Switchfoot Bro-Am: A Decade of Standing Up for Kids

Switchfoot perform at their annual Bro-Am benefit concert & surfing event

By Travis Clark

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of Switchfoot’s annual Bro-Am, a free concert and surfing event at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California. Switchfoot, an alternative rock band and surfing enthusiasts from San Diego, founded the event to raise money for various local organizations whose goal is to help homeless and troubled youth.

The charity event, presented by sponsor Hurley, kicks off July 11 with an Auction Night Soiree, featuring a performance from Switchfoot, silent and live auctions, tastings from local restaurants, and much more.

Switchfoot

It’s on July 12 that the festivities really begin, ones that make this the band’s most anticipated day of the year since the event started in 2005. The surf contest runs from 7:00am – 3:30pm, and the concert rocks from 12:00pm – 5:00pm. The line-up will be announced soon.

So what exactly keeps the band coming back year after year? In an interview with Music for Good, drummer Chad Butler explained that as much fun as they may have, it’s always been about and for the kids. “It’s a great thing to see people coming together and raising finances for them – letting them know that they matter and their story matters.”

Not only is the event for the kids, but it gets them involved as well. Kids will have the chance to compete in the 3rd Annual Rob Machado Bro Junior surf contest, named after renowned pro surfer, Rob Machado. The kids will get the chance to compete on Rob Machado surf boards, and can enter for free if they bring clothes to donate, rather than giving monetary donations.

The Bro-Am is committed to environmental efforts as well, avoiding avoid CO2 emissions by using solar power to rock the day (and pollution) away.

And if you can’t catch the action in person? The Bro-Am will strive to perfect last year’s live web cast so supporters from anywhere can join in on the fun. What’s not to like?

Click here for further information about the 10th Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am.

 

Campus DJ Finalists to Spin for a Cause at National Finale

Goshfather and Jinco perform at the Campus DJ regional competition in New York City

By Laura Ferreiro

It’s impossible to tell which side of the decks is more fun at the national Campus DJ competitions. Taking place at college campuses across the U.S., several regional contests showcased aspiring college DJs who spun their hearts out for enthusiastic crowds to take home the title of regional champion in cities from New York to California.

Now, 12 regional Campus DJ finalists will battle it out for the title of best college DJ in the nation at the second annual Campus DJ National Championships.

The final competition will take place Wednesday, June 18 at the Avalon in Hollywood, and will feature an array of special guests, as well as headliner Action Bronson. What’s more, the DJ finalists will be Spinning for a Cause, presented by Chegg and Music for Good. The winning DJ will have the opportunity to select the non-profit organization of his or her choice to receive a generous cash donation, sponsored by Chegg, and they’ll be supporting a great cause in the process.

This year’s competing finalists include: Bentley Montes & Yung Elvis (UCLA), DJ Lick (Colgate U), DJ Munition (ASU), Halogen (Georgia State U), Atomika (NC State), Vonzie (NYU), DJ Adam Treblig (SFSU), Moneta (UT Austin), Jeff Molner (FIU – Miami), Norvege (Columbia College), DJ +One (Michigan State), Sokko & Lyons (U of Oregon).

What’s more, the Campus DJ National Champion will win a $10,000 grand prize from

DJs compete for a packed house at the 2013 Campus DJ finals

Monster Energy and Campus DJ, free burritos for a year from Chipotle, and a prize package from lifestyle audio company Sol Republic.

Celebrity judges and presenters for this year’s finale include: Grammy-winning artist Lupe Fiasco, who is also a member of DJ duo The SNDCLSH, globally recognized EDM star MAKJ, world-renowned turn-tablist and producer Jayceeoh, and the 2013 Campus DJ National Champion from Columbia University, Flaxo. Special guest performers will be appearing throughout the night, along with a full headlining set by renowned New York rapper Action Bronson.

“Campus DJ has connected me to other passionate DJs and musicians who I keep in touch with, it’s opened doors I never imagined even existed, and it’s been a humbling chance to have validation in one of the most competitive and frenetic industries in entertainment,” said last year’s Campus DJ winner, Flaxo, who selected renowned non-profit 826 National to receive the Spinning for a Cause donation supporting their work giving students the opportunity to improve their writing skills and offering free after-school tutoring. “I actually couldn’t have imagined all the great opportunities that have come out of it,” he added.

Get your tickets here and come out to support the next national Campus DJ champion!

