben Folds Five, Lyle Lovett and Randy Travis.

Catch A Baseball Signed By Five US Presidents For Charity

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +0000

A complete set of Harry Potter books signed by author JK Rowling and artworks signed by former president Jimmy Carter are some of the items up for sale in an exciting new auction to raise money for an organization that promotes peace and health worldwide and monitors elections in struggling democracies.

Over 100 items will be up for grabs in the auction, to benefit the Carter Center. One of the most sought-after prizes is a baseball signed by five American presidents – George Bush Sr, George W. Bush Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter. Also raising eyebrows and bids will be a a certificate commemorating the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing, signed by Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins and Neil Armstrong. There are also photographs taken on the moon and signed by the astronauts, as well as guitars signed by Crosby, Stills and Nash, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Michael Stipe, Bruce Springsteen and Kid Rock.

The auction will take place during the Carter Center’s annual Winter Weekend celebration Feb. 7 in Port St. Lucie. More information about the auction and how to bid online can be found at the Carter Center website.

Singers Make Paper Dolls For Charity Auction

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Some of the biggest country stars on the planet have decorated paper dolls in an exciting new charity initiative.

Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson Trace Adkins, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Tracy Byrd, LeAnn Rimes, Willie Nelson, Jewel, Wynonna, Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, and Reba McEntire – as well as Kid Rock, Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson and Jordin Sparks – are among the 50 singers who have put pen to paper and let their artistic skills out of the closet to design paper dolls, which will benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Through Project Paper Doll, the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt “reminds us that tomorrow can be a better day – every day – when we all work together to combine inspiration, innovation and knowledge to Make Something Happen.”

Stephen Colbert's Christmas Special For Charity

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Stephen Colbert will host his own holiday special this Sunday, November 23, with the show being released as a charity DVD next week.

“A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All” is an hour-long tongue-in-cheek extravaganza with the Colbert Report host belting out Christmas hits from Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, and even David Bowie.

“This is just some good fun to watch during your eggnog-induced dementia,” Colbert joked.

Lint Roller Party Picks Up Big Names

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:38:00 +0000

An impressive list of stars will be turning into party animals at the newly restored Hollywood Palladium on Thursday, November 13th, for the 15th annual Lint Roller Party.

Lisa Edelstein along with Eric and Tania Idle are Honorary Co-Chairs for the night, which supports the Best Friends Animal Society. The party’s honorary committee includes animal lovers such as Adrian Grenier, Charlize Theron, Nicollette Sheridan, Bill Maher, Dan Aykroyd and Willie Nelson, to name but a few.

The event raises funds for the Society’s programs in LA, which improve and save the lives of animals, including: A Puppy-Store-Free LA, Pet Adoption Festivals, Date with a Dog, Indie Rescue, Catnippers, Best Friends Brigade, Pup My Ride Transport Program.

Stars Join PETA Founder For New Book

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

A new book by the founder of PETA features contributions from a host of celebrities, such as Sir Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, and Kevin Bacon.

One Can Make a Difference: How Simple Actions Can Change the World was written by Ingrid Newkirk as a guide for readers seeking to make the world a better place. Newkirk has collected contributions from more than 50 activists and world-changers who have proven that one person can create a movement.

Also featuring in the book are essays written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Moby, and Petra Nemcova.

Country Stars Unite For New Charity Album

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:30:00 +0000

A group of country music’s biggest names feature on a new album to raise funds for a farm that hosts children affected by cancer.

Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam, Big & Rich, Patty Loveless, Randy Travis, Levon Helm, John Hiatt, and Lucinda Williams are just some of the stars who have donated songs to the Imus Ranch Record, which will be released on September 16.

Imus Ranch is a working cattle ranch in New Mexico, founded in 1999 by long-time radio personality Don Imus as a charitable organization that seeks to ensure the continuity of the lives of children who are afflicted with cancer. The charity’s goal is to provide children with an experience of living life on a functioning cattle ranch and build up their self-confidence and sense of accomplishment, in the company of similar children facing serious illness. It has also recently opened its doors to siblings of SIDS victims.