Look To The Stars News: Jack Johnson

Stars Stand Up To Cancer On Demand

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Comcast Corporation and Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) have joined together to create the first-ever video-on-demand (VOD) initiative Stand Up 2 Cancer On Demand to broaden awareness and raise critical funds for innovative cancer research.

Debuting exclusively on Comcast beginning December 15th, Stand Up 2 Cancer On Demand will feature an extraordinary library of musical entertainment including hundreds of music videos from many of the world’s biggest stars and groups.

Available for no additional cost to viewers in more than 18 million Comcast homes through March 14th, Stand Up 2 Cancer On Demand will feature more than 60 of the viewers’ favorite artists including Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band, Norah Jones, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Idina Menzel, Jack Johnson, Sting, Renée Fleming, Placido Domingo and other stars of the Metropolitan Opera.

In addition, viewers will be encouraged by numerous celebrity and notable participants to “stand up” to cancer and make a donation by clicking here or call a dedicated 24/7 phone line that will appear during the On Demand music videos. Viewers will also be able to select content from the “A Reason 2 Give” folder and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Stand Up To Cancer’s collaborative scientific “Dream Teams” or innovative projects aimed at bringing better treatments to patients faster.

“We are proud to come together with Stand Up To Cancer to harness the power and popularity of our On Demand service to drive awareness and provide people with this outlet to give,” said Diana Kerekes, Vice President, Video Content for Comcast."

“Whether it’s how the research we fund is conducted, or how we engage the entertainment community, collaboration and innovation are Stand Up To Cancer’s twin mantras,” said Laura Ziskin, the highly-acclaimed film producer and a SU2C Founding Member. “Comcast partnered with us on something that has never been done before, and it involves actors, musicians and music labels who often compete with one another and are standing together in an effort to end this disease. We are deeply grateful not only to Comcast, but also to EMI Music, SONY Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and the Metropolitan Opera for making their incredible content available.”

The On Demand destination will also exclusively debut Stand Up To Cancer’s new public service announcement, entitled “Up2.” Directed by filmmaker Jesse Dylan (Will.i.am’s iconic “Yes, We Can” video), the spot stars Renee Zellweger, Rob Lowe, Josh Groban, Derek Fisher, Michael Strahan, Minka Kelly and Mandy Moore among many others, conveying the core message: it’s up to each of us to play a role in ending cancer. Legendary songwriter and musician Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) composed a powerful anthem entitled “Stand Up To Cancer” which he recorded multiple versions of for Stand Up 2 Cancer On Demand and SU2C’s “Up 2” campaign. One version includes a collaboration with Joss Stone and a separate instrumental version recorded by an orchestra led by Hans Zimmer and featuring violin virtuoso Anne Marie Calhoun, who co-wrote the track with Stewart.

“Cancer takes 1,500 lives every single day, that’s more than half a million Americans each year,” said Lisa Paulsen, President & CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, the 501©(3) charitable organization for the television and film business that serves as the fiduciary behind SU2C, who is also a Founding Member. “Stand Up To Cancer is building a grassroots movement of people who are saying, ‘enough is enough; I want to help the scientists working to end this disease.’ Through Comcast and the treasure trove of content that’s been assembled, we can organically reach people in more than 18 million homes to encourage them to join our movement.”

For a limited time, Stand Up 2 Cancer On Demand will feature holiday music selections including Bob Dylan's comical new “Must Be Santa” video. Stand Up 2 Cancer On Demand will also feature compelling entertainment clips and informative messages from scientists, as well as numerous celebrity and notable participants including Meryl Streep, Katie Couric, Brian Williams, Jon Stewart, Salma Hayek and the late Patrick Swayze. Celebrities ranging from the casts of TV shows shows like LOST and Brothers & Sisters, to an array of personalities including Dr. Oz, the E! News anchors and others are featured in special, tailored messages “wrapped around” the video content, each conveying why it is so important to support SU2C’s distinctive cancer research.

To watch the PSA and find out more, click here.

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.

The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1989 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture — from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of future generations of music professionals. The Foundation accomplishes this mission through programs and activities that engage the music industry and cultural community as well as the general public.

To find out more about the event, click here

Jack Johnson Donates Tour And Album To Charity

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jack Johnson's latest release, En Concert, is on sale now – and all proceeds are going to charity.

En Concert chronicles the “special visual and musical moments from Jack Johnson’s 2008 Sleep Through The Static world tour” and features Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. 100% of the 2008 tour profits and the proceeds from the live album will go to the Kokua Hawaii Foundation – which supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawaii – and the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, which matches fans’ donations to the local charities featured in the Village Green area at each of his shows (up to $2500 per concert).

To celebrate the release of the album, Johnson played an intimate acoustic set in front of a hugely enthusiastic audience at the Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu last week, with proceeds going to the Kokua Hawaii Foundation.

Look To The Stars’ founder Myrlia Purcell volunteered for Jack Johnson’s All At Once Campaign during his 2008 tour. To read her report of her experience, click here.

