Look To The Stars News: Save The Music Foundation

Save The Music With The VH1 Big Shopping Event

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0000

The Annual VH1 Big Shopping Event is going online this holiday season!

Join Grammy nominated recording artist Chrisette Michele; lead singer and songwriter for the Grammy award winning band Train, Pat Monahan; Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and platinum recording artist Miranda Lambert; Platinum Recording Artist from Five For Fighting, John Ondrasik; Actor Billy Burke; and Whitney Port, star of MTV hit shows “The City” and “The Hills” in finding fantastic holiday presents for your loved ones, while avoiding the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping!

For the first time ever, VH1’s Save The Music Foundation “Big Shopping” event will become an online shopping experience at Vh1BigShopping.Com, where consumers across the country can purchase items from the newest, hottest and most exclusive retailers and designers from Friday, November 27th – Thursday, December 31st.

Featuring celeb supporters, trendsetters and special guests, “VH1 Big Shopping” will link consumers with the most coveted items inspired by music and today’s pop culture, in support of VH1 Save The Music Foundation’s work to jumpstart instrumental music education programs in U.S. public elementary and middle schools.

Log on to VH1BigShopping.Com this holiday season! Your purchases will help give the gift of music education to children in our nation’s public schools.

Jordin Sparks Inspires Teens To Make A Difference

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:30:00 -0000

Jordin Sparks is on a mission to spark some change by inspiring teens to make a difference.

Sparks and the National Milk Mustache “Got Milk?” Campaign have partnered with VH1 Save The Music Foundation to launch the ‘Drink Milk for a Change’ program. Sparks knows that drinking milk for a change can help make a difference in herself and her world.

Sparks is helping to launch the new ‘Drink Milk for a Change’ campaign to show teens the simple steps they can take to help make a difference in themselves and the world. An easy way is to make a commitment to drink milk and encourage others to do the same by making a Milk Mustache ad at bodybymilk.com. For every Milk Mustache photo created, one dollar will go to support VH1 Save The Music Foundation. The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education.

“I know that I am in charge of what I eat and drink and my choices affect how I look and feel,” said Sparks. “I skip the sugary beverages and reach for milk instead. Milk is full of important nutrients and is something I feel good about putting into my body. I encourage all teens to help make a difference in the world and Drink Milk for a Change.”

No one knows better than Sparks that a little step will go a long way and can pay off big time. This average teenager went from American Idol winner to chart-topping singer overnight. As the newest face to don a Milk Mustache in the popular “got milk?” campaign – Sparks joins the ranks of more than 290 actors, athletes, models and musicians who have lent their upper lips in support of milk.

Debuting in Seventeen magazine, her ad reads:“I’ve always had the power to wow an audience. But how do I get fired up to wow myself? I drink lowfat milk. Packed with protein and nutrients, milk gives me the energy to truly shine.”

Are you ready to drink milk for a change? It’s easy! Log onto bodybymilk.com and upload a picture of yourself. Choose the type of Milk Mustache you want and the background you like, upload your photo to the gallery and then share with friends on your Facebook page. Every teen that makes their own Milk Mustache ad will be supporting VH1 Save The Music. Make your contribution and encourage others to do the same by making a Milk Mustache at bodybymilk.com.

VH1 Divas To Return For Charity

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

After a four-year hiatus, VH1 will bring back the legendary live concert event “VH1 Divas” by featuring some of pop music’s most talented female artists – Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Miley Ray Cyrus. The “VH1 Divas” concert will be televised live on VH1 on Thursday, September 17 at 9:00pm.

Proceeds from the show will go to VH1’s Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of education in America’s public schools by restoring music programs in cities across the country, and raising public awareness about the importance of music participation for our nation’s youth. Since VH1 Save The Music was created in 1997, more than $43 million worth of musical instruments have been donated to 1,600 public schools in 100 cities, improving the lives of more than 1.2 million children.

