Look To The Stars News: MusiCares

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 Donate To Grammy Charity Online Auctions

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:30:00 +0000

In celebration of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, the Grammy Charity Online Auctions are open now through Feb. 23.

Presented in partnership with Kompolt, the auctions provide bidders an opportunity to bid on approximately 100 exclusive items, including once-in-a-lifetime VIP experiences, memorabilia from world-renowned celebrities, and official Grammy merchandise autographed by artists during Grammy Week.

Featured items will be available for bid in two cycles, including a 2012 Vans Warped Tour three-day/three-city VIP experience, including the chance to ride on the official tour bus; private guitar lessons with Phil Collen of Def Leppard and Manraze, and Diamond Rio’s Jimmy Olander; and official Grammy merchandise autographed backstage at the 54th Grammy Awards rehearsals and telecast by celebrity participants. This year’s performers include Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift, among others.

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.

Rare Paul McCartney Print Up For Auction

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Beatles fans are in for a treat next month, as a very special piece of memorabilia goes under the hammer when Paul McCartney is awarded Person Of The Year by MusiCares.

Rock Paper Photo, the largest online gallery of pop culture, fine art photography and Tom Murray, renowned Beatle’s photographer have joined together to donate one of Murray’s highly sought after Beatles prints for the GRAMMY-affiliated MusiCares 22nd annual benefit gala on Friday, February 10, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

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.

Jason Mraz Launches Charity Foundation

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Atlantic recording artist Jason Mraz has announced the establishment of the Jason Mraz Foundation, devoted to supporting a number of charities for which he has been a dedicated and impassioned advocate.

The Grammy Award-winning tunesmith heralded the Foundation’s launch on December 3rd with a sold out intimate benefit concert at the famed Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, California, near San Diego, where Mraz began his extraordinary career by performing in coffee shops.

Long known for his many philanthropic activities, Mraz created the Jason Mraz Foundation to sustain organizations aligned with his four pillars of service: human equality, environment preservation, arts and education, and recovery and assistance. Among the organizations supported by the Jason Mraz Foundation are Free The Slaves, dedicated to eradicating child slavery around the world; True Colors Fund, which promotes the advancement of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality; Surfrider Foundation, dedicated to protecting our world’s oceans, beaches, and waves; the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which works to protect wildlife and wild places and to ensure a healthy environment for all life on earth; youth organizations VH1 Save The Music Foundation and Free The Children ; the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community (SPARC); and the health/rehabilitation charities MusiCares and Life Rolls On, dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury and utilizes action sports as a platform to inspire infinite possibilities despite paralysis.

Grammy Nominees Album To Benefit Charity

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

The Recording Academy’s GRAMMY Recordings and Universal Republic Records have joined forces to release the 2012 GRAMMY Nominees album on Jan. 24, 2012.

The 18th edition of the best-selling series will showcase many of this year’s GRAMMY-nominated artists and songs. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the album will help support the year-round efforts of the Grammy Foundation and MusiCares — two charitable organizations of The Recording Academy.

For the first time, fans can have the opportunity to attend the GRAMMY Awards by pre-ordering the album starting Nov. 30. To enter, log on to www.grammy.com/2012grammycd to pre-order the 2012 GRAMMY Nominees album where music fans can win a trip for two to the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 in Los Angeles.

Stars Donate Items To Grammy Charity Auction

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:15:00 +0000

The GRAMMY Charity Black Friday Sale — a post-Thanksgiving closeout including all-new “buyitnow” bargains and slashed prices on amazing celebrity autographed memorabilia and VIP experiences — is perfect for the music lover in your life!

The auction launched on Black Friday, Nov. 25, and will continue until Dec. 5 at www.ebay.com/grammy. Presented in partnership with Kompolt, all proceeds raised through this special auction will benefit programs and services of MusiCares and the Grammy Foundation.

LTTS Exclusive: Kevin Jonas Visits Ronald McDonald House

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000

On Friday, October 7, 2011, young cancer patients and their families gathered at the Ronald McDonald House New York’s (RMH-NY) newly renovated AOL Media Room with Kevin Jonas, of the Jonas Brothers, to celebrate its unveiling.

The mission of the Ronald McDonald House Charities is to develop and support programs that are specifically designed to help improve overall quality of life for children. The Foundation’s core values focus on the important needs of children, celebrating the world’s diversity, staying true to heritage and being 100% accountable.

Colbie Caillat Visits Children's Hospital With MusiCares

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:30:00 +0000

MusiCares recently hosted a special event with Grammy winner Colbie Caillat for more than 40 children and their families at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.

Caillat performed an intimate acoustic set, including “Bubbly,” “Realize” and “Brighter Than The Sun.” Following the performance, the children had the opportunity to meet and take a photo with Caillat.

Kevin Jonas To Attend Ronald McDonald House Event

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:30:00 +0000

To commemorate October’s National Children’s Health Month, AOL is making a difference for children battling cancer by donating an AOL Media Room to the Ronald McDonald House in New York.