Members of Blink 182, Incubus, Pharrell Williams and Hans Zimmer Team Up on Song to End Child Labor

Incubus' Mike Einziger and composer Hans Zimmer team up on song to end child labor

By Laura Ferreiro

Mike Einziger of Incubus, Travis Barker of Blink 182, Pharrell Williams and renowned composer Hans Zimmer may seem like an unlikely group of musicians to work together, but they’ve teamed up to record a song to bring attention to the plight of child laborers, and to put an end to it.

The formidable crew joined child trafficking survivor Minh Dang to record the song, “Til Everyone Can See.” The idea for the song came after they met with the International Labour Organization (ILO), an arm of the United Nations that promotes workers’ rights and calls on governments to institute laws preventing children from being exploited and entering into the labor force.

They released the song and its accompanying video on June 12 to commemorate World Day Against Child Labor. “Open up your eyes/listen to the cries/it’s time to right wrong,” says the song, which was co-written by Einziger and violinist Ann Marie Simpson, and has a distinct “We Are The World” vibe to it.

“There are 168 million children between the ages of five and 18 years in child labor around the world, doing work they are too young to perform,” Einziger says. “Many are denied the opportunity to go to school. Eighty five million of them are doing work that puts their health or safety, sometimes even their lives, in danger. They’re victims of exploitation in the drugs or sex trade, are recruited as soldiers or made to beg, to work in mines and sweatshops or as domestic workers. This is unacceptable.”

Other musicians around the world are also pitching in to raise awareness of the plight of child workers through the Global Music against Child Labour Initiative, with orchestras and musicians of all genres dedicating concerts to the struggle against child labor.

To learn more about the campaign to end child labor, click here.

Pharrell Supports Iranians Arrested for Dancing in “Happy” Video

By Laura Ferreiro

It’s hard to imagine that police could arrest someone for joyfully dancing on camera, but that’s exactly what happened to six young people in Iran after they released a video of themselves dancing to Pharrell Williams’ hit song, “Happy.”

The Iranian dancers who starred in the viral video, “Happy In Tehran,” were arrested by Iranian police for dancing without veils and allegedly “hurting public chastity.” Tehran Police Chief Hossein Sajedinia called the video “vulgar” and warned that other Iranian youth should not follow in their footsteps.

Williams took to Twitter and Facebook to show support for those who were arrested. “It’s beyond sad these kids were arrested for trying to spread happiness,” he wrote. “So with all due love n’ respect we just ask that people be allowed to express themselves at least with happiness.”

The Twittersphere rallied to support the filmmakers, launching a campaign with the hashtag #freehappyiranians to encourage their release. Thankfully, the people who starred in the video have been freed, according to the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, but the video’s director, Sassan Soleimani, still remains in custody.

Earlier this year, Pharrell encouraged people around the world to capture themselves on camera dancing to his uber-catchy song, “Happy.” The response was huge, and people from Spain to Jamaica shared joyful videos of themselves boogying down to the groovy tune. There’s also an inspiring video created by Syrian refugees dancing in an Iraq refugee camp who appear to be incredibly happy despite their seemingly bleak living conditions.




Global Citizen Movement Secures DJ Tiesto, Krewella for Thank You Festival

DJ Tiesto

By Sarah Weiss

World-renowned DJ Tiesto, along with Above and Beyond, Krewella, and Alvin Risk will headline the first-ever Thank You Festival, set to take place at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland on June 26. The D.C. area fest is presented by the Global Citizen movement in conjunction with the World Childhood Foundation in an effort to raise awareness about issues facing children worldwide and further efforts to protect them from disease, violence and abuse.

DJ Tiesto stated, “Through my work with the World Childhood Foundation, I’ve learned about the millions of kids who are battling abuse and even dying from diseases that have known cures. I hope all my fans will join me in working with these amazing organizations to help these children all around the world live and become healthy and strong so they can enjoy their childhoods.”

The Global Poverty Project introduced the Global Citizen Festival in 2012, which has featured renowned musical performers including Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon, Alicia Keys and Neil Young & Crazy Horse at the annual festival held at New York’s Central Park.

“To become a global citizen, we must extend our compassion beyond our borders,” says Hugh Evans, CEO of the Global Poverty Project. “The United States has played a pivotal role in leading child survival and protection efforts worldwide and this event celebrates that.”

Evans adds that the festival is also a chance to educate the younger generation and motivate our leaders to act. “The bottom line is increased investment in child survival initiatives could ensure that no child dies for the lack of a 30-cent vaccine,” he says.

People can enter to win passes to the Thank You Festival by taking actions to end childhood poverty detailed here. Tickets can also be purchased here.

