Look To The Stars News: Billy Joel

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.

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.

Sting And Friends To Hit The Carnegie Hall For Charity In April

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Sting and Trudie Styler will present the 2012 Sting & Friends Rainforest Fund Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday, April 4.

Performers are yet to be announced, but ticket prices are as follows:

- $50,000 Packages (16 Tickets for concert & supper)

Stars Help STOMP Out Bullying

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

As October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, STOMP Out Bullying – the signature program of Love Our Children USA – announces its annual bullying prevention activities to raise awareness to end the epidemic of bullying.

On October 3rd, the country and many across the globe joined STOMP Out Bullying in it Third Annual BLUE SHIRT DAY – WORLD DAY OF BULLYING PREVENTION where students, schools, and others wore blue shirts in solidarity to STOMP Out Bullying. The day was most successful as hundred of thousands went blue across the globe.

Teen celebrities Bella Thorne, Willow Shields, Joey King, Mark Indelicato, Cassie Steele, Olesya Rulin, Alexz Johnson, Taylor Spreitler, Y I Yell!, Payton Rae and Savannah Outen tweeted about the day and are involved in a month-long social media campaign to promote the organizations prevention activities with its sponsor Customink.

Black Eyed Peas And Sting Raise Millions For Charity

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

New Yorkers joined together over the weekend to help millions of their less fortunate neighbors.

Robin Hood – New York’s largest private poverty-fighter – announced today that combined VIP tickets sales and donations made via texts from Friday night’s Black Eyed Peas concert in Central Park, donations on robinhood.org as well as ticket proceeds from Sting’s 25th anniversary/60th birthday concert at the Beacon Theatre on Saturday night, raised more than $7 million to fight poverty in New York City. These funds will be earmarked to support food pantries, homeless shelters, health clinics and will provide jobs training for New Yorkers in need throughout the five boroughs.

“This was an amazing weekend of music, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see New Yorkers come together during difficult times to help their neighbors in need,” said David Saltzman, executive director of Robin Hood. “The Black Eyed Peas and Sting have a long history of giving back to their communities and we’re truly honored that they’ve chosen to help the 1.8 million New Yorkers living in poverty through Robin Hood; we hope to do them proud.”

Sting's 60th Raises Millions For Charity

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

A host of stars – including Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and Mary J. Blige – helped celebrate Sting’s 60th birthday on Saturday night, and raised $3.7 million for charity in the process.

The stars took part in a massive charity concert at New York’s Beacon Theater in front of an audience that included Trudie Styler, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Jake Gyllenhaal and Melanie Griffith, as well as 32 members of Britain’s Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, who have all completed missions in Afghanistan.

Also appearing on stage at the event were Robert Downey Jr, will.i.am, Chris Botti, Herbie Hancock, Rufus Wainwright, Joe Sumner and Branford Marsalis.

Sting To Host Celebrity Charity Birthday Party

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Sting will be joined onstage by a number of musical legends this weekend at a special charity concert celebrating his 60th birthday.

The concert at New York City’s Beacon Theater on Saturday, October 1, will feature appearances by Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Herbie Hancock, Robert Downey Jr, Vince Gill, will.i.am, Rufus Wainwright, Branford Marsalis, Billy Joel, and Chris Botti.

Sting To Celebrate 60th Birthday With Massive Celebrity Charity Concert

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:15:00 +0000

On October 1, 2011, join Sting at the Beacon Theater in New York City as he celebrates the 25th anniversary of his solo career on the eve of his 60th birthday with a very special concert event to benefit the Robin Hood Foundation.

Representing a cross section of Sting’s vast portfolio of work and collaborations throughout his enduring career, special guest performers include Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Herbie Hancock, Robert Downey Jr, Vince Gill, will.i.am, Rufus Wainwright, Branford Marsalis, Billy Joel, and Chris Botti.

Paul McCartney Documentary To Chronicle Reactions To 9/11

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000

As the United States prepares to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, SHOWTIME will premiere a highly-anticipated feature documentary.

“The Love We Make”, which chronicles Paul McCartney’s poignant and cathartic journey through the streets of New York in the aftermath of the World Trade Center’s destruction, and during the planning and performance of the monumental benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, “The Concert for New York City,” which took place less than six weeks after the terrorist attacks.

Directed by iconic documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles (Gimme Shelter, Salesman, Grey Gardens) and award-winning filmmaking partner, Bradley Kaplan (Muhammad and Larry, Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!, Sand and Sorrow), The Love We Make was shot in the signature cinéma vérité style that Maysles pioneered and made famous when he filmed the Beatles’ first visit to America in the legendary 1964 documentary What’s Happening! The Beatles in the U.S.A.

Music Superstars Create CD for Flood Victims

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:08:00 +0000

Dozens of artists, including Sting, Bon Jovi, Pink, Bob Dylan and Kings Of Leon have donated tracks to a CD benefitting the Queensland flood victims.

Flood Relief – Artists For The Flood Appeal will also feature songs from Australian bands Powderfinger, Crowded House and Midnight Oil.

59 previously-released tracks have been donated by the bands for the three-disc compilation, including songs by Beyoncé, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters and Keith Urban.

