GRAMMYs

Avicii

Photo: Sean Eriksson 1838

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Avicii Birthday Tribute For Mental Health Awareness Takes Over SiriusXM's BPM Channel

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During Suicide Prevention Week, the Tim Bergling Foundation and SiriusXM honor the late DJ/producer with specialty programming, including never-before-heard Avicii set and more
MusiCares
Sep 8, 2020 - 4:09 pm

Today, SiriusXM and The Tim Bergling Foundation have teamed up to announce "BPM Presents: Avicii Birthday Tribute for Mental Health Awareness" will kick off Sept. 8 in honor of Avicii's birthday and during Suicide Prevention Week. The takeover of SiriusXM's BPM channel will benefit MusiCares and Vibrant Health's National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and feature specialty programming, including one never-before-heard Avicii set from 2016, as well as tracks from the 2019 Avicii Tribute Concert in the beloved DJ/producer's hometown of Stockholm, Sweden.

Klas Bergling, Tim's father, will sit down for an exclusive interview to discuss Tim's life and music and the mission of the Foundation, which is to prevent suicide and remove the stigma attached to mental illness.

"Anki and I want to thank Geronimo and SiriusXM for their continued support of Tim's music and for taking this time to put a spotlight on the global issue of mental health," said Klas Bergling. "We want to encourage Tim's fans and all young people to know that they are not alone.  It's important to talk to someone, a friend or family member or workmate.  There is help for any emotional struggle they or their friends may have."

The take-over will also feature music from Avicii all weeklong and commentary from artists including Sandro Cavazza, Aloe Blacc, Zak Abel, Armin van Buuren, Nile Rogers, Nicky Romero, Laidback Luke, Martin Garrix, Bonn, Joe Janiak and Diplo discussing Avicii, as well as sharing personal stories about Tim, his music and their experience with mental illness. Additionally, the channel takeover will include a special broadcast of Avicii's SiriusXM Town Hall from 2013.

"SiriusXM championed Avicii from his start and we hope his fans will join us in celebrating him and his music as we take this special week to premiere a never-before-heard set, play music spanning his career, and hear about the importance of mental health wellness from those who knew him best," said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM's President and Chief Content Officer. "We are honored to work with The Tim Bergling Foundation to spotlight the issue of mental health, while also celebrating Avicii's legacy through his music."

Programming will also feature John Draper, PHD, Executive Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, who will share advice and resources on SiriusXM's Doctor Radio for listeners experiencing emotional distress or struggling with thoughts of suicide.

"The loss of Tim was personal for me," said Geronimo, SiriusXM's Vice President of Dance and EDM Programming. "Tim was my friend and like many fans around the world, I was excited to watch his career grow exponentially. I'm honored to work with his father, Klas and his family, to bring awareness to mental health and how asking for help is equally as important as the world has changed so quickly due to the pandemic, this topic is more crucial now than ever."

Listeners can experience BPM Presents: Avicii Birthday Tribute for Mental Health Awareness Week starting on Tuesday, September 8 at 12:00 pm ET through Sunday, September 13 at 9:00pm ET on SiriusXM radios (channel 51) and on the SiriusXM app.

Elton John, Billie Eilish, Cher, U2 & Many More: MusiCares Auction Items Announced

GRAMMYs

Sofi Tukker

Photo: VAULT Productions documentary trailer

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Inside VAULT Productions' Real-Time Doc On Electronic Music's Evolution During The Pandemic

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See how you can support the making of this independent, women-lead film and MusiCares' ongoing efforts to help music people in need
Nate Hertweck
MusiCares
Sep 22, 2020 - 3:25 pm

Electronic music remains one of the most nimble, connected and innovative communities in the industry, even as its musicians, professionals and fans have been drastically affected by the 2020 coronavirus crisis. Now, a unique new documentary from VAULT Productions is exploring the devastating impact of the pandemic, how the genre has adapted and how the music will continue to pull us through. Check this out: 

"Electronic music halts, evolves, and heals the world through the 2020 global pandemic and social revolution," the project's GoFundMe page. In addition to seeking to raise funds for the film's production, VAULT is also donating a portion of all proceeds to MusiCares.

The documentary will tell the story of today's unprecedented pandemic through the lens of electronic music and feature artists such as Sofi Tukker, Channel Tres, VNSSA, and Rinzen. The film will take you behind-the-scenes with well-know industry titans such as Billboard Dance, VitaMotus, Sound Nightclub, KCRW, Beatport and more, capturing the initial live event shutdown in March 2020, the subsequent rise of virtual performances and beyond, whereever the journey takes us.

"We’re living this story in real time, and will be in production until the day we capture artists stepping foot on a festival mainstage. Until that day, this production is our lives," the project's backstory reads. "So we’re committed to seeing it through with you."