Pearl Jam And Incubus To Be Honored At Charity Gala

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0000

In celebration of the organization’s 25th Anniversary, the Surfrider Foundation will host a star-studded gala on Friday, October 9, 2009 at the California Science Center’s Wallis Annenberg Building in Downtown Los Angeles.

The event will be highlighted by the presentation of the Surfrider Foundation’s Keeper of the Coast Award. The award, which is only given out once every five years, is presented to celebrities who have made significant contributions towards helping the Surfrider Foundation fulfill its mission. This year, musical acts Incubus and Pearl Jam, along with Baywatch actor David Chokachi will join previous winners including Jack Johnson, Perry Farrell and Bruce Johnston and Mike Love of the Beach Boys.

The event will feature a performance by the legendary CAMP FREDDY, featuring members from Jane’s Addiction, The Cult and Guns n’ Roses.

Additionally, the event will feature a live auction, with one-of-a-kind art by some of the world’s most revered contemporary artists including Raymond Pettibon, Shepard Fairey and Thomas Campbell. The artists, 25 in all, created a commissioned piece depicting the world’s most recognized (and in some cases threatened) surf breaks.

To find out more, visit the official website

Jack Johnson Donates Shirts To School

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Jack Johnson – who will soon release his long awaited live album, En Concert – has donated clothes to an all girl boarding school that is trying to encourage female education in Tanzania.

According to Johnson’s website, AICT Tanners High School “is one of Tanzania’s few, widely scattered public schools. Kids from long distances are sent there for their only chance at an education. They must move to Pahi and find someone to take them in. The Tanner Family along with the Grounds family helped to build a dorm for 60 girls. Today 230 girls live there at no charge.”

Johnson made a generous donation of T-shirts to the girls at the school to be used as uniforms.

Pipeline To A Cure A Huge Success

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Honorary co-chairs and surf legends Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama welcomed guests to the 2nd Annual PacSun Pipeline to a Cure event benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Saturday night, July 18. The evening brought together the surf world to support the direct positive effect surfing has on those afflicted with cystic fibrosis and raised nearly $300,000 for research and patient care in the process. The Pipeline to a Cure campaign was initiated after research showed that young cystic fibrosis (CF) patients who surf had healthier lungs.

The event featured a special headline performance from Shiny Toy Guns which included their popular songs Ghost Town, Le Disko and We Are The One. During the 14-song set lead singer Chad Petree even brought up his close friend and publisher Tim James (along with friends Steve McClintock and Chuck Martin) for a jam session of “The Roadhouse Blues” by The Doors. The night also featured a performance from former American Idol Season 8 contestant Kai Kalama alongside his brother Ryan Kalama as part of the band Off White. Chris Cote, Editor-in-Chief of TransWorldSURF, served as emcee for the evening which included a live auction with radio personality Shawn Parr of Go Country 105. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation honored Mike Sullivan of LAcarGUY as their 2009 PacSun Pipeline to a Cure honoree. For the second year in a row, Mike Sullivan generously donated a new Toyota Prius to the opportunity drawing. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ambassador Emily Haager was the evening’s star guest as she received warm wishes from the night’s biggest guests and gave a moving speech about her battle with CF during the program.

During the silent auction PacSun Pipeline to a Cure auctioned off items including celebrity autographed Havaianas flip flops. Jack Johnson's signed and designed Havaiansas raised the most money out of signatures from Zac Efron, Eva Longoria, Katherine Hiegl, Selena Gomez, Chris Pine, Kate Bosworth, Dakota Fanning, Hayden Panettiere, Jewel, The Cast of 90210, Alexis Bledel, Brian Grazer, Tony Hawk, Gabrielle Reece, Laird Hamilton and more.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the leading organization devoted to curing and controlling cystic fibrosis. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation funds CF research, has 73 chapter and branch offices throughout the country, and accredits a nationwide network of 115 CF care centers, which provide vital treatments and other CF resources to patients and families. To advance the search for a cure, CFF has invested nearly $300 million in promising scientific research in the biotechnology industry since 1998. As a result, the Foundation has more than 30 potential therapies in its drug discovery and development pipeline. Virtually every approved CF drug available today was made possible because of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation support. For more information, visit www.cff.org.

Buy Guitar String Bracelets And Support Charity

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Music fans now have the chance to wear their love of Rock on their sleeves for charity.

Wear Your Music is a New York-based organization that creates 100% eco-friendly jewelry that rocks – literally. The company makes used guitar strings from artists spanning the musical spectrum into stylish bracelets. 100% of the proceeds from the bracelets goes to charities of the artists’ choice, such as UNICEF, Rock the Vote, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nordoff Robbins, MusiCares, PETA, HeadCount, The Nature Conservancy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Keep A Child Alive, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Smile Train and many more.

Over 150 musicians have personally donated guitar strings to the initiative, including Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Metallica, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Ben Harper, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Carlos Santana and Death Cab for Cutie.

