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Michael McDonald

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Meet The Real Ironman: Michael McDonald To Race On Behalf Of MusiCares

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The music manager and MusiCares Chair Emeritus opens up about being two decades sober and racing the 2019 IRONMAN to benefit the organization he says saved his life
Nate Hertweck
MusiCares
Sep 19, 2019 - 9:49 am

In Fall of 1999, music manager Michael McDonald took the first step in his race toward a new life and, with the help of MusiCares, got sober. Two decades later, not only is he still sober, he's  chair emeritus of the organization and he's training to race in the 2019 Kona IRONMAN World Championships to raise money for the organization he credits with saving his life.

"I vividly remember watching the Kona IRONMAN World Championships on television and crying because I was too hungover to fathom the level of dedication, perseverance, and athleticism," he recalls.

But on Oct. 12, McDonald will fulfill his dream and run the exact same race he saw on TV 20 years ago. And thanks to a partnership with the IRONMAN Foundation, he's raising money for MusiCares in the process – a lot of money. The aspiring ironman's charity effort blew past his original donation goal of $150k and has since eclipsed the $200k mark. This money will go a long way toward helping MusiCares deliver the necessary financial and emotional support to anyone in the music community in need.

What makes a person open his heart with this level of generosity, motivation and drive? For McDonald, getting sober has illuminated a path to helping others. "What good is it for me to be sober and not have that benefit someone else?" he asks.

We caught up with McDonald as he prepares for the big race while  balancing  both support for the charity as well as his duties as founder of Mick Management, to talk about sobriety, training for the  triathlon, and what life is really all about: giving back.

Congrats on 20 years of sobriety. What has been the key to lasting sobriety?

The key to lasting sobriety for me has been gratitude for the life I have. I have to constantly remind myself that I wouldn’t be where I am today without my sobriety. The only reason I’m able to do what I do with the people I do is because I no longer drink or do drugs. I also rely heavily on my network of family and friends who have supported me all along. I also have a sponsor that keeps me honest and reminds me to go to more meetings!

Training for the Kona Ironman World Championships, another remarkable feat, must have involved a similar one-step-at-a-time dedication. What can you tell us about your training and preparation regimen leading up to Kona?

I’ve never thought of it like that, but it’s very accurate. I committed to the race about 18 months ago. Had I only focused on the final distances, I would have been overwhelmed. But I just did what I was told by someone who knows more than me. Week by week, I slowly started adding distance. I find when I break things down into smaller goals ("Just focus on the next 5 miles;then we’ll worry about the remaining 50"), I’m able to stay present and not get overwhelmed or dwell on the worst case scenario. Much like the 12 Steps, a lot of it is about mental strength and training. If I thought about the rest of my life being drug and alcohol free the day I decided to quit, I wouldn’t have made it. I took it 24 hours at a time.

You’ve credited MusiCares as the organization that saved your life. What does it mean to you to be able to give back to MusiCares so generously?

For me, this is what life is all about; sharing the gifts I’ve been given. What good is it for me to be sober and not have that benefit someone else? That’s a pretty selfish existence. I feel really fortunate to be a part of the music community. The fact that I’ve been surrounded by such incredible art and artists for the past 27 years is beyond my wildest dreams. MusiCares helped me sustain that. It’s my responsibility to help those who helped me. It’s really just that simple.

Lastly, what’s running through your mind as you prepare for October 12? Any hopes, butterflies or predictions?  

Butterflies is an understatement! All I can predict is that I’ll do everything in my power to finish the race. I want to prove to myself that I can have a dream and make it come true. The process has already been a success. Awareness of MusiCares and mental health, addiction & recovery can always use another voice, and this has helped. This will help improve the lives of others. The generosity people have shown with contributions is overwhelming. Truly. The support of the music community further proves that it truly cares about its creators. My friends and family have shown up in ways I never imagined. When I think about the race, I honestly only think about the finish line. 