Metalheads Show Their Softer Side by Posing With Their Cats in Book Benefiting No-Kill Shelters

Eddie Pedereson of Thou Shall Kill and Squirrel

By Sarah Weiss

Heavy metal musicians are often defined by their masculinity, aggression, and down-the-back long hair, but catch a headbanger on his day off and expect a different type of shock all together.

Metal Cats, a new book by Alexandra Crockett, illustrates a softer side to metal musicians, revealing the hardcore affection they have for their feline pets. Crockett photographs metal musicians swapping fake blood and corpse paint for kitty purrs and fuzzy whiskers. The photos display the musicians lovingly posing with their feline companions in their homes and studios.

Crockett, who grew up on the Pacific Northwest and has been a part of the metal scene since she was 15 years old, is currently a doctoral student in the San Francisco Bay Area. While doing promotional photos for bands, she noticed the unique connection between metal heads and their cats. From there she was able to combine her love of animal rights and metal in her book by bringing attention to both no-kill shelters and the local musicians and artists involved in the metal scene.

Jason Roberts of Splatterhouse and Oliver

The book features portraits of metalheads from bands including Black Goat, Thrones, Isis, Lightning Swords of Death, Book of Black Earth, Skarp, Harassor, Akimbo, Aldebaran, Atriarch, Oak, Ghoul, Ludicra, Holy Grail, Xasthur, Cattle Decapitation, Murder Construct, Exhumed, Morbid Angel, Municipal Waste, Skeletonwitch, Gypsyhawk, Nausea, Phobia, and Napalm Death.

“Metal isn’t all dark and disturbing, violent and misanthropic,” a synopsis by the publisher reads. “Metal Cats is proof that while the music may be brutal, the people in the scene are softies for their pets, just like you and me.”

Need one more reason to melt? A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Metal Cats as well as proceeds from benefit shows held on the West Coast will go toward funding no-kill shelters. The book is due out May 6.

Aub Driver of Jahai and Darkhorse Comics

Tony Stark

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros Frontman Wants YOU to Have a Say in How Your Tax Dollars Are Spent

Alex Ebert

By Hilary Gridley

Many Americans spend tax day wondering whether they’ll get a welcome payday or an unexpected bill from the government; fewer take the time to think about where each dollar will end up. Will our taxes fund national defense, health care, or agriculture? Will the nation’s leaders fund responses to natural disasters, alternative energy exploration or something else entirely?

The answers to these questions rely on the political process and those who control it. Until now, nobody has gathered the data to find out how Americans want their money spent. That’s changing this year thanks to an unlikely activist: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros frontman Alex Ebert.

Ebert has teamed up with developers from the 2014 Sundance Film Festival’s “Hackdance” hackathon to launch TheNewIRS.com, which provides users with interactive, visually arresting infographics that compare how users would actually want to have their tax dollars allocated versus how they will actually be used by the Federal government. Users can share their preferences with political leaders based on their location and demographics.

According to Ebert, “The idea is simple. Taxpayers choose, from reasonable and established categories, where our federal income tax money goes by choosing a percentage for each category.”

The renowned singer and Golden Globe-winning film composer explains that this process will help gather valuable information that politicians will hopefully be able to use to better represent the desires of their constituents. “We will be able to collect national data that will serve to illuminate any disparities between the will of the people and the national expenditures of our representative democracy,” Ebert says.

The idea was born out of frustration with a process in which politicians, for a variety of reasons, have historically failed to fulfill many of the promises they make while running for office.

Visit TheNewIRS.com to tell your representatives how you want your tax money spent. Ebert and his team will share public results after Tax Day.

Light Up the Blues Concert for Autism Awareness Features Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Mayer, Brandi Carlile

John Mayer

By Sarah Weiss

April is Autism Awareness Month, and to focus public attention on advocacy efforts the second annual Light Up the Blues Concert will return to Los Angeles on April 5 to benefit Autism Speaks, an organization that funds research into the causes, treatments and prevention of autism.

The concert is set to be held at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles and will feature an impressive lineup including Crosby Stills & Nash, John Mayer, Don Felder, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stills, and many others.

At the heart of the event is “Light It Up Blue,”  Autism Speaks’ fundraising campaign that goes toward advancing research and backing efforts for those impacted by the disorder.

“We are so thrilled to be doing this again,” said event co-hosts Stephen and Kristen Stills. “Last year’s Light Up The Blues benefit was such an incredible event, life changing for all involved. We are so grateful to be able to bring such a special night of music to the Autism community and to support Autism Speaks.”

Also performing are special guests—rapper Watsky, indie artist Xolie Morra, Rio “Soulschocka” Wyles, Adam Mandela Walden and Neal Katz.

Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has donated more than $195 million to developing autism resources for families. On the global scale, Autism Speaks has mobilized more than 40 countries across five continents to nurture international research and awareness.

“We value our partnership with the Stills family on this amazing event that not only has great music, but also highlights the incredible talents of individuals on the spectrum, and lets them shine bright for a wonderful evening, ” said Matt Asner, Executive Director of Southern California for Autism Speaks.

The Light Up the Blues concert is sold out, but to get involved or donate to Autism Speaks, click here.

Orange Amps, Music for Good and Under the Radar Team Up at SXSW to Support Little Kids Rock

Guitarist Monte Pittman & Nate Anderson of Little Kids Rock

By Laura Ferreiro

Orange Amplifiers, Music for Good and Under the Radar Magazine teamed up for three days of events during the South by Southwest music festival March 12-14 benefiting music education charity Little Kids Rock.

The events at Austin’s Flamingo Cantina featured an array of incredible performances by artists including Charli XCX, EMA, Future Islands, The Mary Onettes, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals and Neon Neon, Connan Mockasin and more.

During the parties, festival-goers had the chance to demo a new line of Orange Crush Pro Amps and participated in the Orange Gives campaign. Each time someone used the hashtag #OrangeGives on Twitter or Instagram and posted a photo of Orange gear on stage, Orange donated $1 to Little Kids Rock.

Charli XCX turns on the charm. PHOTO: Laura Ferreiro

Thousands of people used the #OrangeGives hashtag, which resulted in a generous donation from Orange Amps to Little Kids Rock to support the non profit’s work providing free music education and instruments to kids in underserved areas across the U.S.

Renowned guitarist Monte Pittman, known for his work with Madonna, also came by to lend a hand and told the crowd about how he supports the work of Little Kids Rock. Check out some of the highlights below.

Future Islands bust out some dance moves. PHOTO: Wendy Redfern

Little kids do indeed rock. PHOTO: Wendy Redfern

Nate Anderson of Little Kids Rock addresses the crowd. PHOTO: Wendy Redfern

Gruff Rhys debuts his solo material PHOTO: Laura Ferreiro

Scottish rockers Casual Sex strut their stuff. PHOTO: Laura Ferreiro

Capacity crowds fill up Flamingo Cantina. PHOTO: Wendy Redfern

‘Dio Was the Pavarotti of Heavy Metal Vocals’ Says Jack Black, Who’s Featured on Dio Tribute Album

Tenacious D

By Hilary Gridley

On April 1, Rhino Records will release Ronnie James Dio: This Is Your Life, a compilation album featuring songs by heavy metal superstar Ronnie James Dio covered by his famous friends and admirers.

The compilation will benefit the Dio Cancer Fund, which was founded by Dio’s wife, Wendy, and Sandeep Kapoor, M.D after the famed rocker lost his battle with stomach cancer three years ago.

Through the charity, Dio’s fans came together to ensure his memory would continue to have a positive impact on the world by donating thousands of dollars to cancer research in his name.

Artists on the compilation include Metallica, Scorpions, Anthrax, Halestorm and Tenacious D, who perform Dio’s famed tracks including “The Temple of the King,” “Neon Knights,” “Straight Through The Heart” and “The Last In Line.”

“Dio was the master,” Jack Black of Tenacious D tells Music for Good. “He was the Pavarotti of heavy metal vocalists. [He had] soaring melodies and a lion’s roar to match. He was also one of the coolest guys I’ve ever had the honor of meeting. No one could touch his brilliance…on or off the stage.”

“It’s hard not to pick a great Dio track…but this one appealed to us,” says Kyle Gass of “The Last In Line,” the track that he and Black chose for Tenacious D to record. “Recording the track was a blast. Our electric guitarist, John Konesky, shredded a solo. I said, ‘That’s pretty good, but let’s try out my recorder.’ Lo and behold it shredded even more and added a unique element to the track.”

Gass added that Dio had a tremendous impact on his band, and that the cameo the legendary rocker made in Tenacious D’s musical comedy film The Pick of Destiny was a dream come true for the band. “Dio obviously has been a major influence and inspiration for the D,” Gass says. “His performance in The Pick of Destiny was a magical moment for us, and we’ll always miss him. Rock on, Dio.”

The Dio Cancer Fund held the first listening party for the album on March 14 at the South by Southwest music festival. The event, which took place at the Bayou in Austin, featured a Dio trivia game in which attendees could win prizes while they listened to the tribute album for the first time. Fans reportedly had tears in their eyes after “This Is Your Life,” the closing track.

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