Look To The Stars News: Quincy Jones

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.

Elton John To Host Annual Oscar Viewing Party For Charity

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) will celebrate its 20th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 26 at the newly re-designed West Hollywood Park in Los Angeles.

Sir Elton John and David Furnish will host the gala event sponsored by Chopard, Neuro and Wells Fargo. This year celebrity chef Cat Cora will prepare a special menu to be served to guests seated to watch a live telecast of the 84th Academy Awards. Following dinner, Grammy nominated Foster the People will take the stage to perform.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party is the most highly visible and successful fund-raising event in Hollywood on Oscar night. Over the past 20 years, this annual event has raised millions of dollars thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s supporters. The money raised is used to increase EJAF’s investments in its grant-making initiatives, which support HIV prevention and treatment programs, stigma reduction efforts, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially marginalized populations with special needs.

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.

Andrea Bocelli Launches Charity At Star-Studded Gala

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Girard-Perregaux, iconic luxury Swiss watch brand, was proud to partner up with the Andrea Bocelli, the world’s highest selling solo artist in the history of classical music, in the launch of his new foundation, the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, with a 2011 Benefit Gala on December 9th.

The foundation was launched at a fundraising event produced by Studiomusica and Jo Champa presented by the Grammy Museum Foundation and held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles seeking to raise funds and awareness for its efforts to fight poverty around the world and to help people overcome barriers caused by illness, discomfort or disability.

Stars Celebrate Queen Noor Of Jordan At UNICEF Ball

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

The biennial UNICEF Ball, one of Los Angeles’ most notable black-tie benefit galas, took place on Thursday, December 8 at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel.

Nicole Richie

Stars To Attend Andrea Bocelli Foundation Launch

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:45:00 +0000

The world’s highest selling solo classical musician, Andrea Bocelli, will launch the Andrea Bocelli Foundation with a star-studded event produced by Jo Champa and Studiomusica and presented by the Grammy Museum Foundation on December 9.

The intimate evening will include dinner and a concert by Andrea Bocelli, accompanied by David Foster, Heather Headley and Anna Maria Martinez along with special appearances to be announced. Also in attendance will be Camille Belle, Julie Benz, Michael Bolton, Pierce Brosnan, Natalie Cole, Kelsey Grammar, Quincy Jones, Rachel Evan Wood and many others.

The Andrea Bocelli Foundation will be a grant making body, aimed at supporting those living in poverty or overcoming barriers caused by illness and disability in order to deliver tangible, real life results. Two types of programs will be supported – those that alleviate poverty, and those that help people overcome barriers caused by illness, or disability. The Foundation will actively seek to identify innovative and original projects to support.

Oprah Awarded Honorary Oscar For Charity Work

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Oprah Winfrey was presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award – a special Oscar for her charity work – at a dinner in LA on Saturday night.

The award – which in the past has been presented to Jerry Lewis, Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Sherry Lansing, Quincy Jones, Bob Hope, Audrey Hepburn, Charlton Heston and many others – is named after screen actor Jean Hersholt, who served as the president of the Motion Picture Relief Fund for 18 years.

“I never imagined myself receiving an Oscar, especially for what I’m considering my calling,” she said as she accepted the award. “All of us can make a difference through the life we lead. We’re all here to help each other.”

Alfre Woodard To Attend Desmond Tutu Book Event

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Alfre Woodard, Deborah Santana, Sharon Gelman, Kitsaun King, Marlene Saritzky and noted guests will attend an afternoon of food, drink, enjoyment and a special program on October 30, where Artists for a New South Africa pays tribute from afar to Desmond Tutu.

The event will celebrate the publication of Tutu: Authorized, an extraordinary new book, celebrating eighty years of Archbishop Tutu’s life,

The book features interviews with President Barack Obama, Kofi Annan, Aung San Suu Kyi and ANSA supporters Harry Belafonte, Jackson Browne, Samuel L. Jackson, Quincy Jones, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Hugh Masekela, Deborah Santana, Blair Underwood, Alfre Woodard and many more.

LTTS Exclusive Interview: Nick Cannon Talks Charity

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ Abhishek Seth recently got to talk with Nick Cannon about his charity work, making the world a better place… and socks.

What got you interested in charity?

I was always taught: “To whom much is given, much is required.” I’ve been blessed tremendously throughout my life — so I have to be a blessing to others. It’s my duty, and I enjoy it.