The unconvential project exudes the passion and fierce indepent drive of the duo who back it, VAULT's Stephanie “Zilla” Barbosa and Leah Barylsky. The duo were both raised in Hawaii, althought they met on the mainland at a chance encounter after moving to Los Angeles to pursue careers in music, Barbosa as a DJ and radio producer and Barylsky as a cinematographer and editor.

"We discovered a shared reverence for electronic music and the community it birthed in warehouses, clubs, and festival grounds; a true melting pot that reflects the values we grew up with back home on the islands, sharing deeply-held beliefs about the power of both music and cinema, we knew we had to create together," they said. "Documenting this historic time from within our beloved electronic music community was a clear inspiration." 

VAULT began to tease the documentary in early August, launching the GoFundMe shortly thereafter and setting out on a quest to raise the money needed to fund the film, all while supporting the ongoing offorts of MusiCares to help those in the music industry affected by the pandemic. Now you can get involved and support this independent, women-lead production while also helping music professionals and serving all genres of music.

"Our intention is to cinematically illuminate the unsung heroes who create your live music experience, and celebrate the resilient culture of the underground," they state, "right up until its onstage return."

Read more about VAULT Productions on their website. To learn more about the ambitious documentary and contribute to its making as well as to MusiCares, visit the project's GoFundMe page. 

Read More: Committing To Kindness: MusiCares Teams Up With Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation For The #BeKind21 Challenge

 

GRAMMYs

Alicia Keys

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Winning Bidder To Place Alicia Keys Signed Piano In Inner City Rochester, NY Venue

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The MusiCares charity auction winner will place the beautiful Steinway & Sons upright in Rochester's Avenue Blackbox Theatre to expand its musical learning program for youth and adults
MusiCares
Aug 31, 2020 - 12:00 pm

When the final auction bell rang on Aug. 15 for the beautiful Steinway-designed Boston 126E upright piano, signed by 15-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys, it signaled more new beginnings than an end. The final sale generated $35,000 for MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief efforts, which seek to alleviate some of the enormous financial burden placed on people in the music industry who are adversely impacted by the global pandemic, and the piano itself will go to an inner city venue in Rochester, NY, where it will inspire and motivate people of all ages.

"Having performed professional style concerts as a singer at nursing homes for over 25 years, I am aware of the power of music to change lives," said auction winner Andy Nahas. "I bid on this piano on behalf of MusicPower, a charity I established to support exceptional music related initiatives such as MusiCares. I'm further excited because we've chosen to donate the piano to another impressive initiative called the Avenue Blackbox Theatre in Rochester, New York, which will launch an expanded music learning program for inner city youth and adults upon receipt of Alicia's beautiful Steinway piano."  

Donated by Steinway and used by Keys in her home for three months, you may have caught a glimpse of this bright, turquoise upright in Keys' recent Amazon livestream event and in a promotion for the 2020 New York Census. The piano has actually been part of Keys' musical life, photobombing her social media and being practiced and performed on by Keys herself in her home. 

"I feel so blessed that this piano—which has so many personal memories for me—is going to be auctioned for MusiCares, which has helped so many artists and creators and the music community during the pandemic," Keys said. "I can’t wait for whoever gets this piano to feel the magic inside of it."

The Steinway-designed Boston piano captures Steinway DNA through the unique patents and expertise that have made the Steinway heritage synonymous with musical excellence since 1853. Keys’ signature elevates the piano to a one-of-a-kind collector’s item, and its success as an auction item is a testament to both the artist’s reputation and to the goodwill of MusiCares’ supporters seeking to help music professionals during this very difficult time.

"This auction was even more successful than we initially anticipated," said Ron Losby, President and CEO of Steinway & Sons. "We have Alicia Keys and her stunning musical spirit to thank. What’s more, the generosity of the winning bidder is simply staggering. Not only did the winner gift $35,000 to MusiCares, he also has committed to place the piano at an inner-city venue in Rochester, New York. Alicia’s piano will inspire and motivate many people for years to come."

From its new home in Rochester, the magic piano will nurture performing arts interest among youth and adults, providing the opportunity to create music for those who might not otherwise have that exposure.  

"We expect this autographed piano will inspire and motivate many people to make music creation an important part of their lives," Nahas continued. "A big thank you to Alicia Keys, Steinway, and MusiCares for offering this multiple win opportunity!"

Elton John, Billie Eilish, Cher, U2 & Many More: MusiCares Auction Items Announced

Bid On Exclusive Experiences With Lee Ann Womack, David Ellefson Of Megadeth, Halestorm & More To Benefit MusiCares

GRAMMYs

Elton John with his Gucci metallic blue tracksuit

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Elton John, Billie Eilish, Cher, U2 & Many More: MusiCares Auction Items Announced

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Julien's Auctions announces fabulous lineup of items from Barbra Streisand, Carlos Santana, Keith Urban, Shawn Mendes, Willie Nelson and many more – advanced bidding starts now!
MusiCares
Aug 18, 2020 - 3:16 pm

MusiCares and Julien's Auctions have announced a stunning list of marquee items to be sold at MusiCares' Charity Auction on Wednesday, Sept. 9, but you can place your advance bids today. You can peruse the entire array of auction offerings in Julien's handy online flipbook.