Donate here to support Michael McDonald's race in the 2019 Kona IRONMAN World Championship on behalf of MusiCares.

READ MORE: Michael McDonald On His Amazing Journey From MusiCares Client To Chair

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Michael McDonald

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Michael McDonald Crushes IRONMAN, MusiCares Fundraising Goal & 20 Years Of Sobriety

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"Somewhere deep inside, a seed was planted that finally came to bloom," McDonald said, reflecting on his inspiring journey to the IRONMAN
Ana Yglesias
MusiCares
Oct 15, 2019 - 1:15 pm

On Sat., Oct. 12, music management veteran Michael McDonald did something he would've never imagined possible in his earlier years as tour manager: complete the IRONMAN race on the 20th anniversary of his sobriety.

And the accomplishment was much bigger than McDonald himself; he raised over $394,000 for MusiCares, where he is Chair Emeritus, and the IRONMAN Foundation. His original fundraising goal was $150,000.

"I vividly remember watching the Kona IRONMAN World Championships on television and crying because I was too hungover to fathom the level of dedication, perseverance, and athleticism," McDonald explained.

"Somewhere deep inside, a seed was planted that finally came to bloom," he added in a press release.

In his training for the big race, McDonald clocked in an impressive feat of athleticism, biking over 3,000 miles, running over 800 and swimming 69. This year not only marks McDonald's impressive first IRONMAN and 20 years of sobriety, but also his 50th birthday, as well as the 30th anniversary of MusiCares, whose addiction services helped him get clean.

"Crossing the finish line in Kona was one of the greatest honors of my life. I am overflowing with gratitude towards all my donors and the IRONMAN Foundation for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity," he recently said.

Read More: Meet The Real Ironman: Michael McDonald To Race On Behalf Of MusiCares

Donations came from Mick Management, the Brooklyn-based music management company McDonald founded, VEGA, ROKA, Brooks Running, Cervélo Cycles, Live Nation, Music That Moves and other orgs and individuals. GRAMMY-winning musician Leon Bridges, who is represented by Mick Management, also generously donated $75,000.

In his fundraising efforts, McDonald joined TEAM IMF, IRONMAN Foundation's fundraising team. The remaining funds are donated to the Foundation, which works with change-making organizations in race communities, including the Kailua-Kona region, where the World Championship is held.

To learn more and support about the work MusiCares does to assist and empower the music community in-need, please visit grammy.com/musicares.

Aerosmith To Be Honored As 2020 MusiCares Person Of The Year

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RAINNE

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Meet RAINNE: L.A.'s Dark-Pop Duo On A Meteoric Rise

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Inside their journey from GRAMMY Camp and GRAMMY U to the Hollywood Bowl opening for some of music's biggest stars and the event that raised over $450k for MusiCares
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Dec 20, 2019 - 4:09 pm

Even if you aren't yet familiar with RAINNE, the L.A.-based duo consisting of singer/songwriter Annie Dingwall and saxophonist/engineer Justin Klunk, you're definitely familiar with the artists they opened for on Oct. 19 at "We Can Survive" at the Hollywood Bowl: Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Camila Cabello, the Jonas Brothers, Billie Eilish, Becky G, Halsey, and Marshmello. So how did they get there?

The short answer is RAINNE was selected out of over 14,000 artists who entered the Opening Act contest, 97.1 AMP Radio, and Radio.com, ultimately winning the grand prize opening slot on the bill and $10,000. Remarkably, the event also raised a whopping $450,000 for MusiCares  toward its efforts to ensure music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

The long answer stretches back nearly a decade, to when Dingwall and Klunk first met as part of the GRAMMY Museum's GRAMMY Camp music industry program for high school students. Their journey to the Hollywood Bowl stage also went through GRAMMY U, the Recording Academy's university network for college students, and USC's Popular Music Program, which they both attended.