“These are strings that these musicians have used and would normally throw away,” says co-president and designer Hannah Garrison, “It’s great that we can recycle them and also offer people a chance to wear rock n roll on their wrists.” In addition, the fine silver used on each bracelet is also 100% recycled, as is the DVD case each bracelet comes in. “Supporting good causes and the environment have always been important, but even more so now.”

To check out the bracelets and make a purchase, visit the official Wear Your Music website.

Celebrities Give Their Soles To Foster Care Centre

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The first “Foster Soles” online charity auction took place last month to support Hillsides, a Los Angeles foster care and treatment centre.

Foster Soles collected the shoes of dozens of big names, such as Denzel Washington, Elton John, Jake Gyllenhaal and Nicolas Cage, who autographed their footwear before putting them up on the block.

Proceeds of the auction will be used by Hillsides for their programs and in public awareness. Once an orphanage, it is now a private, non-profit centre providing abused children with a safe refuge and advocating for their rights. Hillsides’ website says, “Although [the children] come from all over Southern California and encompass every ethnic and socioeconomic group, they share a common experience – the emotional scars that result from child abuse. With counselling and mental health treatment, children at Hillsides learn that they are not alone, that they are safe and cared for. Six programs constitute the framework for Hillsides treatment services – Residential Treatment, the Education Center, the Family Center and Advocacy.”

The Foster Soles auction kicked off with a festive party where the bidding began and then continued on line through most of May. Billy Joel, Billy Zane, Carmen Electra, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Jack Johnson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kelly Slater, Marlee Matlin, Monique Coleman, Rachel Hunter, Rod Stewart and Shia LaBeouf were also among the celebrities that donated to their soles to the cause.

Stars Duet With Cuban Musicians For Climate Change

Tue, 26 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Amy Winehouse, The Killers and The Rolling Stones have teamed up with a group of Cuban musicians on an album designed to fight climate change.

The artists will perform duets with Rhythms Del Mundo on the CD, titled Classics, with proceeds from the project going to fund climate change projects and natural disaster relief around the world.

Inspired by the 2004 Asian Tsunami, the album will contain musical gems such as The Killers singing The Eagles' Hotel California, and The Rolling Stones taking on The Drifters’ Under the Boardwalk. Also included on the album will be Amy Winehouse’s take on Sam Cooke’s Cupid. But perhaps the real highlight will be Fall Out Boy and John Mayer teaming up to cover Michael Jackson's Beat It.

The album will follow the first Rhythms Del Mundo album which was released in 2006 and featured an all-star cast of Cuban musicians including Ibrahim Ferrer and Omara Portuondo of the Buena Vista Social Club and international artists such as the Arctic Monkeys, Dido, U2, Coldplay, Sting, Jack Johnson, Maroon 5, Franz Ferdinand, and Kaiser Chiefs. Proceeds from the CD went to environmental nonprofit organization Artists Project Earth.

The new CD is due for release in July.

Jack Johnson And Friends Launch Charity Auction

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

The auction runs until May 1 and can be accessed here.

Kylie Minogue Leads The Stars In Australian Charity Concerts

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Over 120,000 people attended the Sound Relief fundraising concerts in Sydney and Melbourne on Saturday, March 14, to raise money for victims of devastating fires and floods in Australia.

The concerts have raised over AUS$5 million to go towards the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Fund Appeal and Queensland flood relief efforts, with some of the world’s greatest entertainers turning on performances of a lifetime for a good cause.

Coldplay, Jack Johnson, Taylor Swift, Kings Of Leon, Neil Finn and Crowded House, and Kasey Chambers were just some of the artists that entertained the crowds, which included celebrities such as Toni Collette, David Wenham and Shane Warne. Kylie Minogue appeared at the Melbourne concert with a special rendition of I Still Call Australia Home, and the Sydney concert was closed by Olivia Newton-John and Barry Gibb, who performed Islands In The Stream and a wide range of Bee Gees hits. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin also joined Aussie legend John Farnham on stage for a duet on You’re The Voice.

“I was ready and I think the cause is so great – it’s essential,” said Barry Gibb, who flew in from the US the day before the concert. “I think we all need to be incensed about what happened and I think we need to care and I think we need to make the statement, so [that’s why] we’re here.”

Prince William and Prince Harry also made their first ever Australian address – via video – telling the crowds that they could “only imagine” what victims were going through and asked people not to forget the “amazing efforts” of the emergency services.

“It was a day for the ages, an event like no other that will live in the hearts of many Australians for generations to come,” said concert organizers, who went on to say that it was the biggest paying audience at any Australian concert or charity event ever. Millions more heard the concert on television and radio.

Among other bands to perform on the night were reunions of Hunters And Collectors, Icehouse, Split Enz, and Midnight Oil.

Kylie Minogue To MC Australian Bush Fire Relief Concert

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Pop star Kylie Minogue is to MC one of the Sound Relief concerts to benefit victims of Australia’s bush fires.