Oprah Winfrey Awarded Humanitarian Award

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Oprah Winfrey is to be this year’s recipient of the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

Since receiving her Oscar nomination for her debut film performance in “The Color Purple,” actress, television host and producer Winfrey has gone on to establish herself as one of the most influential figures in entertainment and philanthropy. She has been especially dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and raising awareness of issues that affect women and children, both in the United States and around the globe. Her philanthropic efforts have included Oprah’s Angel Network, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, which opened in 2007.

Quincy Jones Produces Charity Single In Middle East

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Quincy Jones has thrown his weight behind a project in Rabat, Morocco, that will see him produce some of the biggest names in Arab music on a charity single.

The legendary producer has been working on an Arabic version of his song, Tomorrow (A Better You, A Better Me), with stars such as Lebanon’s Majida El Roumi, Iraq’s UNICEF ambassador Kadhum Al-Sahir, Tunisia’s Saber El Rebai, Egypt’s Amr Diab and Morocco’s Asthma Lmnawar.

Money from the song – titled Bokra – will go to projects for children and educational arts and culture scholarships in the Middle East and North Africa.

Celebrity Charity Event Aims To Save Music

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Join Macy Gray, Lou Reed, Roberta Flack, Dr. John, Danny Glover, Christian McBride and 40 other legends for an unforgettable night that will help save music itself.

The 10th annual A Night In Harlem event will take place at the Apollo Theater in New York on May 19 to benefit the Jazz Foundation of America. For over 22 years, the Jazz Foundation has been dedicated to saving the homes and lives of elder jazz and blues musicians in crisis. It now assists in over 5,000 cases a year, including hundreds of New Orleans musicians and their children still recovering from Katrina.

Past performances and appearances have included legends like Bill Cosby, Quincy Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Elvis Costello, Chevy Chase, Hank Jones, Abbey Lincoln, Odetta and many others.

P. Diddy's Charity Donation For Young Entrepreneurs

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Last week – during the 2011 Annual Bryan-Michael Cox Pre Grammy Brunch at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills – Sean “Diddy” Combs committed $100,000.00 to fund young urban entrepreneurs in conjunction with The 100 Urban Entrepreneurs Foundation.

Music Producer Bryan-Michael Cox, SESAC and 100 Urban Entrepreneurs, a non-profit foundation that serves urban youth, honored Sean “Diddy” Combs at the brunch.

Annually, Bryan-Michael Cox recognizes a leading business executive’s commitment to music, business and service. The brunch was well attended by a mix of music and corporate executives, friends and family. Bryan opened the brunch with heartfelt words about the impact that “Puff”, as he referred to him during his speech, had on him.

Alyssa Milano's Drop In The Bucket For Charity

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:00:00 +0000

The Drop in the Bucket ‘Cause on the Rocks’ fundraiser presented by Causecast was hosted by esteemed actress, designer and philanthropist Alyssa Milano at the Viceroy Santa Monica on Tuesday, October 19.

The evening raised funds and awareness for Drop in the Bucket’s work improving the health and safety of children in Africa by bringing clean water wells and specially designed Eco-sanitation systems to African schools, particularly those regions such as northern Uganda and Southern Sudan.

“Every person on the planet deserves access to clean water and sanitation,” said Milano. “I appreciated the opportunity to be a part of the Drop in the Bucket fundraising event. It was inspiring and motivating.”

Stars Flock To The Carousel For Hope For Charity

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, October 23, host Barbara Davis welcomed guests to the Beverly Hilton for the 32nd Anniversary Carousel of Hope Ball.

The celebrity charity event, founded by Barbara and the late Marvin Davis in 1977, brought together Hollywood’s elite as they raised nearly $2.5 million to benefit the clinical care and research at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (BDC) where more than 5,000 children and young adults receive specialized care.

Celebrity guests as this year’s event included host Barbara Davis, emcee Jay Leno, honorees Maria Shriver and Quincy Jones, performers Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony, Gladys Knight and Akon, along with guests Garcelle Beauvais, Halle Berry, Thora Birch, Brandy, Adrien Brody, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Jackie Collins, Joan Collins, Jane Fonda, Daisy Fuentes, Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson, Nicky Hilton, Paris Hilton, Rick & Kathy Hilton, Anjelica Huston, Randy Jackson, Don Johnson, Nigel Lythgoe, Chris Massey, Kyle Massey, Nancy O’Dell, Sidney Poitier, Don Rickles, Mimi Rogers, Mira Sorvino, Rod Stewart, Alan Thicke, Diane Warren, Raquel Welch, Vanna White, Stevie Wonder and many more.

Jennifer Lopez To Perform At Carousel Of Hope Charity Gala

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The annual Carousel of Hope Gala will take place this month to raise money for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.

Presented by Jay Leno, the gala will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, October 23, and will honor Maria Shriver and Quincy Jones for their charity work.

