Look To The Stars News: Tony Bennett

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.

Tony Bennett Paints Louis Armstrong For Charity

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Tony Bennett’s new painting of Louis Armstrong is going under the hammer for charity.

In 1970, the great vocalist Tony Bennett created a beautiful oil portrait of one of his musical heroes, Louis Armstrong. He presented it to Louis personally, and Louis replied, “Man, you out-Rembrandted Rembrandt!” Today, Bennett’s portrait still hangs in the den of Louis Armstrong’s house, which is a historic house museum visited by people from all over the world. While on tour, visitors to the Louis Armstrong House Museum hear an audio recording of Louis speaking about the painting and about his friend “Benedetto” (Tony Bennett’s birth name).

Now, forty-two years later, Tony Bennett has painted a new portrait of Louis Armstrong.

Salman Rushdie And Michael Stipe To Host Charity Book Fair

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

March 21 will see The Lunchbox Fund hold its annual Book Fair and auction – hosted by Salman Rushdie and Michael Stipe – at the Piedmonte Room, Del Posto.

As well as the chance to enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and the most beautiful gathering of books to behold, the event will give you the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind handmade books created in collaboration with Ruth Lingen by Salman, Stipe, Sting, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mario Batali, Ben Kingsley, Yoko Ono, Tony Bennett, Shepard Fairey, Deepak Chopra and many more.

An online auction will also take place, which starts on March 20 and can be accessed here.

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.

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.

Tony Bennett Performs At Star-Studded Gala For St. Jude Children's Hospital

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The United States Postal Service has unveiled a commemorative Forever Stamp honoring legendary entertainer Danny Thomas, the founder of the renowned St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The unveiling took place at a star-studded gala in Los Angeles this past weekend to celebrate Thomas’ 100th birthday and the St. Jude’s 50th anniversary.

“The Danny Thomas stamp, which will be officially dedicated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, and go on sale on Feb. 16, will become an ambassador for philanthropy, traveling on letters and packages to households and businesses throughout America and the world,” said Ed Ruiz, USPS Los Angeles district manager. “It also will serve as a lasting tribute to one of America’s most beloved and enduring entertainers who worked tirelessly to help the most helpless of all — children with diseases.”

Tony Bennett To Headline Celebrity Charity Gala For St Jude

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:25:00 +0000

Tony Bennett, Ray Romano and Phil Donahue will headline the celebration as stars from the entertainment industry show their support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s 50th anniversary with a benefit gala in Los Angeles on January 7, 2012.

Tony Bennett, a personal friend of St. Jude founder – the late entertainer Danny Thomas – will perform for the star-studded crowd along with Ray Romano, a good friend of the Thomas family and an ardent supporter of St. Jude, to help commemorate what would have been Thomas’ 100th birthday. The 50th anniversary gala honors St. Jude’s commitment to saving the lives of children fighting cancer and other deadly diseases.

“My father always said there would be no St. Jude without Hollywood,” said Tony Thomas, son of Danny Thomas and one of the gala’s co-chairs. “He spent the 1950’s raising money for his dream, to build a hospital for research and care under one roof for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. He reached out to his entertainment friends, who we now know as legends, to put on benefits around the country to raise money for a hospital yet to be built. Today, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for families across America. My father would be so proud that Hollywood continues to support the hospital.”

Tony Bennett's Naked Lady Gaga Portrait Up For Sale For Charity

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Here is your chance to get your hands on a very special picture of Lady Gaga to benefit charity.

After recording “Lady Is a Tramp” for Tony Bennett’s newest album, Duets II, Lady Gaga posed for Bennett and Vanity Fair contributing photographer Annie Leibovitz in New York City. The resulting drawing and photograph can be seen exclusively in the January 2012 issue of Vanity Fair, available on newsstands now. You can own the original charcoal drawing, an original print of the Vanity Fair cover photograph signed by Annie Leibovitz, or one of several other unique items from the Vanity Fair shoot in a very special charity auction running on eBay now.   

Exploring The Arts With Tony Bennett At Celebrity Charity Event

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:30:00 +0000

When Tony Bennett makes his debut at his sold out performance at the Metropolitan Opera House on Sunday, September 18, he will be joined by Aretha Franklin, Sir Elton John and Alejandro Sanz for special duet appearances.

Franklin, John and Sanz all recorded with Bennett for his Duets CD projects: Elton John appeared on the first CD, DUETS in 2006; and Aretha Franklin and Alejandro Sanz recorded with the singer for the forthcoming follow up CD, DUETS II, set for release on Tuesday, September 20.

The evening at the Metropolitan Opera will also mark the official celebration of Tony’s 85th birthday where he will be honored at a post-concert gala hosted by Alec Baldwin. The gala is a benefit for Exploring The Arts, the non-profit organization started by Bennett and his wife Susan, to support arts education in public schools. Over $2.5M has been raised for the evening thus far.

Amy Winehouse And Tony Bennett Duet For Charity

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The track and video of “Body and Soul,” recorded by Amy Winehouse and Tony Bennett on March 23, 2011 at Abbey Road Studios in London, will be released in its entirety on Wednesday, September 14 to commemorate Amy Winehouse’s birthday.

