Look To The Stars News: Ben Harper

Friends Stars Revive Smelly Cat For Charity

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Fans of the long-running TV show Friends were in for a treat earlier this week when two of the sitcom’s stars performed “Smelly Cat” at a charity concert to raise money for Feeding America.

Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow were onstage at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Tuesday, September 29, to announce Sheryl Crow, who was performing at the Rock a Little, Feed a Lot concert. But when the audience started calling out for the Smelly Cat song – a classic ditty sung regularly by Phoebe (Kudrow) in the show – the two stars couldn’t resist.

The concert – which also featured Ben Harper, Benji and Joel Madden and many others – aimed help raise awareness and funds for the 35 million people who are at risk of hunger in America.

“It is so important for everyone across the country to dare to be conscious and aware of the struggles of those around them—even if those struggles are not the same as their own. Feeding America does just that, and it’s a great privilege for me to unite with them in their cause,” said Sheryl Crow.

“Rock a Little, Feed a Lot” is one of many initiatives in the works for Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month and benefited both Feeding America and its local member, the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.

To watch a video of Lisa Kudrow singing Smelly Cat at the concert, click here.

Crow, Harper, Madden and Lang Will Rock a Little, Feed a Lot

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:44:00 -0000

Feeding America has announced that Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper, Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte and Jonny Lang will all perform at their “Rock a Little, Feed a Lot” concert.

The concert will take place on Tuesday, September 29th at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, to help raise awareness and funds for the 35 million people who are at risk of hunger in America. Tickets for “Rock a Little, Feed a Lot” are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

Celebs confirmed to be a part of the event include David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and others. Adam Shankman, producer and director of “Step Up,” “Hairspray,” “Bringing Down the House,” and “17 Again” is directing the event. Proceeds of the concert will go to the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank and Feeding America.

“Rock a Little, Feed a Lot” is one of many initiatives in the works for Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month and will benefit both Feeding America and its local member, the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. Hunger Action Month, formed to help those in need, bloomed from a day of service into a month-long campaign as the economy has taken a turn for the worse and the demand for food assistance has increased.

“Many Americans are unaware of the great demand for food assistance throughout the country. The need for food assistance nationwide has increased 30 percent throughout the last year and in many communities the increase is much higher,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. “We are excited to team up with so many talented artists to shed light on Hunger Action Month and the issue of hunger in America.”

“We are so grateful for the generous support of these artists — and residents of Los Angeles — for their time and efforts to raise awareness about hunger in America,” said Michael Flood, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. “The agencies we serve are experiencing unprecedented demand for food assistance and this event will help shine the bright spotlight of the entertainment community on the issue of hunger in America.”

To take part or learn what is going on in your community during Hunger Action Month, please visit: www.FeedingAmerica.org

About the Los Angeles Area Foodbank
The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank is a non-profit, charitable organization established in 1973 and is one of the largest food banks in the United States. Through a network of 900 charitable agency sites, the Foodbank distributes more than 1 million pounds of food every week in Los Angeles County. The Foodbank is affiliated with Feeding America. For more information, visit www.lafoodbank.org.

About Feeding America
Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Our mission is to feed hungry Americans through a nationwide network of 205 food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger. Each year Feeding America provides food assistance to more than 25 million people, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors, distributing more than 2 billion pounds of donated food annually. The Feeding America network supports approximately 63,000 local agencies including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after-school programs, Kids Cafes and Backpack Programs.

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.

Springsteen, Mellencamp, Harper To Perform at Clearwater Concert

Fri, 01 May 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

This Sunday, May 3rd, will see star performers such as Ben Harper, Dave Matthews, Juanes, John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen come out to support Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday bash benefitting the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater.

The Clearwater Concert: Creating the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders is a one night only concert, which raises awareness and funds for continuing Clearwater’s work educating the public and protecting the Hudson river. The event begins at 7pm, at Madison Square Garden, and will feature over 40 artists from a wide variety of musical genres.

Some of the scheduled performers are Joan Baez, Ani DiFranco, Michael Franti, Emmylou Harris, Tao Rodriguez–Seeger, Taj Mahal, Bela Fleck, Keller Williams Billy Bragg, Tom Morello, Tom Paxton and Eddie Vedder.

