Duran Duran Crank Out the Hits at Intimate Performance Supporting War Child

Duran Duran perform to support War Child

By Kristina Rideout

Duran Duran gave an intimate, hit-filled performance at Wilton’s Music Hall in London as part of War Child and O2’s Passport Back to the Bars event on February 19. The group was one of six bands performing in small venues throughout the month of February to support War Child’s efforts to bring safety to children in war zones all over the world.

Tickets for the shows were available by lottery to fans who donated to War Child with each entry. This year marks 10 years since the original Passport event, which was held for victims of the Iraq war.

Duran Duran played to a packed house of 300 at Wilton’s Music Hall, London’s oldest remaining Grand Music Hall. Fans were treated to a set list of favorites including “Hungry Like The Wolf,” “The Reflex,” “Notorious,” “Wild Boys” and “Girls on Film.” The band closed the show with their mega-hit “Rio.”

Duran Duran looked and sounded in top form, and did not disappoint their loyal fans who flooded Twitter and Instagram with photos and accounts of this rare experience. Singer Simon Le Bon was chatty with the crowd, and took the opportunity to speak about children affected by war before performing the band’s classic ballad “Ordinary World.”

Passport Back to the Bars has also featured shows by The Vaccines and RIDE, and will continue with shows by You Me At Six, Bastille and Elbow throughout February. All money raised will support War Child’s work in Syria, Iraq and Gaza. These small, stripped-down shows for hundreds of fans will have a great impact on many thousands of children.

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Leona Lewis, Colbie Caillat and Kelly Clarkson Join Forces to Save Animal Sanctuary

Leona Lewis poses with a pony at the Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

By Kristina Rideout

Pop star Leona Lewis has taken to the internet in an effort to help save an organization close to her heart: the Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood, UK. Lewis, along with other stars including Kelly Clarkson, Mel B and Colbie Caillat, are encouraging fans and supporters to sign a Care2 petition in an effort to prevent Hopefield from losing its land to supermarket company Tesco, from whom they have been renting since 1992.

Hopefield is home to hundreds of aging and ill animals who are at risk of losing their lives should the sanctuary no longer exist. “At Hopefield, these animals get to live out their lives peacefully and free from abuse,” Lewis said. “Losing the land to building development could mean that almost 400 animals currently in the care of Hopefield will lose their home — we simply can’t let this happen.”

The Care2 petition was started by Lianne Angliss, who runs the organization with her partner David Schlaich. Angliss describes Hopefield as “an amazing place to work with friendly staff and volunteers [who all have] one goal, and that is to save animals from abuse and neglect, and educate to try [to] improve animal welfare.”

Lewis is utilizing her social media platforms on Facebook and Twitter to tell Hopefield’s story and raise awareness about the petition, which will ask the Brentwood Council to reclassify the land as a leisure and recreation area, which would reduce the value of the land. This would give Hopefield Animal Sanctuary the opportunity to buy it, in order to save the animals.

“Hopefield has been saving animals for almost 30 years,” Lewis told the Brentwood Gazette. “I believe it is one of the pinnacles of the community. To even think that it may not be there in the future, is utterly heart-breaking for me, as so many of the animals there would not survive moving to other land because they are too sick.”

The petition currently has just over 202,000 signatures and can be signed here.

Sting and Feist Team Up for Cherrytree Records Bash Supporting Music Education

Cherrytree Records artists Sting and Ivy Levan will perform at the label's 10th anniversary bash

By Jack Riewe

Since 2005, Cherrytree Records has been championing promising rising artists like LMFAO, Ellie Goulding and Far East Movement. Now as part of the groundbreaking record label’s 10th anniversary celebration, Cherrytree has partnered with VH1 Save the Music for a no-holds-barred birthday bash.

The celebration, which takes place on March 9 at Webster Hall in New York City, will include never-before-seen collaborations from Sting and Feist, as well as performances from Far East Movement, Matthew Koma, Ivy Levan and The Last Bandoleros. The Great Dave Aude will serve as the house DJ.

Cherrytree Records has a history of nurturing innovative artists who go on to become chart-topping acts. The label was founded by Martin Kierzenbaum and has had a hand in developing many notable artists such as Lady Gaga and Keane, as well as writers including Michael Eizinger, and Grammy-winning mixer Robert Orton along the way.