This year celebrates 31 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 19th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.

Maria Shriver To Be Honored With Charity Award

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The Carousel of Hope, the world’s premiere charity event benefiting childhood diabetes, hosted bi-annually by Barbara Davis, will honor California First Lady Maria Shriver with the “Brass Ring Award” at its 32nd anniversary gala on Sat., Oct. 23, in Beverly Hills, Calif., at the Beverly Hilton.

“Maria Shriver has long been a fearless and tireless advocate for children and families, a trailblazer in this area for the good of mankind, carrying on a tradition of selfless dedication to those in need started by past generations of her remarkable family,” says philanthropist Barbara Davis.

The first lady of California since 2003, Maria Shriver has been a national presence for several decades, as a broadcaster, speaker, and best selling author. Six of her books have been New York Times best sellers and her groundbreaking reports on women’s issues have been featured on NBC, CBS and HBO, where she co-executive produced the Emmy winning four part film on Alzheimer’s, “Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?” A graduate of Georgetown University, Maria Shriver is married to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and is the mother of four children.

Hugh Jackman Leads Celebrity Charity Watch Auction

Thu, 13 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

As reported by LookToTheStars.org earlier this week, Meryl Streep, Hugh Jackman, Whoopi Goldberg and Jay-Z have joint a host of legendary stars of stage and screen who have lent their signatures to Audemars Piguet timepieces to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The event entitled “Time to Give” is an historic collaboration between renowned Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet and the Tony Awards and will culminate in a live, invitation-only auction (conducted by Christie’s) and cocktail reception at New York’s Four Seasons Hotel on Monday, May 17th.

Ben Affleck To Host Charity Gala For Children Mending Hearts

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Ben Affleck is set to host a massive charity fundraising gala event next month with a host committee that includes Jennifer Garner, Michelle Williams, Forest and Keisha Whitaker, Sheryl Crow, Kate Walsh, Quincy Jones and Hank Azaria.

The Children Mending Hearts 2010 Fundraising Gala, sponsored by Reality Cares, will take place on April 16 at the Music Box, Fonda Theater, in Hollywood. Funds raised from the event will support the Children Mending Hearts arts & cultural exchange programs with homeless and at-risk children in the United States and refugee children suffering from armed conflict worldwide. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will also benefit Women for Women International, which since 1993 has given more than 243,000 women survivors of war and other conflicts the financial support, rights education, job skills training and business development skills they need to build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.

The night’s entertainment will include Five For Fighting and Band From TV, the all-star charity group that includes James Denton, Greg Grunberg, Adrian Pasdar, Bob Guiney, Scott Grimes and Jesse Spencer.

Stars Record Spanish Language Version of ‘We Are the World’

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Last month in Miami, Florida, an all-star cast of the greatest Latin recording artists converged to record “Somos El Mundo” –or- "We Are The World’ – to raise funds and awareness for the continuing crisis in Haiti.

Led by Emilio Estefan and producer Quincy Jones, the Spanish language version of “We Are The World” includes a partnership with Univision Communications Inc and the non-profit We Are The World Foundation.

“Univision Communications is extremely proud to be partnering with Emilio Estefan, Quincy Jones, the We Are The World Foundation and the many artists who gathered to record the Spanish-language version of ‘We Are The World’,” said Cesar Conde, president, Univision Network. "We are very grateful for the incredible response from the artists that have joined this effort since the recording of “We Are The World” will help raise much needed funds and hope for the millions devastated by this tragedy."

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 Remember Natasha Richardson At Charity Gala

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The stars were out and about on Wednesday, February 10, to remember actress Natasha Richardson – who died in a skiing accident last year – and honor Elton John at the annual New York Fundraiser for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

The event, held at Cipriani 42nd Street, featured performances by Rufus Wainwright and Lady Gaga, and featured a guest list that included Cyndi Lauper, Vanessa Redgrave, Meryl Streep, Sharon Stone, Stanley Tucci and many more.

Sir Elton received amfAR’s Award of Courage for outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furthering amfAR’s mission, and for playing a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research.

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.”

Miley Cyrus Sings And Donates Dress For Haiti

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Miley Cyrus is auctioning off her glamorous teal Herve Legere dress that she wore at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

Miley wants to do everything she can to help raise money to support Haiti relief, and she said. “I’m going to auction it off on eBay afterward for the Red Cross. It’s the little things you can do.”

The elegant dress was worn by the 17-year-old teen mega star at the most prominent award show for music, which hosted a gallery of spectacular performances by Pink, Lady Ga Ga, Beyonce and a moving tribute to Michael Jackson.