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.com, starting at $19.19 and going to $250, with the majority priced at $90 to honor Pete’s birthday. Special Clearwater Legacy Tickets will also be available. For more information, please visit www.Seeger90.com.

And don’t miss the Clearwater Festival, taking place June 20th and 21st. For those who really want to get involved, volunteer positions are available for the weekend-long event.

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.

Remaining Beatles Reunite At Benefit Concert

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr reunited for a special benefit concert in New York on Saturday, April 4.

The pair came together on stage to perform With A Little Help From My Friends, playing together for the first time since George Harrison’s tribute show in 2002. They played three songs together in total on Saturday, Including I Saw Her Standing There.

“At this point we would like to introduce somebody to you who you know, you’ve heard his name,” Sir Paul said as he introduced his former bandmate. “He’s going to come out here and play you a little song this joyful night. Ladies and gentlemen: Billy Shears!!”

Proceeds from the show – which also featured Sheryl Crow, Moby, Donovan, Ben Harper and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder – went to the David Lynch Foundation, set up by filmmaker David Lynch to provide funds for in-school “Quiet Time” programs utilizing the stress-reducing Transcendental Meditation technique. In the past year, the Foundation has provided millions of dollars for thousands of students, teachers, and parents to learn to meditate. The Foundation also provides funds for independent research institutions to assess the effects of the program on creativity, intelligence, brain functioning, academic performance, ADHD and other learning disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. The filmmaker attributes much of his creativity to the practice.

“It gives me great pleasure to be part of this evening,” said Starr. “I feel the aims of this charity are wonderful.”

Bruce Springsteen To Headline Pete Seeger's Charity Birthday Concert

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, Steve Earle, Ben Harper, Tom Morrello and Billy Bragg have been confirmed to perform at Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday gig in May, with proceeds going to charity.

Also set to perform at the gig at Madison Square Garden on May 3 are Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez, Kris Kristofferson and many more. The show is set to benefit the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater , a non-profit organisation created to defend and restore the Hudson River.

From the charity’s website: "Clearwater is a 106-foot wooden sailing sloop designed after 18th and 19th century Dutch sailing sloops. In 1966, folk singer and activist Pete Seeger had the vision that the public would come to care for all of our threatened waterways by learning to care for one boat and one river. He inspired a group of dedicated people who made the dream a reality. Launched in 1969, Clearwater serves as a moveable classroom, laboratory, stage, and forum. More than a dozen national and international programs have successfully modeled programs after those pioneered by Clearwater.

“Each year, Clearwater accommodates nearly 13,000 children and adults for education sails that teach history, biology, and environmental science and navigation along the Hudson River, New York Harbor and Long Island Sound. Thousands more are reached through on-land classroom visits, field programs and public exhibits.”

Tickets for the show will cost $19.19 to $250. They go on sale March 30 at 9am on Ticketmaster. More information about the show can be found here.

Benefit Tickets Available For Jackson Browne And Bonnie Raitt Shows

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Non-profit organization The Guacamole Fund has some exciting fundraising events and raffles for 2009.

Singer Jackson Browne is set to embark on a world tour in the summer, and special tickets benefiting the Fund are available for many of his gigs in the US. Several of these concerts also feature Steve Earle and Shawn Colvin, and include dates in Boston, San Diego, Oklahoma and many more in July and August. More info on purchasing these tickets can be found here.Bonnie Raitt also has benefit tickets for her tour in May, including dates in Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. More information about these tickets can be found here.

The Guacamole Fund is also raffling off a unique Fender Squire Strat “Affinity Series” Guitar taht was signed by Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, Jackson Browne and Ry Cooder at the Cuba, Haiti and Gulf Coast Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert in Santa Monica late last year. Proceeds from the raffle will go to continue help in efforts to support community based organizations that assist victims of the disaster. Second Prize is 2 premium tickets to a choice of a Jackson Browne show on this summer’s tour. To buy tickets in the raffle, click here.

The Guacamole Fund assists environmental, social change, cultural and service organizations by facilitating, organizing and producing benefit concerts, rallies, special ticket sales, receptions and media campaigns. These activities serve to publicize and raise consciousness about issues that are important and timely to the social change and environmental process. More info about the organization can be found at their website.