“In April of 2005, we were releasing our very first album on Cherrytree – Feist’s Let It Die,” recalls Kierszenbaum. “We dreamed of creating a music company where musicians, songwriters and recording artists could experiment, innovate, collaborate and, most of all, have fun. Thanks to our fearless artists, loyal audience and tireless staff, we’ve been able to achieve and sustain exactly that kind of environment for a decade already.”

Ticket sales proceeds will benefit VH1 Save The Music, a nonprofit that works to restore music education programs in public schools and helps promote its numerous benefits such as improved classroom performance and self-esteem.

More Than a Trade Show: NAMM Has Music Causes Running Through Its Veins

NAMM 2015 kicks off in Anaheim, Calif. Photo: Laura Ferreiro

By Laura Ferreiro
When most people hear the word NAMM, they think of the popular trade shows that feature an abundance of music gear and instruments, and the musicians who love them jamming out in busy convention center halls. But what most people don’t realize is that NAMM (the National Association of Music Merchants) has a strong charitable component with a mission to strengthen the music industry.

The NAMM Foundation works to advance participation in music and promotes the benefits and pleasures of making music by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. It does this in various ways with the support of 10,000 members in 99 countries who help fund and promote its efforts.

For example, the NAMM Foundation recently supported a study of students participating in the Turnaround Arts, designed to help turn around low-performing schools, narrow the achievement gap, and increase student engagement through the arts. Eight participating schools in the Washington, D.C. area were observed for the study. Incredibly, of the eight schools, seven improved their reading proficiency rates and six improved their math proficiency rates. All eight schools improved in at least math or reading. Half of the schools improved their attendance rates significantly, and more than half of the schools dramatically reduced suspensions.

The NAMM Foundation also provides free musical instruments and donations to music education programs across the country, and recently visited John Marshall Elementary School in Anaheim, Calif. to deliver guitars, drums, ukuleles and more. Several NAMM members and brands who were in town for the January trade show including Kala Brand Music Co., Remo, Daisy Rock Girl Guitar, Alfred Music, Music and Arts, Rhythm Band Instruments and GAMA, came out to show their support of the Anaheim City School District’s reintroduction of music education programs into the curriculum.

What’s more, NAMM invited several notable music-centric charities to their winter trade show and get the word out about their valuable work.

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus gives demos at NAMM. Photo: Laura Ferreiro

As in previous years, the John Lennon Education Tour Bus parked outside the Anaheim Convention Center to offer tours to kids and musicians and give people a glimpse of their state-of-the art, mobile recording studio. The non-profit offers students the chance to write and record music with high-quality equipment and music professionals at no charge. The Bus celebrated its 18th year with a party featuring a raucous performance by George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Clinton also mentored students who were on hand from Berklee College of Music.

CeeLo Green shows support for MusiCares. Photo: Laura Ferreiro

MusiCares set up shop at NAMM to help spread the word about their valuable work providing assistance to musicians in times of need. Renowned musicians such as CeeLo Green stopped by the booth to show their support. MusiCares also set up a Safe Harbor Room at NAMM where conference attendees could go to get support, attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, or just relax.

Steel Panther rock like a hurricane at the NAMMJAM 2015

The House of Blues Music Forward Foundation not only told NAMM-goers about their work educating youth on the role of music and culture in social change and creating performance opportunities for young and emerging musicians, but they also offered one of NAMM’s hottest tickets. The NAMMJAM at the Grove of Anaheim featured a performance by glam metal rockers Steel Panther joined by KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer and former Megadeath guitarist Marty Friedman. A silent auction with plenty of music paraphernalia donated by musicians benefitted the charity.

Avril Lavigne Encourages Fans to Support Special Olympics and Writes Song for the Summer Games

Avril Lavigne

By Jack Riewe

In support of the Special Olympic World Games, set to take place in Los Angeles July 26-August 2, multiplatinum artist and philanthropist Avril Lavigne has announced she has written the song “Fly.” The track will help her raise money for her charity The Avril Lavigne Foundation  and includes lyrics meant to empower those with special needs. The song, which Lavigne wrote with help of her husband Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, is slated to be released in advance of the Special Olympics games this summer.

