Look To The Stars News: Neil Young

Paul McCartney Honored As MusiCares Person Of The Year

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Beatles legend Paul McCartney was honored as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year at a special event in Los Angeles on Friday, celebrating his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work.

The sold-out tribute to McCartney benefits MusiCares’ emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs. Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute — now in its 22nd year — provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that members of the music community have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Hosted by Eddie Izzard, performers included Cirque du Soleil, Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, James Taylor, Diana Krall, Neil Young with Crazy Horse, Sergio Mendes and Katy Perry. The evening also featured a special performance by 14-time GRAMMY winning artist and 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year Paul McCartney.

Stars To Come Out For Paul McCartney At Charity Gala

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

An impressive star-studded cast will come together to honor 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree Paul McCartney during a sold-out gala on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles, two days prior to the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Hosted by actor/comedian Eddie Izzard, artists set to perform are current GRAMMY nominees Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, and Katy Perry; GRAMMY-winning artists Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Diana Krall, James Taylor, and Neil Young with Crazy Horse; two-time Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Sergio Mendes; and the cast of Cirque du Soleil’s “Love” Beatles tribute show. The evening will also feature a special performance by McCartney.

The 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year gala, which will celebrate McCartney’s exceptional artistic achievements and philanthropic work, will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction sponsored by the Starkey Hearing Foundation that will offer an exclusive selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The auction will be followed by a gala dinner sponsored by AEG Live, and a star-studded tribute concert sponsored by Acura/ELS. This year’s red-carpet press arrivals will be sponsored by Kinect for Xbox 360 and Dance Central 2. Other event supporters include CenterStaging — A SoundCheck LA Company, Classic Wines of California, Delta Airlines, Double Platinum, Gibson, Global Art, Heineken, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Jackson Limo, Korbel, Patron Spirits Company, Pepsi, and Sweetwater.

Al Gore And Richard Branson Witness Climate Change In Antarctica

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:05:00 +0000

Al Gore and Richard Branson are currently en route to Antarctica to witness first-hand the effects of climate change.

The trip – organized by Gore’s Climate Reality Project – sees the former Vice President return to the continent for the first time in 22 years.

“The Antarctic Peninsula, which juts northward toward South America, is lined with ice-covered mountains and surrounded by abundant wildlife in the sea,” he blogged. "But even on this continent that looks and feels pristine, a troubling process is underway because of global warming.

Paul McCartney To Perform At MusiCares Person Of The Year Event

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Legendary singer/songwriter, 14-time Grammy winner and 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree Paul McCartney is set to perform at the sold-out star-studded tribute concert, taking place in Los Angeles during Grammy Week on Feb. 10.

The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. Proceeds from the dinner and concert will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Foo Fighters Join Neil Young's Celebrity Charity Benefit Concert

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Neil Young has announced the star-studded lineup for his annual Bridge School Celebrity Charity Benefit Concert.

The Bridge School Benefit is an annual non-profit charity concert held in Mountain View, California every October at the Shoreline Amphitheatre. The concerts are all organized by musician Neil Young and his wife, Pegi, and benefit The Bridge School, an innovative organization educating children with severe speech and physical impairments.

This year’s 25th anniversary acoustic concerts will take place on October 22 and October 23, and feature performances by Foo Fighters, Carlos Santana, Dave Matthews, Arcade Fire, Tony Bennett, Eddie Vedder, Diana Krall, Mumford & Sons, Beck and Jenny Lewis.

Willie Nelson To Be Honored For Charity Work

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

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

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

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

Big Stars Align For Farm Aid Celebrity Charity Concert

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

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

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

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

Neil Young To Receive Humanitarian Award

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

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

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

Neil Young Gathers Rock Legends For Benefit Concert

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:20:00 +0000

Neil Young’s annual Bridge School Benefit saw the likes of Pearl Jam, Billy Idol and Elvis Costello come out to perform over the weekend.

Saturday’s lineup included Buffalo Springfield, Pearl Jam, Elvis Costello, Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson, Lucinda Williams, Steve Stevens, Billy Idol, Jackson Browne and David Lindley, Modest Mouse, Emmylou Harris and Grizzly Bear.

Farm Aid Launches Celebrity Charity Auction

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

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

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

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

Neil Young To Play Charity Shows For Oil Spill Victims

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Veteran rocker Neil Young will play a series of concerts on the Gulf Coast to help those affected by the Gulf oil spill.

Starting on September 20, Young will hit the stage in association with John Tyson’s Tyson Foods to assist communities devastated by the disaster.