For the first time ever, these leading ladies at the top of their musical game will perform together live at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. Continuing in true “Divas” tradition, the evening will feature a night of unforgettable performances from various performers, presenters and special guests. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fans can go now to Divas.VH1.com to submit a “Diva Stories” text or video testimonial that tells the world how their favorite diva has influenced their life. VH1 wants to hear from all Divas’ fans – favorite songs, favorite moments and the craziest things they’ve done to show their diva how they feel. Select testimonials may be featured online and on-air leading up to this year’s live telecast. Users will also be able to browse and view other’s testimonials as well as receive news and updates on “VH1 Divas.” In mid-August, VH1 will launch additional online elements including past performances and Divas-inspired music video playlists. Users can also follow all show-related news and details, as well as thoughts on this year’s show from other fans by following the “VH1 Divas” twitter account at http://twitter.com/vh1divas.

“An amazingly talented group of young women have successfully launched themselves into the global music scene since our last VH1 Divas show. We’re very excited to have so many of them join us at this year’s momentous event,” said Lee Rolontz, EVP, Original Music Production & Development VH1, and VH1 Classic. “Adele, Kelly, Leona and Miley have all captured the world’s attention with their talent and have earned their designation as VH1 Divas this year. Don’t let some of their young ages fool you – these women are among the best entertainers in the world and will continue to thrill music fans for a long time to come.”

Premiering on VH1 in 1998, “VH1 Divas” became synonymous with some of the most memorable live female vocal performances in television history. The show quickly became a highly anticipated annual phenomenon, generating speculation among music fans and industry executives on who would be part of that year’s telecast. Previous featured performers over the years included Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Cher, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Whitney Houston and many more.

Exclusive VH1 Save The Music VIP tickets and Gold Circle ticket packages will offer premium seating to the live “VH1 Divas” concert plus pre and post party access and an exclusive gift bag. Event sponsorship opportunities are also available to the two distinctively different “VH1 Divas” Parties on the same night. For more information on tickets or to sponsor an event, please contact: Nia.Mack@vh1savethemusic.com or at 212-846-7324.

Find out more here.

Jason Mraz Shows His Gratitude By Supporting Charity

Wed, 27 May 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Jason Mraz is about to show his ‘gratitude’ on his upcoming tour by donating a portion of the proceeds to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

The Grammy-nominated singer kicks off the first leg his Gratitude Café Tour in July with such supporting acts G-Love & Special Sauce and Bushwalla.

In addition to donating a portion of proceeds from tickets sales to the charity, Mraz will also give ten fans the chance to meet him on tour.

The Jason Mraz Gratitude Café Tour kicks off July 25th.

More info can be found here.

No Doubt To Headline Tiger Jam

Fri, 08 May 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Golf legend Tiger Woods is to host Tiger Jam XII on May 16, a charity concert with some very special guests.

Tiger Jam is an annual event that benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation and a selection of Las Vegas-based charities, such as Child Haven, Center for Independent Living, Greater Las Vegas Inner City Games, Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas, GRAMMY in the Schools, and the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

This year’s Tiger Jam will be headlined by Gwen Stefani and No Doubt, and will also feature Paramore and The Sounds.

The concert will take place at the Manadaly Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, with tickets ranging from $64 to $164.

To purchase tickets or find out more, visit the official Tiger Jam website.

Jamie Foxx Voices Crisis Helpline

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Jamie Foxx has lent his voice to a crisis helpline as part of his latest film’s social action campaign.

Following his successful National World Train promotion for his new film, The Soloist, in which people submitted videos to the Save The Music Foundation, Foxx has now recorded a message for Nineline, a crisis helpline run by Covenant House, an agency that works with homeless children.

“Now kids in crisis will not only hear a reassuring voice but a well-known, positive role model,” said Covenant House President Kevin Ryan. “I’m convinced that hearing Jamie’s voice will be the difference for kids who might otherwise get scared and hang up before we can help. This is a tremendous gift to our kids.”

The hotline received more than 45,000 calls from at-risk kids last year. To find out more about its services, visit the official site.

Jamie Foxx Launches Campaign To Save The Music

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

VH1 Save The Music Foundation Ambassador Jamie Foxx is helping to celebrate music education through a National World Train promotion in conjunction with his new film, The Soloist.

“Music gave me the chance for a new career,” said Foxx. “That’s how music moved me. How does music move you?”

VH1 Save The Music Foundation is joining forces with DreamWorks & Universal Studios to host a national “musical word train” about the redemptive power of music inspired by the new film The Soloist – opening April 24th. All you have to do is add your thoughts to Jamie Foxxs’ thoughts about what music mean’s to you at www.vh1savethemusic.com to enter to win a private screening of The Soloist in your home town.