Ellen DeGeneres Kicks Up Her Heels For Celebrity Charity Auction

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Kimmel, and Elton John are just several celebrities who are kicking off their shoes for the Second Annual Hillsides Foster Soles auction.

Held during Foster Care Awareness Month in May, the annual online auction raises awareness of national foster care issues and the plight of children and youth in the system by auctioning off celebrity signed shoes and photographs.

The online auction, which runs from May 4 through May 20, includes autographed shoes from Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Kimmel, Elton John, Billy Joel, Larry King, Ryan Seacrest, Billy Zane, Dave Koz, Jack Johnson, Jamie Kennedy, Marlee Matlin, Dr. Drew Pinsky, “Dancing with the Stars” performers, Wayne Newton, Adam Sandler, Florence Henderson, Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, and many more – including USA Network’s cast of “Burn Notice.”

Elton John And Lady Gaga To Join Sting At Charity Concert For Rainforests

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

Elton John, Lady Gaga and Shirley Bassey will join Sting and Trudie Styler at this year’s Rainforest Fund benefit concert.

The event will celebrate Sting and Styler’s 21st year supporting the work of the Rainforest Foundation Fund. The Foundation was established in 1989 to raise awareness about the need to conserve tropical forests, support indigenous peoples, their land, their rights and to develop resource management. It began its focus in Brazil and then spread throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia.

The semi-annual concert has attracted performers such as Don Henley, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Brian Wilson and many more in the past. The concerts are the main fundraising initiative for the organization, and have raised over $30 million.

Alexa Ray Joel Reaches Out To Depressed Girls

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Alexa Ray Joel – the 24-year-old daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley – wants to help people deal with heartbreak-related depression.

Joel was hospitalized for a drug overdose last month, but now wants to turn her life around by helping young girls who are trying to deal with broken hearts.

“I have many exciting new developments for the New Year, and I hope all of you can be a part of it!!” wrote Joel on Facebook. "This includes new creative projects, and even more volunteer work in hopes to give back to the community and, most importantly, to help young girls with something I feel I know a GREAT deal about: Heartbreak-Related Depression. Although it does not get much attention in our society, it is a very serious and painful condition that often gets “swept under the carpet”. I hope to bring this topic more to light… I’m even going back to school for Psychology in hopes to learn more about this and many other afflictions that many of us have had to face… after all, there’s nothing more fascinating than the human mind and it’s respective conditions."

Wynonna To Headline Charity Soundcheck

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Wynonna is set to perform at a special concert for the GRAMMY Foundation in Texas on December 4.

Prior to her concert at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, forty high school students and Texas Chapter Board members will have the unique opportunity to watch Judd soundcheck before her concert. Afterward, Judd will come down from the stage for an intimate question-and-answer session with students to talk about her career in music. Additionally, students and Board members will receive a discounted ticket price for that evening’s concert.

Throughout the year, the GRAMMY Foundation presents GRAMMY SoundChecks with a wide range of artists on tour in cities across the country. GRAMMY SoundChecks provide young people with a glimpse into the realities of music careers by inviting them to attend rehearsals and concert sound checks of major artists. GRAMMY SoundChecks have featured a host of artists, including Babyface, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Coldplay, the Dave Matthews Band, Destiny’s Child, Macy Gray, Billy Joel, Jack Johnson, Juanes, John Mayer, No Doubt, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, U2 and Kanye West.

Bar Refaeli Joins Angels At Charity Ball

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

A host of some of the Entertainment Industry’s hottest stars hit Cipriani’s on Wall Street in New York last night for the 2009 Angel Ball benefiting Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

Among the guests who flocked to the exciting event were Bar Refaeli, Blake Lively, Penn Badgely, Jennifer Hudson, Natalie Cole, Howard Stern, Robin Thicke and Estelle.

The charity proudly funds leading junior investigators whose work represents cutting-edge scientific research in both conventional and integrative disciplines which focus on prevention, treatment and quality of life issues of leukemia, lymphoma and other related cancers. To date, the Foundation has awarded nearly $11 million in Medical Research Awards making it one of the largest non-governmental sources of grant support to blood cancer researchers at the nation’s leading institutions. Established by Denise Rich in 1996, the charity honors Rich’s daughter Gabrielle, who died from acute myelogenous leukemia at age 27 in 1997.

Love Our Children USA Launches Blue Shirt Day To Stomp Out Bullying

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Love Our Children USA has announced that NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proclaiming October 5th Blue Shirt Day to signify the importance of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, October 4th – 10th.

Thousands of kids and adults will wear blue shirts as they make their way to school or to the office on October 5 as a grassroots national movement to STOMP Out Bullying.

Celebrities And TV News Heavyweights Donate To Diversity In Journalism

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A teen pop rock idol, country superstars, and internationally renowned television journalists are contributing to an online auction for the NPC Scholarship Fund to promote diversity in newsrooms. Sponsored by The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the charity auction offers opportunities to bid on celebrity memorabilia and win “experience” visits with America’s most-influential news personalities from nationally-recognized news shows.