Now, with the momentum of their Hollywood Bowl debut and a string of infections singles like "Psycho Killer," Hollow" and the newly released "Sin," RAINNE are just getting started. The Recording Academy caught up with the rising dark-pop duo to hear about their experience at "We Can Survive," the evolution of their sound and more…

First of all – for the uninitiated – tell us more about RAINNE's music. Where do you feel your unique dark-pop comes from?

Dingwall: It has definitely been a journey to find our own sound. Both Justin and I have a wide array of music influences, so it’s been fun to draw our favorite aspects from those different genres and incorporate them in our music. From a songwriting perspective, the songs we put out all have a couple common threads that weave them together – both musically and lyrically – and darker sounds and lyrics are definitely one of those motifs that define our sound.

Klunk: Our music and ‘voices’ have been evolving since we met, and this is where we feel the most comfortable expressing ourselves right now. 

That's right, you met at GRAMMY Camp. What do you remember about the program and has it helped you in your career?

Klunk: Personally, GRAMMY Camp was a major part of my musical education. Prior to the camp, I was really oblivious to the other jobs and responsibilities involved with putting on a show, or creating a record. The only thing on my mind was to play the saxophone, and the camp really opened eyes to the industry. It was inspiring for me to see while I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do for a living. And the program still affects us to this day. We keep in touch with a bunch of GRAMMY Camp alumnus, and it’s great to see how everyone is pursuing and thriving in their own endeavors.

In January, I’m actually going to be a part of the GRAMMY In The Schools Alumni band, so that’ll be a ton of fun to see some familiar faces.

Dingwall: I don’t think I realized back then just how impactful going to GRAMMY Camp would be on my life and career. It was a huge part of my musical foundation and introduction to Los Angeles – and introduced me to my best friend and band mate! I am so grateful to have met and worked with so many amazing people at Camp and so happy that they continue to be a part of our lives.

After GRAMMY Camp, how did you two start RAINNE?

Dingwall: RAINNE was a long time coming for us. After Camp, through college, and for a good time after graduation, Justin and I were playing shows together, but at the same time pursuing our own solo interests and projects. Justin released a few instrumental saxophone EPs and toured with Ariana Grande, Saint Motel, and many others, and I released some solo material and was writing for other artists and tv/film projects, but all the while we continued playing shows together. I think over the years we both felt the most comfortable and creative when performing together, and decided that we wanted to do that more than any of the other things we had going on. We decided to become a band a couple years ago and haven’t looked back since.

As a duo, how do you like to work together? What's your songwriting and production process?

Klunk: Our approach to the band is to utilize each other’s strengths and pick up the slack where one of us may fall short. We each bring a different set of skills to the band that compliment each other very well. Historically Annie has been the main songwriter for the group and I have focused more on the live band arrangements, but as we grow we are both becoming heavily involved in every aspect of the band. We have teamed up with amazing producers who understand the sound we are trying to achieve and help us make recordings we are proud to share with the world.

I also understand you participated in GRAMMY U. What was your experience like?

Klunk: GRAMMY U was wonderful. We got to attend and participate in a ton of events while we were in college – even a battle of the bands. There were even a few GRAMMY Career Days we was able to participate in, which were a blast. The various panels in L.A. and at the GRAMMY Museum were really great to check out.

Dingwall: The opportunity learn directly from successful people in the industry is something that not everyone has access to, and we were grateful to be a part of an organization that afforded us those possibilities.

How did you get involved with the Opening Act contest for "We Can Survive," and what do you think set you apart from the thousands of entrants?

Dingwall: Funny enough, Justin saw an ad for the competition on Instagram. He entered us and didn’t tell me about it until a few days afterwards. To be honest, we thought it was such a long shot, but we ended up progressing through the multiple rounds and when we got into the Top 16, we thought “Hey! Someone from the Top 16 has to win – and that someone could be us!”. The outpouring of love and support we received throughout this whole process was amazing and incredible. We are so honored and grateful to everyone who helped us get to the Hollywood Bowl. Not only that, but a portion of the votes was donated to MusiCares – which is an organization we fully support and had been involved with in the past. They do amazing things for the music community and we are happy to contribute in any way that we can. “We Can Survive” is a really special night at the Bowl and we loved to be a part of such a magical night supporting a great cause.