Surviving Beatles Reunite For Charity Concert

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

As reported by Look To The Stars back in January, Paul McCartney is to headline a charity concert to benefit filmmaker David Lynch’s meditation charity. We can now announce the music icon will be joined by his former Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr.

After initially not confirming that the two stars would share the stage together, a UK spokesperson has now announced that the pair will definitely perform at least one song together – making it a reunion of the surviving members of The Beatles. They last performed together in public at a tribute show for George Harrison in 2002.

Proceeds from the show will go to the David Lynch Foundation, set up by the filmmaker to provide funds for in-school “Quiet Time” programs utilizing the stress-reducing Transcendental Meditation technique. In the past year, the Foundation has provided millions of dollars for thousands of students, teachers, and parents to learn to meditate. The Foundation also provides funds for independent research institutions to assess the effects of the program on creativity, intelligence, brain functioning, academic performance, ADHD and other learning disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. The filmmaker attributes much of his creativity to the practice.

“It gives me great pleasure to be part of this evening,” said Starr. “I feel the aims of this charity are wonderful.”

Tickets for the show – which also features Sheryl Crow, Moby, Donovan, Ben Harper and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder and will take place at the Radio City Music Hall in New York on April 4 – go on sale on Monday.

Feed America With George Clooney's Bowl

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of your favorite actors and musicians have autographed bowls for a new charity auction to raise money for the hungry.

The Fill A Bowl, Feed America campaign is being run in conjunction with Clothes Off Our Back, the celebrity charity auction site founded by Bradley Whitford and Jane Kaczmarek.

Now is your chance to eat from quality bowls signed by stars such as George Clooney, Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Matt Damon, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Adam Sandler, Rascal Flatts, Paris Hilton, Sacha Baron Cohen, Maroon 5, Wyclef Jean, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Annie Lennox, Ben Harper, Josh Groban, Jordin Sparks, Carlos Santana, Sarah McLachlan, Richie Sambora, and many more.

All of the proceeds from the auction – which runs until December 12 – will go to Feeding America. The auction can be accessed here. And remember – it only takes $1 to provide 16 meals for a child.

Jackson Browne And Friends: A Benefit For Hurricane Relief

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jackson Browne is getting together some of his best musical friends for a benefit concert this weekend.

Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Ry Cooder, and Joan Baez will band together to raise money for Operation USA on Saturday, November 29, to support the organization’s ongoing disaster relief efforts in the U.S. Gulf Coast, Cuba and Haiti, with specific focus on programs addressing the urgent local needs of displaced families and health facilities stretched to breaking point.

Jackson Browne is no stranger to benefit concerts – his No Nukes concerts in 1979 with Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and a host of the era’s biggest stars were one of the earliest examples of large-scale, organized rock concerts for a cause. Last year he joined with Raitt and Graham Nash to record a version of Buffalo Springfield’s For What It’s Worth to raise awareness of the dangers of nuclear power.

Saturday’s show will take place at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, and tickets are available through Jackson Browne’s official website.

Leonardo DiCaprio Launches Animal Action Week

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It’s been a busy week for Leonardo DiCaprio so far, with the launch of Animal Action Week and a whole bunch of political statements.

Monday saw the star kick off the International Fund For Animal Welfare’s (IFAW) Animal Action Week, one of the world’s largest environmental education programs. This year’s theme, “Beneath the Waves,” highlights the challenges the world faces to protect the ocean and marine wildlife from the impact of human activities and will reach six million young people in 18 countries.

“The world’s ocean and marine wildlife are one of our Earth’s most valuable treasures, yet today they face more threats than ever before,” said DiCaprio, an Honorary IFAW Board Member. “It’s our responsibility to protect this vital ecosystem and the animals that live there if we want to leave a better world for future generations.”

As part of the initiative, IFAW is encouraging teachers and children across the globe to engage with nature by offering a free education pack and 15-minute film about protecting wildlife in the oceans. The curriculum-based materials are available in two versions, one for elementary students (Grades 3-4) and one for middle school (Grades 5-9).