The concerts – to be held in Sydney and Melbourne on March 14 – will raise money for families of the 210+ people who lost their lives in last month’s fires, as well as the thousands left homeless. The Melbourne concert has already sold out – making it the largest paid concert event ever held in Australia, with 78,000 expected to attend – and extra tickets have been added to the Sydney concert.

Minogue will fly to Melbourne from India – where she is currently filming a Bollywood movie – but is not expected to perform musically at the event.

“The lineup is without doubt a once in a lifetime one, but it’s truly impressive how much the Australian public has gotten behind this. It speaks volumes of the passion of our great country – helping a mate in trouble,” said Sound Relief co-organizer and music promoter Michael Gudinski. “To me, Kylie is Melbourne. Her attendance is the cherry on the top of an already phenomenal lineup. She’s our girl.”

All profits from the Melbourne concert will be donated to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal, while half of the proceeds from the Sydney concert will go to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund Appeal in QLD to aid the victims of the Queensland floods.

Acts expected to perform at the shows include Coldplay, Jack Johnson, Kings Of Leon, Neil Finn, Kasey Chambers and many others.

Tickets to the Sydney show are $75 and are available from Ticketek.

Coldplay To Headline Bushfire Benefit Concert

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A huge selection of bands have agreed to take part in Sound Relief, two concerts benefiting victims of Australia’s bushfires early next month.

Coldplay, Kings Of Leon and Jack Johnson are just some of the names signed up to appear in the concerts, to be held in Melbourne and Sydney on March 14. Organizers are hoping the twin concerts – labeled by some as ``the single largest music concert event in Australia’s history" – will raise up to $5 million dollars. 100-per-cent of the money raised from the Melbourne show will go to the Red Cross bushfire appeal, while the Sydney proceeds will be split between the bushfire appeal and for victims of the Queensland floods.

Also set to appear are Kasey Chambers, Paul Kelly, Liam Finn, Split Enz and a reformed Midnight Oil and Icehouse. Aussie legends Hunters and Collectors are also reforming for the concerts, with lead singer Mark Seymour telling the Herald Sun: “The sheer magnitude of this tragedy has really hit home for all of us – how important it is to show that we care about the lives of fellow Australians, especially given that they suffered a tragedy that simply came about because they lived in a certain postcode. What’s happened to them could have happened to any of us.”

Country singer Kasey Chambers shared similar feelings about the tragedy that has claimed over 200 lives and left thousands homeless.

“You try and find the thing you can do,” she said. “I can’t put out fires, I can’t rebuild houses for people but I can use my position as a musician to raise some money and hopefully inspire people to find their thing that they can do. It’s a pretty proud day to be Australian to see all of us come together.”

Tickets are expected to cost $75 and will be available from Ticketek from March 4.

The Grateful Dead Sign Guitar For Charity Auction

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Deadheads – otherwise known as fans of The Grateful Dead – will want to get their hands on a signed guitar up for auction at the moment.

The reunited remaining members of the band – now known simply as The Dead – have signed the guitar to benefit HeadCount, an organization that encourages young people to vote. Established in 2004 by a group of artists, music industry professionals and fans – all determined to make sure the live music community is well-represented at the polls – the organization has registered over 200,000 new voters. Over 12,000 of these were registered at concerts performed by the Dave Matthews Band in 2004. The organization currently fields street teams in nearly 50 cities, and has ties to a diverse group of artists including Pearl Jam, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Nine Inch Nails, My Morning Jacket, Maroon 5, Wilco, Death Cab for Cutie, The Indigo Girls, Gov’t Mule and the Disco Biscuits.

Joining The Dead – Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Warren Haynes, and Mickey Hart – in signing the guitar are Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, President Barack Obama’s transition team Co-Chair (and former White House Chief of Staff) John Podesta, and FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adlestein.

The auction runs until February 11 and can be accessed here.

Jack Johnson Goes Barefoot For Charity

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jack Johnson is kicking off his shoes to lead a host of celebrities in a new auction to save America’s shoreline.

The singer is just one of many conservation-minded stars who have donated their footwear to the auction, which benefits the Surfrider Foundation, an organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education.

The Barefoot Wine Rescue Project auction also features shoes donated by Cameron Diaz, Matthew McConaughey, Kelly Slater, Sophia Bush, Andrew Keegan and many more.

“Barefoot Wine is committed to helping make beaches ‘barefoot-friendly’ through the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project,” said Jeremy Soine of Barefoot Wines. “We’re donating 100% of the proceeds from this charity auction to support the Surfrider Foundation’s ongoing efforts to keep our world’s beaches healthy for generations to come.”

“This charity auction is an additional step towards improving the state of our coastlines,” added Matt McClain, Director of Marketing and Communications for Surfrider Foundation. “We’re stoked and grateful to see some of our long-time celebrity supporters kicking off their shoes and going ‘barefoot’ for the Surfrider Foundation.”