“Body and Soul” became the final recording Amy ever made before her passing on July 23rd of this year. September 14 marks what would have been the singer’s 28th Birthday.

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.

Tony Bennett To Be Surrounded By Stars At Charity Concert

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

AARP today announced that Carrie Underwood, Diana Krall, John Mayer and Stevie Wonder will join American icon Tony Bennett for a landmark concert event in Los Angeles to benefit Drive to End Hunger, a national effort by AARP and AARP Foundation to end hunger among older Americans.

This musical spectacular will take place at the STAPLES Center on Saturday, September 24th and also celebrates the singer’s milestone 85th birthday. To date, Drive to End Hunger has organized food and cash donations to provide more than 2.7 million meals through local hunger relief organizations.

Billed as AARP Presents: TONY BENNETT LIVE IN CONCERT – Benefit for Drive to End Hunger, this one-night-only event will feature songs from Bennett’s anxiously awaited new album, Tony Bennett: Duets II, slated for a September 20th release.

Help Celebrate Tony Bennett's Birthday With Celebrity Charity Auction

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Tony Bennett celebrated his 85th birthday on August 3, and he wants you to join him and Tiffany & Co. in support of arts education in public schools.

A new celebrity charity auction joins two legendary New York City icons—Tony Bennett and Tiffany & Co.—for a dazzling celebration of music, art and the world’s most spectacular jewels.

Tony Bennett To Headline Celebrity Charity Hunger Concert For AARP

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Tony Bennett will team with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to take part in a celebrity charity concert to help end hunger – as well as to celebrate his 85th birthday.

The Drive To End Hunger concert will take place at Los Angeles’ Staples Center on September 24, just days after the release of his new album of duets.

“It is terrific to be working with AARP once again, especially for a cause like ending hunger among our older Americans, which often does not get much attention,” Bennett said. “I know this event will make a big difference and I am thrilled to be a part of it and have some of my favorite musical performers join me for the concert.”

Stars Go Through The Kitchen Dinner For Cancer Charity

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:30:00 +0000

The Cancer Research Institute will once again host the “Through the Kitchen Dinner,” a culinary experience that invites guests to don chef’s aprons and walk through the kitchen of the renowned Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City to choose from among the many gourmet delights prepared by the Four Seasons chefs.

Guests will include Barbara Walters, Matt Lauer, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Tony Bennett and many more.

As in past years, famed event designer DeJuan Stroud has planned a décor tour-de-force to rival his previous creations for this must-attend event. Last year’s “Things That Make NYC Great” dinner featured sumptuously decked tables—and a replica Statue of Liberty floating in the central pool—celebrating all the best in NYC fashion, art, sports, culture, and society. This year’s event promises to be another stunning evening as NYC society assembles to raise money to support the Irvington Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of the Cancer Research Institute – the Institute’s longest-standing grant initiative. This program provides critical support for young immunologists and tumor immunologists at top universities and research centers around the world. Since it was established in 1971, the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program has funded nearly 1,000 promising young investigators and has played an important role in advancing the Institute’s driving mission to conquer cancer through the understanding and application of tumor immunology and immunotherapy.

Barbra Streisand Honored As Charity Person Of The Year

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Barbra Streisand was honored as the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year at its star-studded 21st annual benefit gala on Friday.

The legendary artist was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year in recognition of her renowned creative accomplishments as well as her philanthropic work, which has included an extraordinary range of charitable activities over the years.

“Barbra Streisand is a genuine Renaissance woman, someone for whom artistry and philanthropy go hand in hand,” said Neil Portnow, president of the MusiCares Foundation. “The enormous talent, passion and dedication she brings to her creative projects — whether film, television or music — are matched by the generosity and commitment she devotes to her charitable causes. It is fitting to celebrate the incredible legacy of Barbra at our 21st Annual MusiCares Person of the Year tribute.”

Tony Bennett Attends Young Leaders For Change Awards

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

The All Stars Project hosted a very special guest at its 16th Annual Phyllis Hyman Phat Friends and Young Leaders for Change Awards on Monday, November 15 – Tony Bennett

Roscoe Orman, known to millions for his thirty-six years as “Gordon” on the highly acclaimed children’s series Sesame Street, was the event’s MC which honored New York City’s unsung heroes and All Stars Project youth leaders.

Music Legends Support Hungerthon Celebrity Charity Auction

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Some of music’s legendary performers have come together as part of a special celebrity charity auction for Hungerthon.

Hungerthon was started in 1975 as a partnership between WhyHunger and Infinity Broadcasting and has since expanded to become an autumn radio tradition among the New York tri-state area radio stations in the CBS, Clear Channel and Emmis Radio Groups, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio, with support from Citadel New York stations, Last.FM and more.

WhyHunger is a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment. WhyHunger was founded in 1975 by the singer-songwriter Harry Chapin and radio talk-show host and current Executive Director Bill Ayres.