How did it feel performing at the Hollywood Bowl, especially on such a stacked bill. Any surprising moments?

Klunk: It was INCREDIBLE! We were obviously a bit nervous; not only was it an iconic stage, but a ridiculously stacked lineup. We just made sure to over-prepare during our rehearsal process so that we were ready for any curveball that could come our way. We found that the entire production team and staff were the kindest people ever, and they really treated us just like any of the other artists or bands on the bill. Words can’t describe how smooth they made that process and how welcomed they made us feel. 

With such a prolific and successful 2019 behind you now, what's next for RAINNE in 2020?

Dingwall: We are definitely looking forward to seeing what is in store for us in 2020. Right now we have big plans to release tons of new music and grow our fanbase.

Klunk: We also really want to tour and play even more shows than we played this year. We’d love to be opening for another artist on the road. Our shared love for performing is what got us started and we want to continue sharing that with as many people as possible! 

Meet The Real Ironman: Michael McDonald To Race On Behalf Of MusiCares

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Alice Cooper

Photo: earMUSIC/Rob Fenn

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Alice Cooper, Yola, John Legend & More To Honor Aerosmith At MusiCares Person Of The Year

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Gary Clark Jr., Foo Fighters, H.E.R., Jonas Brothers, Emily King and John Mayer will also perform at the annual tribute gala benefitting music people in need
Nate Hertweck
MusiCares
Dec 16, 2019 - 7:00 am

Get ready for a night to remember as the first wave of performers have been announced for the 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute concert honoring Aerosmith. GRAMMY Award-winning artists Gary Clark Jr., Foo Fighters, H.E.R., John Legend, and John Mayer, past GRAMMY Award nominee Alice Cooper and current GRAMMY Award nominees Jonas Brothers, Emily King, and Yola join the performance lineup for the annual tribute concert on Jan. 24, 2020 in Los Angeles.

Aerosmith Named 2020 MusiCares Person Of The Year

Leading this stacked lineup through renditions of songs from Aerosmith's catalog of hits will be musical director Greg Phillinganes. Additional guest performers are still to be announced.

Back in October, Aerosmith made a surprise announcement onstage during their Park MGM Las Vegas residency, Aerosmith: Deuces Are Wild, revealing the big news that they will be honored as this year's MusiCares' Person of the Year. The four-time GRAMMY-winning group is being recognized for their considerable philanthropic efforts over five decades and undeniable impact on American music history. Through the years, Aerosmith have shown support for a number of charities around the world, including Steven Tyler’s Janie’s Fund.

The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute — celebrating its 30th anniversary — is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. Proceeds from the event provide essential support for MusiCares and its vital safety net of health and human services programs, ensuring music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

The Person of the Year gala will begin with a reception and silent auction offering an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The reception, along with a silent auction sponsored by Delta Air Lines — the official airline of Person of the Year — will be followed by a gala dinner sponsored by AEG, tribute concert featuring renowned musicians and other artists, and the award presentation.

GRAMMY Week culminates with the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020. The telecast will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

For MusiCares Person of the Year ticket information, please contact  personoftheyear@musicares.org.

READ MORE: Aerosmith To Be Honored As 2020 MusiCares Person Of The Year

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L to R: Eric Church Band's Michael Todd Stembridge (crew), Lee Hendricks (bass), MusiCares' Debbie Carroll, Craig Wright (drums), Driver Williams (guitar) and Jeff Hyde (banjo, guitar), plus Jeff Cease (guitar, not pictured)
Photo: Jamey Campbell & David Schenk with Schenk Photography

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Eric Church Band's "Put A Club In My Hand" Golf Invitational Grosses Over $250k For MusiCares

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Begun after band members received support from MusiCares during the Nashville floods, the eighth annual fundraiser has grown each year since its inception
Nate Hertweck
MusiCares
Aug 15, 2019 - 1:53 pm

MusiCares is known for helping music people in need with health and human services. But what happens when those who receive the help dig deep and give back to MusiCares? Something truly magical.