“Together we can set an example for the rest of the world in protecting the ocean and marine wildlife,” said DiCaprio. “Our individual actions and the lifestyle choices we make really matter. The hope is you.”

DiCaprio’s involvement follows his appearance at Barack Obama’s fundraiser headlined by Barbra Streisand and Ben Harper in Beverly Hills on Tuesday.

DiCaprio used the occasion to urge senators Obama and John McCain to push for increased use of wind power and solar energy – regardless of who wins the race to the White House next month – and pledge an end to America’s dependence on foreign oil.

“The most critical thing for the new administration is to implement an environmental policy that automatically integrates environmental issues we’re all concerned about in our everyday lives,” said the actor, whose 11th Hour documentary highlighted the need to step up environmental procedures around the world. “It’s a moral issue and a patriotic issue, really. We need the government to be at the forefront of this. We need to invest in renewable technologies. As much as people are stressing drilling at this point in time, we’re 10 years away from seeing any of that. We have the technology here. It’s readily available. Wind and solar power can make a big difference. That is my message. It’s in our hands.”

More information about Animal Action Week can be found at www.ifaw.org.

Eddie Vedder Rocks Kelly Slater Foundation Benefit

Fri, 02 May 2008 19:06:50 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Eddie Vedder, actor/activist Sean Penn, big-wave mogul Jeff Clark, and host Marty Colombatto paddled out in front of Colombatto’s estate overlooking Cotton’s Point (California) last Sunday, the morning after a private benefit concert by Vedder raised over $350,000 in support of the Kelly Slater Foundation.

Only about 600 lucky people, including Sean Penn, were invited to Colombatto’s estate for the concert to benefit the newly formed Foundation, which raises money to create awareness for environmental groups such as Miocean, Reef Check and the Surfrider Foundation.

Popping in to lend their support for the king-o-waves, were Eddie Vedder and Ben Harper. “Half of every song I’ve ever written, was written in the ocean so that’s sort of my way of giving back,” says Vedder.

The highlight of the night was impromptu jam session, with Eddie Vedder, Ben Harper and Kelly Slater pumping out the evening’s final song, Pearl Jam’s “Indifference,” to a standing ovation.

Congratulations to Kelly Slater and his new foundation for an incredibly successful launch which ended on a good note, thanks to the help of some environmentally friendly friends.

Sean Penn Gets His Hands Dirty In A Charity Caravan

Thu, 01 May 2008 10:51:05 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Sean Penn is on a mission to fight the war in Iraq, poverty, homelessness, and global warming – and he’s using some buses to help him.

The Dirty Hands Caravan is a fleet of biodiesel buses taking 300 people on an 1,800-mile trek across the U.S., ending in New Orleans on May 4. Penn kicked the initiative off at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival last Sunday, where he took his place on stage as one of 125 performers. His mission: to encourage people to “get involved” in any way they feel compelled, whether its by cleaning up parks or neighborhoods, caring for the sick or needy, or speaking out on behalf of issues such as immigration reform.

The project is Penn’s brainchild, and the actor/director appeared on the festival mainstage to invite the audience to join the caravan. Around 150 of the concert goers were inspired to sign up for the week long mission.

“The Dirty Hands Caravan seeks to empower young people to stand up for what they believe in, with its longevity based on inspired individuality and pride,” said the 47-year-old, who has been joined by singer Ben Harper on the road trip. “My generation and those that came before have to recognize the numbing of incentive that we’ve passed on to the change hungry, imaginative, smarter-than-us youth of today.”

Volunteers are encouraged to get involved in a number of ways, including building houses for the homeless, protesting the Iraq war while supporting the needs of veterans and their families, and contributing to their communities in various ways. The caravan will also facilitate people who want to find out more about non-profit organizations in their local areas.

To find out if the Dirty Hands buses are coming to a city near you, visit their website.

Happy Military Mothers' Day From The Stars

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:43:57 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A group of celebrities are marking Mothers’ Day with a new initiative from Hallmark Greeting Cards for military moms deployed overseas.

Stars such as Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Billy Joel, Ben Harper, and Christy Turlington were amongst a group of celebrities who have recorded messages for mothers in the US military currently away on active duty.