For each submission, DreamWorks & Universal Studios will make a donation to the Save The Music Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of education in America’s public schools by restoring music programs in cities across the country, and raising public awareness about the importance of music participation for youth.

To enter the competition, click here.

John Mayer To Duet With Jordin Sparks For Charity

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Grammy winner John Mayer & platinum artist Jordin Sparks will duet on March 26, 2009, when Carnival Cruise Lines and Mayercraft Carrier 2 present One Splendid Evening, a special concert event to benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

Proceeds will help restore instrumental music education in America’s public schools and raise awareness about the importance of music as part of a child’s complete education.

One Splendid Evening will be held on board the new Carnival Splendor, Carnival’s largest and most innovative ship, while the vessel is docked at the Port of San Pedro in Los Angeles. The evening will include performances by Gavin Rossdale, Sara Bareilles, Erin McCarley, O.A.R., Guster and DJ Logic, as well as a meet and greet with all the artists. Guests will enjoy dinner, an open bar and additional live entertainment throughout the ship. The next day, the ship sets sail on a special four-day music cruise – the “Mayercraft Carrier 2: Even Crafter” voyage.

One Splendid Evening will give guests an opportunity to explore the $640 million Carnival Splendor, the largest “Fun Ship” ever based year-round in Southern California. The ship can accommodate more than 3,000 passengers and features a luxurious 21,000-square-foot spa, four swimming pools, a 270-square-foot outdoor movie screen and 22 bars and lounges.

Atlanta-based Sixthman will produce both the dockside One Splendid Evening and the fully chartered Mayercraft Carrier 2: Even Craftier. The second annual music cruise, hosted by John Mayer, will sail March 27-31, 2009 from Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. While onboard, music fans will enjoy concert performances by John Mayer, O.A.R., Guster and over a dozen other bands for a music festival at sea. For more information, visit www.mayercraftcarrier.com.

Ticket prices range from $150 to $1,000. The One Splendid Evening website is now live (www.onesplendidevening.com), please visit for more information or to purchase tickets.

One Splendid Evening With John Mayer

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Join John Mayer for One Splendid Evening at a charity event aboard a cruise ship in March.

On March 26th, VH1’s Save The Music Foundation will join forces with Carnival Cruise Lines & Mayercraft Carrier 2 to take over the Carnival Splendor prior to its inaugural cruise as “Mayercraft Carrier 2: Even Craftier!” for “One Splendid Evening” to benefit the Foundation.

For one night only, enjoy an evening of entertainment in the Splendor’s new home at the Port of San Pedro, CA. The Splendor is Carnival’s newest and biggest ship, boasting 4 pools, the “Red Carpet” dance club, a luxurious spa, full-service casino, 24-hour room service, 22 lounges and bars, and so much more. The evening will include open bar and food courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines as well as live performances by John Mayer and some of his friends (more to be announced soon).

The event will take place on the eve of a special four-day cruise that will include Mayer as the main entertainment.

The Save The Music Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of education in America’s public schools by restoring music programs in cities across the country, and raising public awareness about the importance of music participation for our nation’s youth.

More information about the event can be found here.

Save The Music's Esquire Party In The Hills

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

VH1’s Save The Music Foundation is to team up with Esquire Magazine for a charity party in the Hollywood Hills.

This fall Esquire will unveil its sixth annual Signature Space, transforming a stunning, contemporary home into a true personification of the modern man’s lifestyle. Charity events held at the Esquire Signature Spaces have raised more than $7 million to date, and on Saturday, October 25th at 7PM the VH1 Save The Music Foundation will once again partner with the Magazine for a spectacular bash to benefit the Foundation’s work to restore instrumental music education programs.

The host committee for the event includes Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, James Denton, Ryan Eggold, Matt Grant, Greg Grunberg, Juliette Lewis, Taryn Manning, Niecy Nash, and Chris Webber. Attendees at past events include Kiefer Sutherland, John Mayer, Paula Abdul and many more.

This year’s “Signature Space” will include a special performance by Gavin Rossdale and will feature every imaginable amenity as well as breathtaking views of Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island in what is sure to be one of the most talked about parties of the year. A limited number of tickets are available for $300. To purchase, call 212.654.5956 or email RSVP@vh1.com with Esquire House in subject line.