Celebrity Rockers Honored By Music Therapy Charity

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:30:00 +0000

British rockers Muse picked up the O2 Silver Clef Award in London last week.

Presented by Nordoff Robbins and hosted by Sharon Osbourne, the event also honored Tony Bennett, Vera Lynn, Slash, Russell Watson, Dizzee Rascal and boyband JLS.

“We are delighted to be presented this year’s Nordoff Robbins Silver Clef and join the ranks of such Artistes as Robert Plant, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Elton John and The Who,” said members of Muse. “Nordoff Robbins is an exceptional charity that has a positive impact on so many people’s lives, and we are very proud to be recognised by them in this way”

We Are The World: Coca-Cola Joins Celebrities For Charity

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Twenty-five years ago, the iconic recording, “We Are The World” generated millions of dollars to help ease suffering in Africa. With a contemporary version of the song being released today to aid the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, Coca-Cola will be doing its part to support the cause.

“When we heard about Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie’s incredible plan to re-record ‘We Are the World 25 For Haiti’ to benefit earthquake relief in Haiti, we knew instantly that Coca-Cola had to be involved and help however we could,” said Katie Bayne, Chief Marketing Officer,  Coca-Cola North America. “Spreading the word about this great program is something we can do quickly and effectively by activating Coca-Cola’s powerful communications network.”

Coca-Cola is joining forces with AEG Live, Group M Entertainment, Fremantle Media Enterprises, iTunes Store, YouTube, and Visa to help amplify awareness for “We Are The World 25 For Haiti.” Beginning today Coca-Cola will use a variety of assets to encourage millions of people across the United States to tune into the television broadcasts of the “We Are The World 25 For Haiti” video and to visit www.WORLD25.org to download the song and support those in Haiti. Downloads will also be available on iTunes, and through a partnership with YouTube, the video will be viewable on the We Are the World 25 YouTube Channel. Immediate donations will be made possible by clicking on the “Donate Now” button on YouTube or by downloading the song on iTunes.

Stars Revamp We Are The World For Haiti

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie have revamped the song “We Are the World,” originally recorded 25 years ago. More than 75 big-name stars got together on February 2nd at Jim Henson Studios – where the song was originally recorded – to do it again. The song will benefit aid relief in Haiti.

The long list of celebrities includes Bono, Jason Mraz, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Usher, Pink, Céline Dion, Natalie Cole, the Jonas Brothers, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Lil Wayne and many, many more.

Lionel Richie said, “This one, the enthusiasm, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

George Clooney Presents Jerry Weintraub Humanitarian Award

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

On December 10, the UNICEF Ball brought together Hollywood’s biggest stars for a fundraising gala to honor those individuals who have made key contributions to UNICEF’s mission to save and improve children’s lives worldwide. The evening raised more money for the organization than any UNICEF Ball to date.

Producer and long-time philanthropist Jerry Weintraub was honored as Man of the Year with UNICEF’s Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award. The special black-tie evening took place at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, CA.

Tony Bennett Presents Charity Wine And Chocolate Event

Tue, 26 May 2009 11:30:00 +0000

On Thursday, May 28, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – along with Tony Bennett – will hold a deliciously decadent evening of dancing, desserts and dreams.

The premiere black tie, red carpet event will help raise funds and awareness for the hospital, dedicated to finding cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.

Imagine walking into one of the most elegant event spaces in New York City, filled with some of the world’s finest chocolate, wine and food tastings ever assembled in one room all to the sounds of a 20 piece orchestra lead by fifteen time Grammy award-winning legend Tony Bennett.

Dom DeLuise's Charity Legacy

Wed, 06 May 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Actor Dom DeLuise sadly passed away on Monday, May 4, after a long battle with cancer. But the comedian is leaving a lasting legacy for charity.

In lieu of flowers, DeLuise’s family has asked for donations to some of his favorite charities, such as the Elixir Fund, the Lily Sanctuary, the Hydrocephalus Foundation, and the Pearl S. Buck Foundation.

DeLuise is also one of the stars who has donated doodles to this year’s annual Celebrity Doodle auction to raise money for Neurofibromatosis, Inc..

James Taylor To Headline Musicians On Call Benefit

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Musicians on Call has announced Grammy award winner James Taylor as the headliner for their 5th Annual Benefit Concert & Auction which will take place at the world-famous Hard Rock Cafe New York in Times Square on February 24, 2009. The exclusive V.I.P. event will include a red carpet, with special appearances by artists and celebrities committed to the cause.

As music and philanthropy are at the core of the brand, Hard Rock International has partnered with Musicians on Call for the benefit event, helping the charity to continue its mission of room-to-room hospital performances by both local musicians and national celebrities.

In partnership with Hard Rock International, Musician on Call’s 5th Annual Benefit Concert & Auction will kick off Hard Rock’s month-long March On Stage charitable celebration. March On Stage is a global live music series featuring both iconic and emerging artists as a philanthropic initiative to support music healing organizations. Committed to its “Love All, Serve All” creed, Hard Rock will donate proceeds from its March on Stage events in North America to Musicians On Call.