The auction runs until December 12 and can be accessed through eBay Giving Works.

Jack Johnson, Oasis, Radiohead Appear On Charity CD

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Urban Outfitters and Filter Magazine have teamed up to create the fifth installment of the Give.Listen.Help compilation CD to raise money for the Pablove Foundation.

The Pablove Foundation is named after Pablo Castelaz, the five-year-old son of Dangerbird Records co-founder Jeff Castelaz and his wife Jo Ann Thrailkill. On May 17, 2008, Pablo was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms’ Tumor, a rare form of children’s cancer. The cancer appeared out of nowhere, with no warning signs in Pablo’s general demeanor or health. He is currently undergoing treatment at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and is doing extremely well. Thanks to decades of research and treatment at places like CHLA, Wilms’ Tumor is over 90% curable.

A large percentage of the proceeds from the CD ($13.88 of every $14.99) will be donated to the Foundation, which directly supports the pediatric cancer community in and around CHLA.

The track list for the double CD is:

DISC 1

Garbage – “Witness to Your Love” (previously unreleased)
Radiohead – “House of Cards”
Of Montreal – “Jimmy” (M.I.A. cover)
Bat for Lashes – “What’s a Girl” (Plaid remix)
Oasis – “Falling Down” (Chemical Brothers remix)
Rilo Kiley – “Draggin’ Around” (previously unreleased)
Bloc Party – “Flux” (JKL remix)
The Faint – “The Geeks Were Right” (DIOYY remix)
CSS – “Rat Is Dead” (Rage)"
Decemberists “Billy Liar” (live)
Ra Ra Riot – “Can You Tell” (Little Ones remix)
Ladytron – “Ghosts” (Modwheelmood mix)
The Little Ones “I Don’t Want to Dance” (previously unreleased)
Other Lives – “Paper Cities” (previously unreleased)
Two Sheds – “You”
Jack Johnson “All At Once” (live at Bumbershoot 2008)

DISC 2

Silversun Pickups – “Table Scraps”
Eulogies – “Is There Anyone Here?”
Darker My Love – “Blue Day”
The Dears – “Crisis 1 & 2”
Sea Wolf – “The Promise”
The Curse of Company – “All the Mines”
One a.m. radio – “Old Men”
Ed Laurie – “Albert”
Eric Avery – “All Remote and No Control”
Dappled Cities – “Vision Bell”
La Rocca – “Cross the River”

The CD is available exclusively through the Urban Outfitters website.

Jack Johnson Releases Christmas Songs For Charity

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jack Johnson and Brushfire Records have recorded their first ever Christmas album, with some of the proceeds to go to charity.

This Warm December, a Brushfire Holiday Vol. 1, is a collection of reinterpreted holiday classics performed by Jack Johnson and the entire Brushfire family, including Mason Jennings, Matt Costa, Zee Avi, and G. Love and many more. 25% of the profits from the album will go towards children’s music education.

“We’re happy that we can help spread some joy with these holiday songs this year,” said Johnson, who sings two songs on the album – Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Stevie Wonder’s Someday at Christmas. “It’s nice to have everyone on the label on one record. We also thought it was a good opportunity to raise funds for music education for kids. Happy Holidays and have a great New Year.”

Selections from the album – which is being released today, November 11 – can be found at www.ilike.com, and is available from amazon.com.

Jack Johnson Energizes The Village Green In Germany

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Look to the Stars co-founder Myrlia volunteered with Jack Johnson’s All At Once Campaign at his recent concert in Munich, Germany.

At the age of 17, professional surfer Jack Johnson had an accident which left him hospitalized, and gave him the time he needed to discover that music is where his heart lies. While recovering, Jack wrote songs and played his guitar, and since 2001 has released five albums and built up a huge fan base all around the world. The ocean definitely has a hold on him, though, and in Jack’s relaxed yet energizing music you can almost hear the sound of the cool waves caressing the golden sands of Hawaii.

With his surfing past, Jack and his wife, Kim, find it natural to work at educating people about the environment. At each one of his concerts, a “Village Green” is set up, and here a booth for Jack’s All At Once Campaign is manned by volunteers who share the same passion for this cause. Several local charities are invited to set up tables in the Village Green, and help concert-goers learn how they can make a difference close to home.

Davis Eckard, who organizes the volunteers for Jack’s concerts, says that Jack and Kim are the driving force behind the All At Once Campaign and the Village Green, and that their enthusiasm for protecting the planet is why Jack spends so much time on the road.

“[The Village Green] is why we are all here today. If it weren’t for this, for you, Jack wouldn’t be touring,” Davis told the volunteers before the show. “Without you, this doesn’t happen.”

Helpers car-pooled, took trains, cycled and walked in from all over Germany for this event, with one large volunteer contingent even coming over from Slovenia.

Dennis, a local volunteer, told me, “First of all, I love the music. It’s a good chance to combine music with doing something sustainable.”

