Look To The Stars News: Dave Matthews

Singers Combine Talents To Support America’s Farmers

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

A 23-year-old music tradition continues on September 20 as Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young grace the stage at Farm Aid 2008.

While it’s the first time the event will be in New England, it’s not the first time Farm Aid will make a lot of noise. With the mission of combining great music and a great cause, musicians and organizers hope to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep struggling family farms afloat.

While not often covered in the media, there is a crisis facing family farmers in the United States today. Farmers are under intense economic pressure, especially during a recession, and every year thousands are forced off their land. As a result, our quality of food, environment, and food security suffers as large factory farms dominate the rural countryside.

Some think that with that loss of small family farms comes a loss of America.

“We’re at a moment when a lot of people are asking, ‘What is America? What represents America?’ Certainly, I think that the family farm is a main ingredient of what made America,” says Dave Matthews, musician and member of the board of directors of Farm Aid since 2001.

With the scares of tainted tomatoes, spinach, and jalapenos still fresh in American’s minds, people are looking to local farmers to provide safe, delicious, and organic goods. As a result, family farmers are at a higher demand than ever before and it is important to keep these people financially safe and secure.

“There’s a new food movement sweeping the country and Farm Aid is doing all we can to promote that movement,” says Willie Nelson, well-known folk musician and president of Farm Aid.

Every year Farm Aid funds farm support organizations that assist farmers with services including financial and credit counseling, legal advice, and disaster and emergency services. After the recent flooding in the Midwest in June, Farm Aid provided emergency funds for families to buy food and cover living expenses, as well as provided groups to help farmers avoid foreclosure. However, without the nation’s attention and support, Farm Aid’s work could not continue. It is the annual high-profile concert that ultimately keeps Farm Aid alive and running.

“Farm Aid puts family farmers on center stage,” says Caryoln Mugar, Executive Director. “We shine a national spotlight on family farmers – for our food, our health, our environment, our country. Farm Aid has always done that.”

As the longest running benefit concert in America, its ties have remained strong with famous musicians. Young, Mellencamp, and Nelson first organized the event in 1985, which took place in Champlain, Illinois. Throughout its run, famous musicians such as Elton John, Billy Joel, and Bob Dylan have performed in the hope of saving America’s family farmers.

This year’s lineup includes the three founding members of Farm Aid, as well as Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson, Dave Matthews, and One Flew South. While the concert is sold out, Farm Aid is sponsoring the Farmer Hero Sweepstakes that will give one winner and three lucky guests the chance to see the concert — which takes place in Mansfield, Massachusetts — for free. There are two ways to enter. One is to simply enter your name and email address on the Farm Aid website. The second option is to submit a 150 word true story about a farmer who you believe is a true hero.

Even if you can’t make it to this year’s concert there are always ways to help support Farm Aid and its mission of saving the family farmer. Anyone can make a donation or become a member. Even a visit to the Farm Aid shop will help support family farmers.

Every little bit counts, as through the efforts of Farm Aid and people across the nation, over $30 million dollars has been raised to support the family farmer, which in turn, has helped build a sound agricultural future for America.

To learn more about Farm Aid 2008 and the sweepstakes, visit http://www.farmaid.org.

Stars Sing Songs For Tibet

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Sting, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, and Alanis Morissette are just some of the artists who are donating songs to a new album to raise awareness for the International Campaign for Tibet.

Due for release on iTunes on August 5 and through other retailers on August 12, the album – called Songs For Tibet – will hit the airwaves just three days before the opening of the Beijing Olympics.

“This album will focus people’s attention on the importance of Tibet, the gifts of its culture, and the crisis the Tibetan people are facing today,” said Michael Wohl, from the Art of Peace Foundation. “We wanted to express our support for the Tibetan people and their message of peace through music – a fundamental means of expression – at a time when the eyes of the world are on China.”

It is a sentiment shared by the International Campaign for Tibet – a organization whose board of directors includes Richard Gere – with spokesperson Kate Saunders adding: “We support this unique project as a heartfelt expression of solidarity with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people at a time when the survival of Tibet’s religious culture is under threat.”

Proceeds from the album will go towards raising awareness and support for Tibet and the Dalai Lama, as well as towards projects inspired by the Dalai Lama’s promotion of peace.

Songs For Tibet also features new music from Moby, Damien Rice, and many more, and was produced by Rupert Hine.

“The commitment and enthusiasm from such a wide group of artists has been astonishing and truly heartfelt,” said Hine. “It’s been exciting orchestrating such an historic project.”

Farm Aid 2008 To Rock New England

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rocker John Mellencamp has unveiled the main acts set to kick up a storm at Farm Aid 2008.

The concert – which will take place on September 20 – will be held for the first time in New England, and will see performances by Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, and Willie Nelson, all of which are on the board of directors for Farm Aid. More acts will be announced over the next few weeks.

“We are proud to bring our annual Farm Aid concert to a region that has such strong agricultural roots and to the many people who love to eat the good food grown in New England,” said Nelson, Farm Aid’s president. “I’m looking forward to bringing my friends together on the Farm Aid stage to celebrate and support family farmers.”

Now entering its 23rd year, Farm Aid has raised more than $23 million for family farms and organic agricultural initiatives since the first concert in 1985. A plethora of stars have appeared at the concerts to increase awareness of the importance of family farms over the years, including Jon Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, Vince Gill, Sammy Hagar, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Charley Pride, and Lou Reed.

“New England was built on the strength of independent family farmers,” said Mellencamp. “We can honor that independent spirit by joining Farm Aid to grow the movement that is changing the way all of America eats.”