On Friday, October 7, 2011 at 3PM, young cancer patients and their families will gather at the Ronald McDonald House New York’s (RMH-NY) newly renovated AOL Media Room with Kevin Jonas – of the multi-platinum selling, Grammy nominated artists, the Jonas Brothers – to celebrate its unveiling.

Paul McCartney To Be Honored As 2012 MusiCares Person Of The Year

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Paul McCartney, legendary singer/songwriter and 14-time GRAMMY winner (as well as Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Award recipient), will be honored as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year at its 22nd annual benefit gala, it was announced today by Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the MusiCares Foundation and The Recording Academy, and Scott Pascucci, Chair of the MusiCares Foundation Board.

Proceeds from the dinner and concert — to be held in Los Angeles during GRAMMY Week on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, two days prior to the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards — will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

The legendary performer is being honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year in recognition of his singular creative accomplishments as well as his charitable work, which has included an extraordinary range of philanthropic activities over the years.

God Bless Ozzy Osbourne For Charity

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

In advance of the nationwide screenings of God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, on Aug. 22 producer/filmmaker Jack Osbourne and Eagle Rock Entertainment will host a special private preview of the documentary benefitting the MusiCares MAP Fund at the ArcLight Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, Calif.

Exclusive ticket packages will be sold in an online auction from Aug. 15–19 at www.charitybuzz.com, with proceeds benefitting the MusiCares MAP Fund, which provides access to addiction recovery treatment and sober living resources for members of the music community.

Grammy Charity Launches Celebrity Auction

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:30:00 +0000

In celebration of the summer season, the GRAMMY Charity Online Auctions’ Summer Auction series is open now through June 23.

Presented in partnership with Kompolt, the auction provides bidders an opportunity to bid on VIP experiences and celebrity-signed music memorabilia, including two tickets to the 2011 BET Awards, tickets to see Maroon 5 and the Zac Brown Band in concert with meet-and-greet experiences, and autographed memorabilia from GRAMMY winners Jeff Beck, Kings Of Leon, Miranda Lambert and Barbra Streisand, among others.

Additional auction items include first-class Continental Airlines flight vouchers for two; front-row seats to an in-studio taping of “Chelsea Lately” starring comedian Chelsea Handler, and an autographed copy of Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me; and autographed memorabilia from actors Russell Brand and Seth Rogen, GRAMMY-nominated artist Drake and GRAMMY winner Kenny Rogers, among others.

Hot Concert Tickets To Benefit Charity

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0000

In celebration of MusiCares’ 20th anniversary, a host of stars are offering tickets to shows to benefit the charity.

Artists including the Doobie Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire, “Glee” Live! In Concert!, Josh Groban, Ray LaMontagne, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Taylor Swift and James Taylor are teaming up with Tickets-for-Charity while on tour to offer fans access to great concert seats to benefit MusiCares.

“We’re honored to involve such a talented group of performing artists, representing multiple genres and generations, in this important campaign,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “Funds raised through these tours on Tickets-for-Charity will help support MusiCares’ goal of raising $5 million to complete our historic $15 million dollar campaign. These funds will enable MusiCares to reach more people in need, both those working behind the scenes and those who are in the spotlight of our vibrant music community.”

Dolly Parton To Sing At Marty Stuart's Late Night Celebrity Charity Jam

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

On June 8, country music legend Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam, the kick-off event for the CMA Music Festival, will celebrate its 10 year anniversary. Marty started the event as way to welcome fans to country music’s biggest festival, but the jam has also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for MusiCares, which provides assistance for music people in times of need.

This year’s event will feature performances by Doug Kershaw, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Dolly Parton, the Quebe Sisters Band, Connie Smith and Mel Tillis. Past performers have included Dierks Bentley, Neko Case, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Jerry Lee Lewis, Old Crow Medicine Show, Keith Urban and Porter Wagoner, among others.

“It’s hard to believe that the Late Night Jam is ten years old,” said Stuart. “I can’t help but think back on the first one. I was nervous; pacing and hoping that we’d have enough people show up. The show ended up being a sell-out and we’ve been going strong ever since. That first show was over 25,000 people ago, and it was also many good deeds ago from MusiCares, and a lot of really magical performances ago from some of my dearest musical friends. Every year I say, ‘How can I top that show?’ Somehow it happens and good things result from it. This year will be no different.”

Rock Legends Honor Depeche Mode At Celebrity Charity Concert

Sat, 14 May 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Depeche Mode lead singer Dave Gahan and Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman were honored at the 7th Annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert on May 6 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.

Several artists and guests were on hand to celebrate, including concert promoter Gary Tovar, who presented Lyman with MusiCares’ From The Heart Award for his unconditional friendship and dedication to the mission and goals of the organization, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, who presented Gahan with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award for his dedication and support of the MusiCares MAP Fund, and for his commitment to helping other addicts with the addiction recovery process.

Performers included Jane’s Addiction; Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington; drummer Curt Bisquera; Gahan with producer/musician Vincent Jones and bassist Martyn LeNoble; guitarists Jason Orme and Joel Shearer of Pedestrian; Ozomatli; Paramore; and Adam Bravin and Justin Warfield from She Wants Revenge. Gahan’s closing set included a cover of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” and an encore of Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” featuring bandmate Martin Gore.