Lavigne recently launched the Team Rockstar campaign for her 30th birthday to raise funds for 30 athletes from five different countries who will be competing in the upcoming games. She is asking her fans to create a fundraising page where they’re encouraged to invite family and friends to donate to support her cause. The winner will be treated to a dinner with Lavigne and she’s even offering prizes all the way up to 10th place.

Avril Lavigne with Special Olympics athletes

The Avril Lavigne Foundation was founded in 2010 and works with other charitable organizations such as the Special Olympics, Easter Seals, Make-A-Wish-Foundation and The Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis to raise awareness and mobilize support for children with severe illnesses and disabilities.

The Special Olympics World Games has an anticipated 500,000 spectators and is said to be the largest sports-and-humanitarian event in the world and the biggest event in Los Angeles since the Olympic Games in 1984. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will serve as Honorary Hosts along with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and California Governor Jerry Brown.

Check out Lavigne’s message to fans encouraging them to support the Special Olympics for her 30th birthday.

Kendrick Lamar, Diplo, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros to Headline Shaun White’s Air + Style: Los Angeles

Shaun White Launches Air + Style in the U.S.

By Billy Restivo

Not only does Air + Style showcase some of the best snowboarders and skiers in the world, but the two-day event February 21 and 22 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena will also feature performances by an impressive list of top musical acts including Kendrick Lamar, Diplo, Portugal. The Man, The Flaming Lips, Sleigh Bells, Phantogram, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and more.

At the forefront of this year’s Air + Style is pro snowboarder, skateboarder, musician, and entrepreneur Shaun White. After winning both the 2003 and 2004 Big Air competitions and going on to host the event in Beijing from 2010 to 2012, he took an interest in bringing Air + Style to the U.S.

Sixteen snowboarders and 16 skiers will come together to compete in the Air + Style: Los Angeles Big Air competitions. Dropping in at 16 stories high, these athletes will be scored on amplitude, style, difficulty, landing, and overall execution as bands on three different stages offer up the weekend’s soundtrack. Some competing athletes include Sage Kotsenburg, 2014 Olympic gold medalist in snowboard slopestyle; Mark McMorris, 2014 Olympic bronze medalist in snowboard slopestyle; Bobby Brown, four-time Winter X Games ski slopestyle gold medalist; and Joss Christensen, 2014 Olympic gold medalist in ski slopestyle.

In addition to the big air exhibitions and 18 live musical performances, the event will be home to an onsite local art gallery and mini ramp demos featuring 12 pro skaters such as Ishod Wair, Greyson Fletcher and Curren Caples. The interactive Kidz Camp will also give younger attendees a chance to learn to ride on their own, have a go at the zipline, or hang out in the snow play zone.

In celebration of the event’s 21st year (and the first under the direction of Shaun White Enterprises), local artists will be live painting and auctioning off pieces of White’s own mini ramp to LIFT, an organization helping provide jobs, homes, and education for poverty stricken families across the country. Last year alone, LIFT generated $13.7 million in wage increases, tax refunds, public benefits, and housing assistance.

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Tibet House Benefit Concert to Feature Flaming Lips, Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson and More

Flaming Lips

By Billy Restivo

Tibet House US, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture, is gearing up to celebrate the silver anniversary of its annual benefit concert with some of the most renowned names in music. And what better place to do so than New York’s iconic Carnegie Hall?

Coming together for this year’s concert on March 5 is composer Philip Glass, who will be serving as curator, alongside The Flaming Lips and Laurie Anderson. Other performers include the acclaimed Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal and double-platinum selling Canadian roots artist Ashley McIsaac, with more acts being announced in the coming weeks. In addition to the impressive roster of musicians, photographer Chuck Close, actors Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Uma Thurman, and director Arden Wohl will also be in attendance as Honorary Chairpersons.

Unique collaborations are not uncommon at the Tibet House US Benefit Concert, which gives way to the possibility of exclusive on-stage supergroups. Last year’s show featured a rendition of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Iggy Pop, Philip Glass, and Bernard Sumner, while 2012 showcased the spousal duo of Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson.