A winning bidder could win a personalized Gibson Flying V Faded guitar signed by Nick Jonas, the youngest of the Jonas Brothers or an autographed guitar from Grammy Award-winning country music star Toby Keith. Lucky news junkies could win visits with their favorite news correspondents by bidding on:

Kellie Pickler Launches Charity Shoe Initiative

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Kellie Pickler’s affinity for shoes is well documented. Her 2006 debut single kicked a no-account-ex-boyfriend to the curb in “Red High Heels,” and her current, self titled album closes with “Going Out In Style,” which expresses her desire for her final resting place…having her ashes spread in shoe department of Saks Fifth Avenue. But Pickler, whose modest upbringing allowed for little more than the basics, understands the realities of living without.

With that, Kellie continues her support of Soles4Souls and will team with Ladies’ Home Journal the “Look Good. Do Good. Feel Great” magazine, to collect new and gently worn shoes on Thursday, August 27 before her show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. The drop point for the shoes will be located at entrance to the Garden and will be open from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

On Soles4Souls Pickler said, “I love shoes but they are more than just a fashion statement, they are a necessity and not everyone has access to them because of financial reasons or natural disaster. Whatever the situation, Soles4Souls is there to help and I’m glad to lend my support. Thanks to the wonderful people from Ladies’ Home Journal who are volunteering their time to come out and collect the shoes that people are giving.”

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….”

Celebrities Give Their Soles To Foster Care Centre

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

The first “Foster Soles” online charity auction took place last month to support Hillsides, a Los Angeles foster care and treatment centre.

Foster Soles collected the shoes of dozens of big names, such as Denzel Washington, Elton John, Jake Gyllenhaal and Nicolas Cage, who autographed their footwear before putting them up on the block.

Proceeds of the auction will be used by Hillsides for their programs and in public awareness. Once an orphanage, it is now a private, non-profit centre providing abused children with a safe refuge and advocating for their rights. Hillsides’ website says, “Although [the children] come from all over Southern California and encompass every ethnic and socioeconomic group, they share a common experience – the emotional scars that result from child abuse. With counselling and mental health treatment, children at Hillsides learn that they are not alone, that they are safe and cared for. Six programs constitute the framework for Hillsides treatment services – Residential Treatment, the Education Center, the Family Center and Advocacy.”

Bette Midler And 50 Cent Together For Charity

Fri, 15 May 2009 15:30:00 +0000

The devine Bette Midler is joining with 50 Cent and Dolly Parton to host her annual Spring Picnic to benefit the New York Restoration Project.

The event will take place at Fort Tryon Park, New York City, on May 19, and will include a BBQ and entertainment.

Midler founded the New York Restoration Project in 1995 to improve the natural balance of life in the city. The organization is based on the belief that clean, green neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life, and that every community in New York City deserves an oasis of natural beauty. Seeing many parks and open spaces in dire need of clean-up and restoration, Midler created NYRP to be the “conservancy of forgotten places,” particularly in New York City’s underserved communities.

Billy Joel Signs Piano For Charity Auction

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Billy Joel has signed a Steinway baby grand piano for an auction to raise money for a music program run for children in New York.

The Piano Man has donated the $60,000 Steinway to benefit 10 O’Clock Classics, a non-profit organization that provides free lessons and instruments to Catholic-school children. The funds will be used by young musicians at East Harlem’s Mount Carmel-Holy Rosary School in Manhattan.

Joel made the decision to sign the instrument after reading a recent article in the New York Times, Juilliard Curtails Program That Serves Poor Children. The sale of the Steinway will help pay for the children featured in the article to continue with their music lessons, and Joel will sign and personalize the fallboard (directly above the keys, on the right side) for the winner once the auction has concluded.

Celebrities Donate Songs And Money To Australian Fire Victims

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:30:00 +0000

The humanitarian spirit of the stars is shining out in the wake of the Australian bushfires that killed over 200 people and left thousands homeless. Pink and Jimmy Barnes are the latest celebrities to donate to the victims, and a new CD featuring some of Australia’s favorite performers has been released to raise funds.

“I’ve been really affected by the media images of the tragic bushfires in Victoria,” said Pink. “My heart goes out to all those who have suffered so much in these circumstances. There’s little anyone can do at such a long distance away but I wanted to make a tangible expression of support.”

The star has donated $250,000 to the appeal and hopes the money will help in the “rebuilding of lives and communities in the areas affected”.

Drummers And Wrestlers To Meet For Charity Drum Fight

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:30:00 +0000

On Sunday January 25th, join Music School Inc, the DAD (Drums and Disabilities) program, special celebrity judges and many of the best and brightest in local drummers for the seventh installment of the widely popular and successful DRUM FIGHT.

This show will be MC’d by Professional Wrestler (and drummer) Brimstone and will feature special guest judges such as Liberty Devito from Billy Joel’s band, AJ Pero from Twisted Sister, Rod Morganstein from Winger and Dan Gluszak from Envy on the Coast. Contestants will have a chance to win thousands in prizes from top brands like GMS, EVANS, Vic Firth, Sam Ash, Modern Drummer, Zildjian, Jackson Custom Drums, Viper Drums and more.