The concert will take place at the Comcast Arena in Mansfield. Tickets go on sale July 28 through Ticketmaster.

Attention Country Music Fans: The Grammy Charities Auction Is For You

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of country music might want to head over to eBay to see their current “Grammy Charities Auction”.

Items up for offer include guitars signed by Miley Ray Cyrus, Dwight Yoakam, John Foggerty, and Jerry Lee Lewis, CDs signed by Taylor Swift and George Strait, and clothing donated by Rascal Flatts and Trace Adkins.

And if you’re not into country music, there’s a selection of items up for offer that might interest you too, including lots from John Legend, Alice Cooper, Billy Bob Thornton, Joss Stone, and Dave Matthews.

Money from the auction will go to MusiCares, which works to help those in need in the music industry, and the Grammy Foundation, which works with industries, cultural communities and the public to raise awareness of music and arts education.

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.

More Artists Join Farm Aid in New York

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:31:07 -0000

As reported earlier, Farm Aid is set to take place on Sunday, September 9 at Randall’s Island in New York City. This is the first time that the day-long music festival will take place in New York, and it’s setting the stage for future major concert events to feature an abundance of family farm food vendors, serving local, organic, humanely-raised and family farmed food. There will also be hands-on, interactive exhibits with farmers and activities that inspire living a homegrown life.

Farm Aid 2007: A Homegrown Festival is drawing huge support from the music scene, and recently joining the already incredible lineup are Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Danielle Evin, Jesse Lenat, Jimmy Sturr, Pauline Reese, Billy Joe Shaver and Paula Nelson. Fans have the chance to win front row seats, airfare and hotel accommodations for Farm Aid 2007: A HOMEGROWN Festival at www.topofthehaystack.com.

Tickets for Farm Aid 2007: A HOMEGROWN Festival are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling (212) 307-7171, (631) 888-9000 or (203) 624-0033. Ticket prices are $52 for general admission, $102 for reserved seats and $302 for VIP reserved seats. The VIP package includes catering in an exclusive area and other amenities.

Since 1985, Farm Aid has raised over $30 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the current system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson will perform at the Hard Rock International’s Ambassadors of Rock event at the Hard Rock Café New York in Times Square on Monday, September 10 to promote sustainable biodiesel practices, including harvesting, production and distribution of biodiesel fuels. For more information, visit www.hardrock.com.

Farm Aid Concert Lineup Announced

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:36:09 -0000

Farm Aid has announced the full lineup of performers for its upcoming day-long event, Farm Aid 2007: A HOMEGROWN Festival. Artists representing a variety of genres are slated to join Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews on Sunday, September 9 at Randall’s Island in New York City. The show will promote food from family farmers and raise funds for Farm Aid’s work throughout the year to strengthen family farm agriculture.

Visitors to the festival will have the chance to enjoy performances by Tim Reynolds, The Allman Brothers Band, Counting Crows, Matisyahu, Guster, The Derek Trucks Band, Warren Haynes, Supersuckers, The Ditty Bops and Montgomery Gentry. Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, The Allman Brothers Band, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds are scheduled to play full sets.

“Thanks to a warm welcome from Mayor Bloomberg and New Yorkers, Farm Aid is bringing the annual concert to New York for the first time in 22 years,” said Carolyn Mugar, Farm Aid’s executive director. “With inspiring music from generous artists and a menu of family farm food, Randall’s Island will be transformed into a music festival to be remembered.”

Farm Aid 2007: A HOMEGROWN Festival will feature a full day of music, an abundance of family farm food vendors, and hands-on, interactive exhibits with farmers and activists that inspire living a homegrown life. For the first time at a major concert event, the goal is to serve 100 percent local, organic, humanely-raised and family-farmed food.

A limited number of premium seats and VIP packages are also available for charitable sale at www.tickets-for-charity.com. Fans may access these seats at face value plus a donation, which is directed to Farm Aid.

Farm Aid fans also have the chance to win front row seats, airfare and hotel accommodations for Farm Aid 2007: A HOMEGROWN Festival at www.topofthehaystack.com.

Farm Aid 2007: A HOMEGROWN Festival is sponsored by Silk Soymilk, Horizon Organic, Fields Family Foundation, Chipotle, Whole Foods Market, Citizens Energy, Chevy, Organic Trade Association, New Hope Natural Media, Clif Bar, Organic Valley Family of Farms, Niman Ranch and Annie’s Homegrown.

The most efficient way to get to Randall’s Island is to catch the ferry, bus or train. For bus and train information visit www.mta.info/nyct or call (718) 330-1234. For ferry information visit www.nywaterway.com/event/randalls.shtml or call 1-800-53-FERRY.

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-farmed food. Since 1985, Farm Aid has raised over $30 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the current system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

Music Legends Bring Farm Aid to New York

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 07:55:41 -0000

Written by Nadia Lias

What other better way to raise awareness and funds than having a fun filled annual concert loaded with country, blues and rock music? Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews seem to be doing a great job in creating such fun with a cause.

Farm Aid is back, and on September 9, it will continue its mission to create awareness of the importance of family farms at its concert in Randall’s Island, New York. Farm Aid 2007: A HOMEGROWN Festival is not to be missed, promising superb tunes from great lineups, 100% delicious family farm food and homegrown fun.

Founded in 1985, Farm Aid was created to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on their land producing fresh, healthful food for everyone. Farm Aid has raised more than $30 million for the good cause. For more information on the concert visit the Farm Aid website.

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