While it may seem easy to get lost in the glitz and glamour of it all, this event has a much deeper core, ultimately working to keep Tibetan spirit alive. Since its founding in 1987, Tibet House US has helped establish a worldwide network of institutions committed to spreading and protecting this Asian nation’s culture, and it’s comforting to see a cast of stars dedicated to such a good cause and a celebrated tradition.

Tickets for this year’s Tibet House US Benefit Concert can be found here.

 

Foo Fighters’ First Show of 2015 to Benefit Three Music Charities

Foo Fighters

By Laura Ferreiro

Foo Fighters have announced their first show of 2015 and it’s a doozy. In addition to the fact that it will be their final show in Southern California before they embark on their Sonic Highways world tour on January 15, the concert will also benefit three incredible charities.

The show will take place January 10 at the Los Angeles Forum, and a large percentage of ticket sales proceeds will go to support three music charities: Sweet Relief, Rock School Scholarship Fund and MusiCares.

Sweet Relief is a renowned non-profit that provides financial assistance to career musicians in need. The Rock School Scholarship Fund provides scholarship funds and instruments for children ages 7 to 17 who want to attend rock music schools throughout the United States. MusiCares, a charitable arm of the Recording Academy, provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies.

Dave Grohl and company are scheduled to return to the LA Forum for two shows in September.

Get tickets for the January 10 benefit show here.

Wake Up with Win Butler’s Signature Brew Supporting Haitian Farmers

By Billy Restivo

Arcade Fire frontman and activist Win Butler has just announced the presale of RaRa Coffee, a specialty brew grown in Haiti and roasted by Philadelphia’s La Colombe Coffee Roasters. And while the internet is bound to blow up at the fusion of indie-rock and a nice cup of joe, Butler’s mission is much more encompassing. Proceeds from RaRa will go towards Haiti Coffee Academy, an organization helping Haitian farmers increase coffee production, as well as Boston-based non-profit Partners in Health.

Butler and the rest of the band have been known to advocate for Haiti relief, putting on shows in the area, teaming up with Godin Guitars, and lecturing at the University of Texas to raise awareness. Singer Régine Chassagne has an especially personal connection as the daughter of two Haitian immigrants. In a 2010 editorial written for the Guardian, she explained, “We need to treat Haiti with compassion and respect and make sure that the country gets back on its feet once and for all.” Clearly, Chassagne meant every word, as Arcade Fire continue their efforts to help the Haitian people.

“Haiti is buzzing with potential and possibility, and coffee can be an important part of its rebirth,” said Butler in support of La Colombe’s mission to aid the nation’s coffee farmers. “Coffee is so important to Haiti, and Haiti is so important to me and everyone in the band.”

In addition to whipping up signature blends, the Canadian gazillion-piece has been busy supporting their fourth LP, Reflektor. Arcade Fire’s arena tour, dubbed the Reflektor Tour (or Reflektour if you’re mega-hip or British), spanned nearly a whole year, beginning and ending in their hometown of Montreal. The record not only debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 back in 2013, and was also recently nominated for a couple of Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album and Best Music Video for the controversial “We Exist,” which you can check out below.

If you want to get your hands on some of Butler’s RaRa Coffee and help support Partners in Health and the Haiti Coffee Academy, you’re only a click away.

War Child and Warner Music Want You to Put Your Holiday Tune Expertise to Good Use for a Great Cause

Lady Gaga

By Billy Restivo

It’s time brush up on your holiday classics. War Child, an organization providing support for war-afflicted youth, has recently teamed up with Warner Music Group to present a charity-driven festive music quiz, “Christmas Feed… BACK.”

The quiz lets you take a look at five popular music videos, ranging from oldies like Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” to newer hits, such as Lady Gaga’s rendition of “White Christmas” and a random assortment of holiday favs from the likes of Destiny’s Child, Tori Amos and Boyzone. You then get a chance to guess the year in which each video was released. Every time you answer correctly, Warner Music donates $1.50 to War Child.

WMG has agreed to donate up to $15,000 in light of the giving season, which means the more you play, the more you raise. And let’s be honest; you’re going to end up listening to Michael Bublé sing about how cold it is outside at some point this winter. You might as well do it while contributing to a great cause.

If you want to aid War Child in its efforts to better the lives of innocent victims of war by simply playing the game, make sure to head over here. Don’t sleep on it, as the fun comes to an end January 12.