Steven Tyler To Present Depeche Mode Singer With Charity Award

Thu, 05 May 2011 20:05:00 +0000

Jane’s Addiction, Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington, concert promoter Gary Tovar and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler are set to appear at the seventh annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on May 6.

Tovar will present Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman with MusiCares’ From The Heart Award for his unconditional friendship and dedication to the mission and goals of the organization. Tyler will present Depeche Mode lead singer Dave Gahan with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award for his dedication and support of the MusiCares MAP Fund, and for his commitment to helping other addicts with the addiction recovery process.

Performers include Jane’s Addiction, Bennington, drummer Curt Bisquera and guitarists Jason Orme and Joel Shearer of Pedestrian, who join previously announced performers Gahan with producer/musician Vincent Jones and bassist Martyn LeNoble; Ozomatli; Paramore; and Adam Bravin and Justin Warfield from She Wants Revenge.

Celebrity Faces Make A Heart For Charity

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

MusiCares recently announced the launch of an innovative fundraising campaign aimed at the public to create the world’s largest photo mosaic comprised of one million photo tiles – and some big celebrity names are taking part.

“Be A Part Of The Heart” encourages fans, recording artists, and corporate and media partners to come together to raise awareness and generate resources to help MusiCares continue to provide a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need.

Participants can visit www.beapartoftheheart.com and make a contribution of $1 to receive an online tile, where they can upload a photo and include their stories and links to websites and social media platforms. There is no limit to the donation amount and the tiles that go with it. Tiles can be created in honor of loved ones, to commemorate important milestones or holidays, and to engage other members of the public. There also is a place to include text about key musical influences.

Depeche Mode Singer To Be Honored At Celebrity Charity Concert

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The seventh annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert will honor Depeche Mode lead singer Dave Gahan and Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Friday, May 6, 2011.

Gahan will be honored with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award for his dedication and support of the MusiCares MAP Fund, and for his commitment to helping other addicts with the addiction and recovery process. Lyman will be the recipient of MusiCares’ From the Heart Award for his unconditional friendship and dedication to the mission and goals of the organization. All proceeds will benefit the MusiCares MAP Fund, which provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery treatment regardless of their financial situation.

Hosted by comedian Greg Behrendt, the evening will feature a special performance by Gahan with drummer Victor Indrizzo, producer/musician Vincent Jones, and bassist Martyn LeNoble, as well as performances by the groundbreaking alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction, two-time GRAMMY winners Ozomatli, and a special acoustic performance by Paramore. Adam Bravin and Justin Warfield from She Wants Revenge will DJ live during dinner. Additional artists will be announced shortly.

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.”

Barbra Streisand Pledges $5 Million To Charity

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

Barbra Streisand has joined Edward Norton’s Crowdrise online fundraising community to raise money for a US heart charity, and will match donations up to $5 million.

“The work of the Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is vital,” says the singer and actress. "Did you know that heart disease takes the lives of more women than all cancers combined? Can you imagine? I was so surprised when I learned this.

“The symptoms of a heart attack are often different in women than in men. But for decades, women have been treated for cardiovascular disease based on medical research done on men.

LTTS Exclusive: Surf Charity Honors Jason Mraz As Humanitarian Of The Year

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000

On Saturday night, the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) honored Jason Mraz as their 2010 Humanitarian of the Year during Liquid Nation Ball 7 in La Jolla, California.

Liquid Nation is the official fundraiser for the SIMA Humanitarian Fund, which benefits more than a dozen surf-related non-profits including Life Rolls On, Surfer’s Healing and Keep-a-Breast.

Will.i.am Joins Grammy Charity Board Of Directors

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Black Eyed Peas artist will.i.am has announced he is a new director of the Grammy Foundation.

“Now in their 21st year, both MusiCares and the GRAMMY Foundation are vibrant and mature nonprofit organizations,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Grammy Foundation and MusiCares. “Our Board members reflect this core strength, and we look to them for creativity and stewardship as we continue our growth. The talent and vision of our Board members is truly inspiring, and we are very fortunate to have highly respected individuals working with us.”

The Grammy Foundation “was established in 1989 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture — from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of future generations of music professionals. The Foundation accomplishes this mission through programs and activities that engage the music industry and cultural community as well as the general public. The Foundation works in partnership year-round with The Recording Academy to bring national attention to important issues such as the value and impact of music and arts education and the urgency of preserving our rich cultural heritage.”

Sixpence None The Richer To Reunite At Charity Event

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Koffeehouse will present its fourth annual Evening Of Independence benefitting MusiCares on Aug. 7 at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood, California.

The evening will feature performances by recording artists Honeyhoney, Jon McLaughlin, Katharine McPhee, and Grammy-nominated Sixpence None The Richer, who will be reuniting after a six-year hiatus.

Tickets to Evening Of Independence are $30. VIP tickets are available for $100, including pre-paid parking and access to the VIP lounge — which includes open bar and food, a mention of you or your company in the official event program, a gift bag, and the best seats in the house. Discounted student tickets and group tickets are also available. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.fordtheatres.org or by calling the Ford Amphitheatre box office at 323.461.3673.