“Millions of people who live along the Gulf Coast struggle with hunger and the economic impact of the oil spill has only made matters worse,” said Young. “I appreciate the willingness of John Tyson and his company to get involved by helping the regional food bank help feed those in need. John is truly a ‘southern man’ with a ‘heart of gold’. We both encourage concert-goers to spend money locally and support local business.”

Rare Celebrity Items Go Under The Hammer At Charity Grammy Auction

Wed, 12 May 2010 13:00:00 +0000

The Grammy Charity Online Auction, sponsored by The Recording Academy, is on through May 20, 2010. A wide selection of music and memorabilia from famed artists are being auctioned off to the general public. All proceeds raised will directly benefit The Grammy Foundation and MusiCares.

This year’s special charity auction is presented in partnership with Kompolt Online Aunction Agency, a California based online aunction agency, focused on securing the highest quality of merchandise sale. Managed by professionals, buyers are guaranteed bona fide VIP experiences, bidder pre-qualifcation, and the authenticity of celebrity autographed items to ensure overall customer satisfaction.

A few of this year’s auctioned items include music memorabilia from Neil Young, Kings of Leon, Green Day, Colbie Caillat, James Taylor, Elton John, Jackson Browne, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews; a Red Hot Chili Peppers signed model Gibson guitar; a guitar signed by stars including Beyoncé, Carrie Underwood, and Lady Gaga; a meet and greet VIP experience with Michael McDonald; a DJ AM signed iPod Classic with his own personal playlist; a Lynyrd Skynyrd signed remo drumhead; celebrity-signed memorabilia from the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards and more.

Neil Young: MusiCares Person Of The Year

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Music icon Neil Young received the Person of the Year award last month from MusiCares, not only for his artistic accomplishments, but also for his philanthropic work.

Young is a long-time supporter of MusiCares, which has been in existence for 20 years, providing assistance to musicians in financial, medical and personal need. Proceeds from last month’s gala will go towards the charity’s emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs.

“Well, it’s a great cause,” said Young, “and the money that we make here tonight goes to a really good place. It goes to helping musicians that are less fortunate and that have come upon hard times and don’t have health care and are living in the real world,” reported BBC.

Stars Added To MusiCares Person Of The Year Charity Event

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Ben Harper and Lucinda Williams have been added to the all-star lineup for the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute to Neil Young on Jan. 29 in Los Angeles.

They join other performers Jack Black, Jackson Browne, T Bone Burnett, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Sheryl Crow, Everest, Patty Griffin, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris, Elton John, Norah Jones, Lady Antebellum, KD Lang, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Ozomatli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Leon Russell, James Taylor and Wilco. The dinner co-chairs are Warner Bros. Records Chairman Emeritus Mo Ostin, Lookout Management President and Founder Elliot Roberts, and Warner Bros. Records Chairman/CEO Tom Whalley. Two-time GRAMMY-winning producer Don Was will be the evening’s musical director.

Neil Young’s philanthropic work is as renowned as his musical legacy. He was one of the original founders of Farm Aid in 1985, and continues to be an active member on the organization’s board of directors. Each October, he and his wife Pegi organize and host the Bridge School Concerts, a benefit for the Bridge School that he and Pegi helped found. The school ensures that children with severe speech and physical impairments achieve full participation in their communities through the use of assistive technology and the development, implementation and dissemination of innovative educational strategies. These weekend concerts have drawn an international array of musical artists and have raised significant resources for the school.

Stars Gather For Annual Bridge School Benefit

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Veteran musician Neil Young was surrounded by a plethora of stars at his annual Bridge School Benefit Concert on Saturday night.

The concert benefits a non-profit educational institution in Northern California for children with physical disabilities and severe speech impediments. It was co-founded by Young’s wife, Pegi, in 1986, after three of the couple’s children were born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy (their two sons have cerebral palsy and their daughter – like Neil – has epilepsy). Young organized the first Bridge School Concert in 1986, and with the exception of 1987, has hosted the event every year since.

Appearing at Saturday’s show at Mountain View in California were Gwen Stefani, Sheryl Crow, Wolfmother, Gavin Rossdale, Adam Sandler, Chris Martin from Coldplay and many more.

Farm Aid 2009 Hits Missouri

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

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

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

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

Neil Young: 2010 MusiCares Person Of The Year

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Neil Young has been announced as the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year.

