Look To The Stars News: Neil Young

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.

Jason McGerr made it clear that they are a group that take their causes seriously and that they do their best to “think globally and act locally.” To this end, a portion of their concert ticket proceeds go to the Seattle Public Schools Lunch program.

Nick says, “We’re probably most active as a group with the Seattle Public Schools…to get all those kids fed.”

They also donate both time and money to various music programs in Washington State, and they give table space to non-profit organizations such as Planned Parenthood and to voter registration organizations.

In 2006, they were invited to play at the annual Bridge School Benefit. The Bridge School Benefit is a concert organized by musician Neil Young and his wife, Pegi, that takes place in Mountain View, California. The school’s mission is to help students with severe speech and physical challenges learn the skills needed to fully participate in their communities.

Also, Death Cab contributed a track to the 2007 Causes 1 benefit album to help ease the humanitarian crisis Daufur, Sudan. The benefit album is available on iTunes.

In addition, Death Cab’s guitarist and producer, Chris Walla, attended the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado along with lead singer Ben Gibbard where they performed at a few shows to benefit the political causes they support.

During the DNC they performed at the “Concert for a Cooler Planet”, the SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Rally, and the “Fix Health Care Now” rally. In addition, Chris Walla also wrote a blog from the DNC for Rolling Stone Magazine.

Individually, Nick and Jason describe Chris Walla as “the PETA guy.” Chris has been a vegetarian since he was a teenager. He made a public service announcement for PETA which encourages people to “try vegetarianism”.

Ben Gibbard is also vegetarian. As a group, Death Cab has supported PETA by giving away copies of the 2005 DVD Drive Well, Sleep Carefully. The teamwork regarding the vegetarian lifestyle and cause also shows up in how they tour. Nick and Jason describe themselves as “conscious omnivores”. However, during Death Cab’s tours they eat vegetarian meals.

Jason said, “We’ll roll that way for an entire tour just because it’s just easier having food brought in or prepared.”

“It’s easier to say the whole band is vegetarian because we can eat that, for sure, [but] they [Chris Walla and Ben Gibbard] can’t eat the other options,” added Nick.

Nick donates both time and money to the 826 Valencia Writing Center. 826 Valencia is the creation of author Dave Eggers and educator Nínive Calegari. 826 Valencia mission is to support children ages 6 to 18 with their writing skills and to help educators get excited about their student’s writing. 826 Valencia started in San Francisco but now has programs in NYC, Los Angeles, Michigan, Seattle, Chicago and Boston.

Nick says “I’ve donated money and I’ve donated time. I taught a class last year at 826.”

Nick also supports Kiva. “That’s actually a really cool organization. They’re loan brokers for underdeveloped and impoverished areas where people are trying to get businesses started.”

Kiva is a non-profit organization that helps people in developing countries with small loans. Their mission is to connect people together to alleviate poverty. They do this by helping match lenders with entrepreneurs in need of small loans. Lenders browse the profiles of small business owners, choose an entrepreneur and amount to loan to the entrepreneur. Kiva’s partners then distribute the loans and often they also help the entrepreneur with training and other services to help their businesses be successful.

“I’ve been doing that for awhile. It’s been actually really great. I’ve been paid back for every loan I’ve lent out. It’s awesome to have the one-on-one connection with a business owner. It’s really personal. It’s not, like, [you] give your money to some faceless organization. It’s a really fun thing to be involved with,” Nick said.

Jason said, “[My] charitable time is in the world of music [and] the world of teaching and education, spending time in Seattle public schools [and] private teaching schools and donating my time for school camps. Because we’re able to do what we love and make our livings doing it, it is my duty to give back. The budgets in the public school system for not only lunches but for extracurricular programs are just not there anymore. Nick’s mom was a principal for years, she could tell you. My mom was a teacher was a teacher for years, so education has been in my background and upbringing for years and years and years. I used to teach in a music school and don’t have much time now, but when I do have time I certainly volunteer all my time…”

The guys in Death Cab definitely show their commitment to thinking globally but acting locally, backing up their words with both donations and with actions.

Thanks, Nick and Jason, for taking the time to talking to us about the causes important to you!

To learn more about some of the charities Death Cab for Cutie support, visit the websites below:

826 Valencia The Bridge School Peta.org Planned Parenthood

Singers Combine Talents To Support America’s Farmers

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

Written by Rachel Krause

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.

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.

Stars Give The Spotlight To Children

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

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

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.”

Created in 1998 in memory of Turley’s sister, A Star For The Night contacts celebrities chosen by the children and co-ordinates the event. On the special night, the kids are given a makeover, a new outfit and dinner, and ride to the event in a luxury limousine.

And then they get to be a star, for a night they’ll never forget.

New Voices for Neil Young’s Old Tunes

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

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

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.”

Her statement makes Young’s lyrics even more poignant as the double CD opens with Heart of Gold and the words “I want to live.”

As one survivor puts it, “You’ve given me friends, new skills, and new hope.”

Neil Young Organizes Benefit Concert

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

Many of the performers at the concerts return annually. Eddie Vedder has performed eight times with his band Pearl Jam, and is singing this year with Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ bassist, Flea, and ex Chilli Peppers/Pearl Jam drummer, Jack Irons. Other musicians to perform at this year’s shows include singer/songwriters Tegan and Sara, Regina Spektor, and 50s rocker Jerry Lee Lewis. Neil Young will also perform a set.

Tickets to the shows come in three price tiers – $150, $75, and $39.50, and are available through www.ticketmaster.com.

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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