Highlights of the extensive auction include Barbra Streisand’s Caftan Worn in Meet the Fockers; Billie Eilish’s Signed Fender California Coast Ukulele; U2’s Bono’s Handwritten and Signed Lyrics to "Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way"; Cher’s Black and Silver Crystal and Stone Encrusted Jacket; Elton John’s Gucci Metallic Blue Tracksuit; Bun B's signed baseball cap with jersey and more.

Guitar aficionados will also want to check out autographed guitars from ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, Carlos Santana, Depeche Mode, KISS' Gene Simmons, Hans Zimmer, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Shawn Mendes and Willie Nelson. Fans can even bid on a Gibson SG Standard '61 in vintage cherry signed by both Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi.

Additional items offered by artists, athletes and entertainers include Bee Gees, Rolling Stones' Bill Wyman, Billy Idol, Blake Shelton, The Killers' Brandon Flowers, Carole King, Chrissie Hynde, Coldplay, Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., Eric Clapton, Joan Jett, John Stamos, Nicole Kidman, Ozzy Osbourne, Patti Smith, Peyton Manning, Rhett Atkins, Rick Fox, Sir Tom Jones, Snoop Dogg, Thomas Rhett, Tom Petty, Tom Waits and more.

The charity auction will benefit MusiCares and their ongoing efforts to provides aid to artists and music community professionals in times of need. Designated lots will share proceeds with MusiCares and the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund and the Petty Family Foundation. 

The auction takes place Sept. 9 in Beverly Hills and online at Juliens's Auctions website with advance online bidding starting Aug. 17.

Bid On Exclusive Experiences With Lee Ann Womack, David Ellefson Of Megadeth, Halestorm & More To Benefit MusiCares

Ringo Starr performs at the 50th anniversary celebration of Woodstock in 2019

Ringo Starr performs at the 50th anniversary celebration of Woodstock in 2019

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

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Ringo Starr's 80th Birthday Virtual Charity Concert To Feature Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Gary Clark, Jr., And More, Will Benefit MusiCares And Black Lives Matter

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Streaming on Starr's birthday (July 7), the show will feature "at-home performances and unearthed concert footage" from some of his best friends and closest collaborators
John Ochoa
MusiCares
Jul 1, 2020 - 10:19 am

This month, Ringo Starr is commemorating his 80th birthday with a little help from his friends. The former Beatles drummer and nine-time GRAMMY-winning artist is celebrating the big event by hosting Ringo's Big Birthday Show, a virtual charity concert featuring "a mix of at-home performances and unearthed concert footage," according to Rolling Stone, from some of his best friends and closest collaborators, including Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Gary Clark, Jr., Sheila E., Ben Harper and others. 

Streaming on YouTube Tuesday (July 7), Starr's birthday, starting at 8 p.m. EST, the charity concert will benefit MusiCares, Black Lives Matter Global Network, The David Lynch Foundation and WaterAid.

The hour-long show, which will also include chats with the event's guests, will feature the debut of a new, guest-heavy version of "Give More Love," the title track to Starr's 2017 album, which will include Jackson Browne, Jeff Bridges, Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson and others, Rolling Stone reports. Artists like Steve Earle, Peter Frampton and Judy Collins will also perform a series of tribute performances, which Starr will debut on his YouTube channel.

Starr's birthday has become an annual celebration of "peace and love" since 2008 when the legendary artist asked his fans to join him in Chicago and say or think the phrase at noon local time.  The "peace and love" celebrations have since spread to "more than 20 countries around the world and on social media, to 'create a wave of Peace & Love across the planet,'" Rolling Stone reports. For his birthday last July, Starr hosted a special "peace and love" celebration at the iconic Capitol Records building, The Beatles' longtime label home, in Los Angeles; the event featured performances from Ben Kyle, The Jacks and Sara Watkins. Starr is once again asking his fans and friends to say, think or share "peace and love" at noon local time on his birthday. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Starr's annual birthday celebration is going digital in 2020. "This year is going to be a little different," he told Rolling Stone. "There's no big get-together, there's no brunch for 100. But we're putting this show together – an hour of music and chat. It's quite a big birthday."

Last November, Starr and his All-Starr Band announced a 2020 tour, which was later canceled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about how you can donate to or apply for assistance via the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Learn more about the financial, medical and personal emergencies services and resources offered by the Recording Academy and MusiCares.