The 63-year-old musician is being recognized for his outstanding philanthropic work, including co-founding Farm Aid in 1985, and founding Bridge School – and running the annual Bridge School Concerts – with his wife Pegi in 1986. Bridge School was founded to develop and use advanced technologies to aid in the instruction of children with severe speech and physical disabilities.

“Neil has set a standard of artistic integrity and iconoclastic creativity for more than four decades, and his achievements have been matched by his unwavering humanitarianism,” said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of the Recording Academy and the MusiCares Foundation. “He is a shining example of how music people offer their creative gifts to the world, and how they also give back through their commitments to charitable endeavors.”

Sarah McLachlan To Host Summer Sessions In Canada

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:30:00 +0000

The Sarah McLachlan Foundation and the City of West Vancouver are proud to present Summer Sessions at Ambleside on Saturday, September 12.

The one-day premiere benefit concert will be the first of its kind in West Vancouver, featuring performances by megastar artists Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow and Neil Young.

Sarah McLachlan reflects, “I am thrilled to have Neil and Sheryl join me on stage at Ambleside Park this September to help raise funds for my Foundation. We hope the event will entertain and inspire, while increasing awareness of the need for music in children’s lives. I am also excited that the City of West Vancouver has partnered with us to bring this event into the community that I have been proud to call my home for so many years.”

Early Tickets To Farm Aid Go On Sale Today

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

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

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

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

Interview: Death Cab for Cutie Talks to Look To The Stars

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Summertime in Seoul, South Korea, like in many other big cities, is the time for music festivals. Being a new columnist on the interview beat here in Seoul means I had the chance to attend a few of those festivals and was able to interview some of the artists, too.

During Seo Tai-ji’s 2008 ETP Festival I sat down and talked to two of the members of Death Cab for Cutie – bassist Nick Harmer and drummer Jason McGerr – before their set. I asked them a few questions about their charity work and causes they support both as a group and as individuals.

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.

Farm Aid 2008 To Rock New England

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

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.”

Stars Give The Spotlight To Children

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:49:24 +0000

A growing list of celebrities are offering time and attention to individual children, and even sharing the spotlight with them, in answer to a call from A Star For The Night, a charity that makes dreams come true for underprivileged, disabled, and homeless children.

Singers such as LeAnn Rimes and Rick Springfield have had Stars’ children on stage and even singing with them during concerts, and actors Nikki Cox, Andy Garcia, Mike Myers, Mandy Moore, and Ben Stiller have given radio interviews to them – as has music legend Neil Young. A Star For A Night aims to fulfill the wishes of about 450 kids per year to participate in fashion shows, appear on the sets of television shows, and attend sports events.

Founder Dejra Turley said, “We give these children a night that emphasizes hope, inspiration, and acknowledgement.”

New Voices for Neil Young’s Old Tunes

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:26:41 +0000

Neil Young’s songs are getting a makeover – by women. A group of over 20 female singers, including Tanya Donelly, Jill Sobule and Lori McKenna, are redoing Young’s most popular, pre-1980 acoustic ballads, giving a feminine touch to his deeply insightful lyrics. The collection, called Cinnamon Girl, will benefit Casting for Recovery, a cancer charity.

Casting For Recovery (CFR) provides weekend retreats for breast cancer survivors. The retreats are located throughout the United States where women come together for social support and group interaction. And to learn fly fishing. For no cost to the participants, they receive room and board, professional counseling and health care and the techniques learned in fly fishing provide gentle exercise for joint and soft tissue mobility.

One grateful participant summed up her weekend with CFR: “My body is tired but my spirit is renewed. I leave with memories of strong, beautiful women and a new experience to build on. I leave with the information that will help me to continue on as a survivor.”

Neil Young Organizes Benefit Concert

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 08:31:28 +0000

Musician Neil Young is to host his annual Bridge School Benefit Concerts near San Francisco on October 27-28, with an eclectic lineup of acts already confirmed to play.

The two acoustic concerts, to be held at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, will feature performers such as John Mayer, Metallica, and Pearl Jam singer, Eddie Vedder. Tom Waits will also perform with the classical string ensemble, The Kronos Quartet. Waits and the Quartet first performed together earlier in 2007, as part of a concert to benefit Richard Gere’s Healing the Divide Foundation.

Proceeds from the October shows will benefit Bridge School, a non-profit educational institution in Northern California for children with physical disabilities and severe speech impediments. It was co-founded by Young’s wife, Pegi, in 1986, after three of the couple’s children were born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Young organized the first Bridge School Concert in 1986, and with the exception of 1987, has hosted the event every year since.