To purchase tickets online, click here.

Ferras Helps Get Music Back On School Agendas

Fri, 30 May 2008 11:34:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Musician Ferras presented $300,000 to the city of Philidelphia earlier this month, a donation from VH1’s Save The Music Foundation. The money will be put toward the city’s public school music programs.

Happy to help in reviving America’s deteriorating music programs, Ferras said, “Music has helped me in so many ways. Growing up in a small town, music was the only thing that kept me going.”

According to the Save the Music Foundation, their donations are to be spent on the purchase of new musical instruments “to restore music education programs that have been cut due to budget reductions in the past or to save programs at risk of elimination due to lack of instruments.”

Effective in developing balanced cognitive skills in children, the Foundation sites critical thinking, self discipline, self-esteem, math, reading and spatial reasoning as benefiting from music programs, as well as improved school attendance and a lower incidence of involvement with gangs and drugs.

Ferras, who began playing the keyboard at the age of five, thinks music is crucial. “[Music] was the place I went to deal with what was going on in my life. I didn’t care about anything else. For me, emotions were connecting to music, and it was like therapy for me… Music was my best friend. A lot of kids feel that way. It’s the one thing that can speak to everybody. It’s greater than all of us. It allows us to become a part of something bigger than each individual person.”

In its 11 years of existence, Save the Music Foundation has contributed nearly $40 million worth of instruments to public schools in the US.

Celebrity Auctions For Christmas

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:34:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

As the clock counts down to Christmas, celebrities have been keeping busy and warm by signing as many different items as humanly possible and donating them to a plethora of auctions. The holiday season may be at fever pitch now, but there is certainly a wide range of gift ideas to ease the stress of last minute shopping.

The VH1 Holiday Auction is currently being held at www.vh1auctions.com, and includes a long list of memorabilia from the music industry. All proceeds from the auction will go to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, an initiative dedicated to restoring music programs in schools across the US.

Items up for grabs include a harmonica signed by Alice Cooper (which has already attracted bids of $250), signed photos of Aerosmith and Chris Cornell ($300), and a guitar personally autographed by Ryan Adams ($1500). Signed clothing is also big on the agenda, with a jacket from Snoop Dogg, a vest from Iggy Pop, and sneakers from Amy Winehouse.

Signed guitars are also available as part of the Private Sessions Charity Auction, with all proceeds to benefit the Starlight Children's Foundation. Avril Lavigne, the Goo Goo Dolls, Meat Loaf, the Barenaked Ladies, and Toby Keith are among the stars to sign both an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar for the auction, which also includes movie clapper boards autographed by Queen Latifah, Michael Douglas, and Anthony Hopkins.

But if these items whet your appetite, you have to be quick. The auction ends on December 12.

For those people celebrating Christmas in Australia this year, the Starlight Children's Foundation Australia is auctioning Christmas decorations signed by various celebrities. Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, The Rock, Delta Goodrem, Missy Higgins, and rugby league stars Matthew Johns and Benji Marshall have all put their names on baubles to raise money for sick children in the country.

An auction is also being held by Russell Simmons' Diamond Empowerment Fund, to raise money for education programs in African countries where diamonds are a natural resource. A variety of fine diamond pieces are up for sale at www.ebay.com/diamondsgive, including an exquisite diamond-encrusted Ohm watch from the Simmons Jewelry Company. The opportunity to take part in exclusive photo shoots with celebrities such as Petra Nemcova, Naomi Campbell, LL Cool J, and Cedric the Entertainer are also up for grabs in the auction.

Actress and environmental activist Daryl Hannah is also doing her bit to ease the shopping blues this year, and has launched a brand new online store. www.dhlovelife.com offers goods picked with serious consideration of their environmental, social, and animal welfare impact. And if special holiday items such as an organic peace wreath and 100% recycled cards do not excite you, the store also offers compost buckets, surfboards and guitars made from hemp, bamboo snowboards, organic dog treats, and even a solar powered boat. The actress will also sell her personal bio diesel car and home fueling system on the site on December 20.

And finally a little news from the recent Lightspeed Fine Art Celebrity Charity Auction, held in Lake Forest, California, on the weekend of December 1 and 2. Lightspeed specializes in artworks relating to science fiction, and their eighth annual auction attracted guests from shows such as Stargate, Voyager, and Battlestar Galactica.