I spoke with New Orleans resident, Mary, and her sons, who were in the area on vacation. Mary signed them all up as volunteers as a surprise.

“We come from New Orleans, and we’ve had many volunteers come through. I thought it would be neat to see how we can help give back,” Mary explained.

Her son Mark added, “I think this is an important cause, because if we don’t start now, what are we leaving for our kids?”

Introducing kids to nature is exactly what one of the local charities, NaturSchutz Jugend (“Conservation Youth”), is doing. NaJu is the biggest environment organization for young people in Germany, focusing on environmental education and nature conservation. They help children experience nature through games and adventures at parks, rivers and in nearby forests.

Another charity in attendance was Munich’s Green City. With more than 40 highly-active volunteers, this group works to improve the city’s quality of life through ecological urban planning.

The Surfrider Foundation was also on hand to let Jack’s fans know about their Rise Above Plastics campaign. They are urging people to reduce the use of plastics, illustrating the problem using the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” — an area twice the size of the continental US which is filled with 100 million tons of plastic.

Jack greeted the volunteers personally before the doors opened, and spent time talking to each of the charities’ representatives. He ignored the urging of his crew to hurry backstage so the doors could open, and instead graciously listened to the volunteers, posed for pictures, smiled and thanked everyone for taking the time to be there.

Once he was backstage, the fans came pouring in, eager to get as close to the stage as possible. It was time for the All At Once volunteers to get to work, handing out Village Green Passports. The booklets explain what the campaign is, and give fans access to downloadable music and the chance to win prizes – such as a skateboard – only available to win at Jack’s concerts, or the opportunity to watch Jack’s performance from the stage.

Volunteers enjoyed tunes played by G Love and Special Sauce and mingled with the crowd, sharing stories about Jack’s music and the environment. Veronika, one of the volunteers, said she wanted to meet new people, see Jack Johnson and help protect the environment, and she was easily able to do all three things that sunny afternoon.

Sadly, however, the weather didn’t stay nice, and about four songs into Jack’s set it began to rain. But the downpour did nothing to dampen the crowd’s spirits, with the music and cheering drowning out the storm’s thunder.

Jack will be back on the other side of the Atlantic starting in August, with concerts scheduled across Canada and the US until the end of the month. For more information about how you can volunteer, visit the All At Once Community.

Jack Johnson Wants You

Mon, 19 May 2008 10:55:37 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Singer Jack Johnson is looking for volunteers to help out at his upcoming concerts around the world. The Hawaiian-born eco-activist wants to reach out to audience members and let them know how they can help change the world through the All At Once Campaign.

Volunteers will need to arrive 90 minutes prior to the shows, and help set up the All At Once Village Green area. They will learn about the campaign, and tell other concert-goers how they can get involved. In return, volunteers will receive an official Jack Johnson All At Once volunteer t-shirt, and green gifts including an exclusive Jack Johnson tour tote bag and SIGG reusable water bottle.

The All At Once Campaign is a social action network where people can discuss issues and events, explore non-profit groups, and take action to make positive change in local and world communities. For more information on how you can help Jack’s tour and his All At Once Campaign, visit www.jackjohnsonmusic.com/.

Celebrities Unite For Earth Day

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:32:47 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tomorrow, April 22, will see one of the largest global events uniting the planet against climate change to be held this year. Millions of evironmentally-minded people around the planet will hold events to celebrate the 38th annual Earth Day, a massive campaign focussing on global warming and raising awareness for a cleaner environment.

First held in 1970, and established by US Senator Gaylord Nelson, the event marks the anniversary of the modern environmental movement. All over the world, the day will see concerned citizens of the planet out in force, calling for action against global warming and a healthy, sustainable environment. Breakfasts, Scuba diving contests, celebrations, parties, wine and food festivals, marathons, and concerts are just some of the thousands of events that have been planned around the globe by the Earth Day Network, the driving-force behind the event.

One of the major campaigns being promoted in the US as part of Earth Day 2008 is the Call For Climate initiative, which encourages people to ring Congress and demand climate change action to be taken.

“It doesn’t take a doctor on Scrubs to tell you our climate is changing,” said Zach Braff, who has joined Kevin Bacon and Chevy Chase in recording messages encouraging people to support the campaign. “Earth Day Network wants you to call Congress on Earth Day, April 22, and ask them to take tough and fair action on climate change. Put this number in your phone now – 202 224 3121. That’s Congress. Ask your representative or senator to bring us a healthier climate.”

Washington DC has already kicked off its Earth Day celebrations with a huge concert held on Sunday, featuring performances by Jordin Sparks, The Roots, O.A.R. and more. Speakers at the event included Russell Simmons, Edward Norton, and Tom Friedman.