“It is an absolute honor and privilege to be able to support the mothers who serve both overseas and on the home front,” said Andre du Broc, editorial director at Hallmark. “At the heart of Hallmark’s brand is a legacy of connecting people. Our cards have been sent with messages of love and support to troops serving around the world for decades, and we treasure our role in helping keep these families connected.”

The messages were recorded using Hallmark’s new Recordable Cards With Music, which allow the sender to record a personal voice message into a card, followed by a pre-recorded song. Hallmark, who are partners with Bono’s (RED) campaign, are also sending the cards with personalized voice messages from the children of the military moms, many of whom have been away from their families for over 15 months.

“With service members away for second, third, and even fourth deployments, it is incredibly important for companies such as Hallmark to continue to send the message to our troops that America Supports You,” said Allison Barber, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense. “I can’t think of a more wonderful gift for a deployed mother than hearing her child’s voice on Mother’s Day.”

More information about the cards can be found at Hallmark’s website.

Richard Branson Attends Virgin Festival in Baltimore

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:55:09 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Soaring temperatures of over 100°F did not stop 80,000 music lovers from attending a massive two-day charity concert held at the Pimlico Raceway in Baltimore on August 4 and 5. The Baltimore Virgin Festival was part of a series of concerts being held this year, partly organized by Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin brand.

Concert goers were treated to performances by 40 groups and artists, including Sting and The Police, Ben Harper, The Beastie Boys, Iggy Pop, and The Smashing Pumpkins. $1.50 from every ticket sold was donated directly to Virgin Unite, the charitable arm of the Virgin Group, dedicated to “tackling some of the tougher social challenges by uniting people and Virgin’s global resources.”

The concert also featured a huge tent village which housed a mall of philanthropy booths, where concert attendees could find out more about non-profit organizations such as Oxfam, The Living Classrooms Foundation (which uses maritime settings to train at-risk youth), StandUp For Kids (which helps homeless children), and Youth Noise (a website where teens can talk about significant issues and raise money for their chosen causes).

Branson joined actress Daryl Hannah at the event, and stated that the festivities were extremely eco-friendly, with 99% of the fuels used to power the concert being the cleanest biofuel available.

The Virgin Festival in Baltimore followed a similar concert held in Vancouver in May, and the next event will be in Toronto in September.

Also rocking out on August 4 and 5 was another huge concert, the Lollapalooza Festival, an annual event founded in 1991. 165,000 people crammed Grant Park in Chicago to see 140 acts, including Pearl Jam, Ben Harper, and Snow Patrol. A portion of every ticket sale went to the Parkways Foundation, a non-profit organization working with the Chicago Park District.

Big Shoes To Fill For Blue Planet Run

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 08:30:32 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

An unusual new exhibition is raising eyebrows in downtown New York. A series of giant running shoes, designed by 20 well-known celebrities, has been placed around the city to raise awareness of an enduro-sport charity event taking place during July and August.

Courteney Cox, Rosie O’Donnell, Ben Harper, and Rachael Ray are just some of the actors, actresses, and musicians to have contributed the oversized footwear to Manhattan’s landscape. Each giant sneaker measures 3 feet by 5 feet, and draws attention to the Blue Planet Run, the first ever round-the-world running relay, which started in New York on July 1.

This special sporting event will see an international team of 20 athletes attempt to cover more than 15,000 miles in 100 days to promote the need for safe drinking water. The relay passes through 16 countries, including England, France, Germany, Belarus, and Japan, before finishing in New York on September 4.

The event has been organized by the Blue Planet Run Foundation, an organization founded in 2002 to assist in providing safe drinking water to 200 million people around the world by 2027, and is sponsored by the Dow Chemical Company.

“I am proud to participate in this project to help decrease the impact of water related diseases,” said American Beauty and Six Feet Under actress Mena Suvari, who designed one of the 20 sneaker statues. “Everyone involved is enthusiastic about helping to make a positive impact on people’s lives worldwide.”

Also as part of the event, the giant sneakers are to be auctioned on eBay. The bidding starts at $500, and runs from July 2 to July 12. All proceeds go directly to the Blue Planet Run Foundation, and the auction can be viewed at www.ebay.com/sneakersandthecity.

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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