A surprise guest at the auction was Leonard Nimoy, better known as Mr Spock from Star Trek. Nimoy, who is reputed to have a huge personal collection of Star Trek memorabilia, donated several items to the auction signed by himself and William Shatner, including a plaque awarded from NASA for “inspiring a generation of scientists and explorers”.

Nimoy’s contributions made over $14,000 of the total $40,000 raised during the auction, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society and the Nimoy Foundation, an initiative that gives grants to artists-in-residence programs in museums and galleries around the US.

In the words of Mr Spock – “live long and prosper”.

VH1 Save the Music Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:52:01 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Music television channel VH1 will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their charitable arm, VH1 Save The Music Foundation, on September 20 by hosting a celebrity gala in New York.

The event, to be held at the Lincoln Centre, will pay tribute to the humanitarian work of Hillary Clinton, Mariah Carey, and VH1 Save The Music founder, John Sykes. Bill Clinton, who donated his saxophone to the charity in 1998, will also be honored.

“Throughout the years, Bill and Hillary Clinton have exemplified incredible dedication and support for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation,” said Executive Director, Paul Cothran. “It is an honor to have them join in celebrating our 10th anniversary.”

The Gala will be hosted by actress and model Maria Menounos, founder of Take Action Hollywood!, a non-profit organization which uses the power of film to educate, empower, and raise social awareness. It will also feature performances by Jon Bon Jovi, John Mayer, and ex-Pink Floyd member, Roger Waters. But perhaps the biggest applause for the evening will be saved for a group of children from schools that have received VH1 Save The Music grants, who will play together for the first time as a student orchestra.

Later in the evening, Project Runway’s Tim Gunn will emcee a live auction featuring several exciting items that will be revealed closer to the date.

For the last decade, VH1 Save The Music has been dedicated to restoring music education in US public schools. During that time, they have donated over $34 million worth of musical instruments to more than 1400 schools.
Tickets to the gala event can be purchased online at www.vh1savethemusic.com.

John Ondrasik Asks What Kind Of World You Want

Tue, 08 May 2007 18:58:56 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting has started a charity music video community. The site, www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com, offers the public the chance to upload videos which explain the type of world in which they want to live.

At the end of every video viewers can click on the sponsor link; each click donates up to 49 cents to one of the charities chosen by Ondrasik. He encourages submissions, saying, “There are no rules here, your film can be personal, political – write a story, tell a story – anything goes.”

The charities benefitting from the website include Fisher House Foundation, Breast Cancer 3-Day, Save the Children, Autism Speaks, Save The Music Foundation and New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund. John tells us that another charity, Augie's Quest will be added within the next few months.

For those who need more of a reason to create a video, there are prizes on offer. The grand prize winner will be chosen at random from the 20 most popular videos, and will be treated to a private concert with John Ondrasik including roundtrip airfare and lodging for two in Los Angeles.

Queensryche Bikes Across America for Charity

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 15:00:39 -0000

Written by Greg Hitchcock

Fans of the rock group Queensryche will have the totally mind-blowing experience of riding with singer Geoff Tate and guitarist Mike Stone on motorcycles provided by Buell motorcycles as part of a charity event for VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

Queensryche will ride across America for the charity sponsored by VH1 Classis which began in August as part of their U.S. tour.
The 60-plus date tour features a full-stage show, including surround sound, new video imagery and actors playing out both parts of the Operation Mindcrime Saga, the Seattle-based quintet’s concept albums.

Fans that make a donation to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation will be invited to join Tate and Stone as they ride between shows. A full list of start and finish points are available on the band’s website.

Anyone who makes a donation will be eligible to receive a limited edition sticker patch commemorating the Queensryche charity ride. Log onto www.vh1savethemusic.com and click on the Queensryche donation page to contribute.

A nonprofit organization founded in 1997, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation is dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in America’s public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education.

“As a band, we’ve always believed in music’s profound power to change lives,” Tate said. “Personally, music has always been my saving grace because it’s given me a positive way to express my emotions.”

“This charity ride alone is a simple way for me to make sure that a new generation will have the same opportunities through music that I had,” he said.

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