Also as part of Earth Day, the Waterkeeper Alliance is running a very special auction featuring celebrity experiences, exciting autographed items, and fabulous vacations. Be sure to visit the Charity Buzz website to bid on items such as a day on the set of Damages with Glenn Close, signed X-Files memorabilia from David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, a copy of The Comeback DVD signed by Lisa Kudrow, tickets to see Jack Johnson in Ohio, VIP tickets to see The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Dr Phil, as well as the opportunity to have lunch with Alicia Silverstone and MacGyver himself, Richard Dean Anderson. The auction runs until April 29.

For more information on Earth Day – and to find events in your area – visit the official Earth Day website.

Jack Johnson - All At Once

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:21:49 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The idea is simple: An individual action, multiplied by millions, creates global change. And it is a concept singer Jack Johnson intends to support throughout his current world tour. Not only is he greening every aspect of every show, he is also collaborating with a host of non-profit organizations around the world on a new interactive network to inspire music fans to create postive change.

The All At Once Campaign is a new social action network that operates both online and at Johnson’s shows, and plans to provide a much needed bridge between fans and the organizations that work to make the world a better and more livable place. It provides a focal point where people can gather and connect, where they can discuss the issues that affect them, learn about the non-profit groups that can help them, and find inspiration to take action in a world filled with hurdles and cynicism.

Jack Johnson is currently touring Japan, and has just finished taking his Sleep Through The Static album on the road in New Zealand and Australia. For every step on the 45+ date tour, Johnson has insisted on keeping the shows’ environmental impact as low as possible, something he believes works in well with the “All At Once” concept. Initiatives include reducing waste by encouraging venues to use biodegradable food service items, the use of biodiesel to fuel tour vehicles and generators, the sale of eco-friendly tour merchandise, and the use of 100% recycled paper and soy-based ink products.

Johnson also employs stringent policies that demand that venues provide recycling services, and where possible he and his crew only stay in hotels that participate in water and energy efficiancy programs. He also encourages fans to use public transport and carpooling to get to the shows.

And to prove that these initiatives are real and not just pie-in-the-sky publicity hunting, the environmental impact of the tour will be tracked to demonstrate how collective action can result in significant change. A report detailing the results will be available at www.jackjohnsonmusic.com at the conclusion of the tour.

As part of the All At Once Campaign, every concert will include an area called the “Village Green”, a collection of interactive booths where fans can get inspired to do something good for the planet, and to talk face-to-face with local, national, and international non-profit groups that work in the areas of climate change, water quality, land preservation, and more.

But perhaps the most exciting initiative is that Jack Johnson has pledged to match all donations made by fans to the local All At Once non-profit groups in every community (up to $2,500 per charity).

To participate in this inspiring idea, visit www.allatonce.org

A Wave Of Charity Auctions Hit The Web

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:47:04 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The surf’s up for those interested in celebrity internet auctions this week, with three major auctions being run for good causes.

First up is a selection of exclusive tickets to the fifth annual Kokua Festival to be held in Honolulu on April 19. The sold-out concert will feature performances by Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews, and proceeds will go to the Kokua Hawaii Foundation – an organization founded by Johnson and his wife, Kim, that supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawaii. The funds raised from the Kokua Festival will be used to further support school recycling on Oahu and sponsor field trips to provide students with opportunities and experiences that will enhance their appreciation of the environment.

The two pairs of tickets are available through the Dave Matthews Band website for another four days. Other acts expected to appear at the gig include Tim Reynolds, Paula Fuga, and Brushfire Record’s latest signing, Mason Jennings.

Another auction budding bidders must be quick to get to is raising money for Sense, the UK’s largest organization for children and adults who are both deaf and blind.

The auction features a selection of clothing donated by some of Britain’s biggest stars, including Ewan McGregor, Shirley Bassey, Helen Mirren, and Harry Potter stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. There is also a Versace jacket signed by Kevin Spacey up for grabs, as well as a bra signed by former Page 3 girl Samantha Fox.

“When Sense asked me to give them the clothes of my back – I was only too happy to hand over my bra,” said Fox. “These clothes are a charity auction with a difference. All the money raised from the celebrity items in store will raise vital funds for deafblind people, helping them to lead independent lives.”

Sense was founded in 1955, and is passionate about changing the lives of those affected by deafblindness and advocating for them to be accepted into the community. The auction can be accessed through eBay Giving Works, but the opportunity ends in the next few days.

Finally today, fans of the FX Network’s hit series The Riches will be excited to hear that season two of the show begins on March 18. But what may excite them even more is the new auction being run in conjunction with the premiere.

As well as a selection of awesome items up for auction – including lunch and a photo opportunity with The Riches star Minnie Driver, authentic props from the set, tickets to FX premieres, and a swag of autographed posters, DVDs, and scripts – the big drawcard is the chance to win $100,000 just by bidding.

“On The Riches it is all about the big score, but this show has heart,” said Stephanie Gibbons of the FX Network. “With this auction we’re able to tie in both themes, giving someone the chance to get the win money while making a difference. We couldn’t be more excited to work with eBay and see this auction come to fruition.”

All of the proceeds will go to Oxfam America, and the auction can be accessed through eBay. Bidding opens on March 13 and runs until March 23.

Live Earth Rocks the Planet

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:16:25 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

They came, they rocked, they conquered. 07/07/07 saw the Live Earth concerts take place on 7 continents, and the event will go down in history and in people’s hearts as one of the greatest spectacles ever staged.

The nine concerts held around the globe attracted hundreds of thousands of music lovers, and another 9 million internet streams – a world record internet audience. Many more are expected to watch replays over the next few weeks.
Concert-goers partied for a total of 22 hours at the events organized by Al Gore to raise awareness of climate change and environmental issues.

“You are Live Earth,” Gore told the crowd in New Jersey, on a stage made from recycled tires. “Today 2 billion of us have come together in over 130 countries… Times like these demand action.”

Despite the rain and low temperatures, 30,000 fans in Hamburg enjoyed stunning and energetic performances by Yusuf – formerly known as Cat Stevens – Shakira, Snoop Dogg, Enrique Iglesias, and former Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell. German comedian Elton joked about the inclement conditions with the comment “We’re here to fight against global warming in such c—p weather.”

It was also a cold affair in Antarctica, where a previously unknown band Nunatak – made up of polar researchers – played for 17 fellow scientists, allowing Gore to keep his promise to hold concerts in all seven continents.

45,000 people turned out in warmer circumstances in Sydney, where they were treated to performances by Jack Johnson, Toni Collette's band The Finish, and a newly reformed Crowded House. Sydney was the first of the concerts to open, and was followed by Japan, where thousands rocked to performances by Linkin Park, Rihanna, and a host of local acts.

Johannesburg, experiencing its first snow in ten years, swayed to the rhythms of some of their best known local acts, as well as an intense performance by Joss Stone.

It was a smaller and quieter affair in Washington, where a subdued crowd was entertained by a few lesser known blues and hip hop acts.

The most popular concerts were held in London and New York. The newly refurbished Wembley Stadium was rocking under the weight of 70,000 concert-goers, all enthralled by stellar performances from the Beastie Boys, Kasabian, Metallica, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 1980’s comedy rock act Spinal Tap reformed for the event to perform their new single, “Warmer Than Hell”, and there was also a touching performance by singer/songwriter Terra Naomi. Naomi wrote the track “Say It’s Possible” after seeing An Inconvenient Truth, and was asked personally by Al Gore to perform it at Live Earth.

The finale of the Wembley show was a set by Madonna, which included “Hey You”, the song she wrote especially for Live Earth. She also thanked Gore “for giving the world the wake-up call it so badly needs, and for starting the avalanche of awareness that we are running out of time.”

Over 50,000 people crammed Giants Stadium in New Jersey to join Al Gore, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, and Kevin Bacon for a night to remember. Cool rhythms from Alicia Keys and the Dave Matthews Band gave way to rockier beats later in the evening from Kelly Clarkson, Melissa Etheridge, and Jon Bon Jovi. The show ended with Sting and The Police performing a duet of their hit, “Message In A Bottle”, with rapper Kanye West
.
The free show in Rio De Janeiro, almost cancelled over security concerns, drew a crowd of 600,000 to listen to sun-drenched performances by Lenny Kravitz and Macy Gray, and the show in Shanghai was also a success.

The Chinese crowd were made aware of the International Energy Agency warning that China could become the top emitter of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, by later this year.

The Live Earth concerts were a great day’s entertainment for those who witnessed them, and only time will tell if they achieved their goals.

“Thank you for coming to Live Earth,” said Al Gore as the concerts ended. “Harness the energy in your hearts and help us solve the climate crisis.”

New CD To Raise Aid For Darfur

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 07:28:22 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign To Save Darfur is a new CD that seeks to raise aid for the humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur. It features the music of John Lennon recorded by some of the world’s best known musicians.

U2, Green Day, Christina Aguilera, and Avril Lavigne are some of the 50 musical artists and groups that are included in the Amnesty International project.

The album was released around the world on 12 June by Warner Bros Records, and was put together by Amnesty International’s “Make Some Noise” initiative.

“Make Some Noise” is a global venture that hopes to inspire a new generation to stand up for human rights. It mixes music, celebration and action to protect people wherever freedom is denied. Yoko Ono has been a longtime supporter of the initiative, and donated the rights to the entire John Lennon songbook to the project.

“Music speaks the language of freedom, revolution and solidarity. Without that freedom – without music that is angry, joyful and necessary – we are nothing” she said of the album’s release.

The CD calls attention to the war-torn countries of Darfur and Chad. All proceeds from the album and music downloads will go towards alleviating the risk of starvation and disease in these areas.

Other artists featured on the CD include Aerosmith, Lenny Kravitz, Jack Johnson, and Ben Harper. REM is also featured, and drummer Bill Berry came out of retirement to record the track “#9 Dream”. It is the first time the original four band members, including singer Michael Stipe, have been in the studio together since 1997.

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