Case at point, the Eric Church Band recently held the eight annual "Put A Club In My Hand" Golf Invitation presented by EMI Records Nashville and Messina Touring Group, raising over $250k with proceeds benefitting MusiCares. With so many worthy causes out there, the members of the band chose MusiCares because they themselves had received assistance from the organization following the biggest Tennessee natural disaster in recent history.

"This all came about because of the flood back in 2010, MusiCares helped a lot of people here in Nashville, and I was one of them," said Lee Hendricks, Eric Church Band bassist and one of the event's original founders. "I had a locker at Soundcheck that got flooded, and I didn't have the right homeowners insurance."

MusiCares raised approximately $1 million for its Nashville Flood Relief Fund within months of the disaster, providing assistance and support to more than 250 music people in need. Funds were distributed within 48–72 hours of the floods, covering the most immediate and basic needs, including food and clothing, gasoline and transportation, clean-up efforts, relocation costs, medicine, and other critical supplies. In the months that followed, the organization continued to provide assistance to get even more musicians back on their feet.

Two years later, the idea for the charity tournament struck, when the foursome of Hendricks, along with crew member Michael Todd Stembridge, tour accountant Marshall Alexander and drummer Craig Wright hit the links for a post-ECB tour round of 18 holes.

GRAMMYs

Photo: Jamey Campbell & David Schenk with Schenk Photography​

"We were on a little break from Eric's first headlining arena tour, we got a little break and we decided to play a little golf," says Stembridge. "We got through 16 holes and said, 'we should do a charity tournament. We could do that, and it should benefit MusiCares,' because a couple years before that we'd had the bad flood in Nashville, and MusiCares was a huge part of helping out a lot of musicians in the area who lost gear, and allowed a lot of those people to stay on the road and keep earning a living."

While most charity golf tournaments actual lose money in their first year, "Put A Club In My Hand, which was cleverly named based on the Eric Church hit song "Put A Drink In My Hand," actual raised money right out of the gate.

"It turned out we grossed a little over $50k the first year, and we were off and running," says Stembridge.

Realizing they were onto something big, the group reached out to charity event organization group Big Hearted Babes to help maximize the impact. In its eighth year over 160 golfers and 50 sponsors participate. In total, the event has grossed a whopping $1.4 million in eight years and donated close to a million dollars for MusiCares. These funds will go a long way toward the various and valuable services offered by MusiCares.

"We just keep knocking it out and having a good time and watching the Nashville community come together around this common cause," added Stembridge, before expressing deep gratitude for the events many sponsors.

"Getting to know the Eric Church Band and crew and watching this event grow each year has been a pure joy," said Debbie Carroll, Vice President, Health and Human Services of MusiCares. "We are proud to see how many more music people in need we are able to help because of this remarkable fundraiser, and to know the idea grew out of MusiCares' efforts during the Nashville Floods of 2010 is so rewarding. MusiCares is beyond grateful to benefit from 'Put A Club In My Hand' each year."

"I know it's cliché sounding, but we do this to give back, to help others out," added Hendricks. "Music's been my whole life, so I've been fortunate enough to make a living playing music. But when someone gets down on their luck, everyone needs a hand. Personally, I've been helped by MusiCares and I know several other who have been helped with health issues. It's great to have a resource like this."

"This is a serious charity, in that were something to happen to your band members or crew member, MusiCares is an option, and it's a main avenue to get them some help and assistance, not just with financial help, but psychological help, counseling, financial training. There's all these seminars they do," said Stembridge.

But in addition to raising an increasing amount of money and awareness for MusiCares, the "Put A Club In My Hand" Golf Invitational is also a lot of fun.

"It's a good time, that's for sure," said Hendricks.

"We love doing this. It's a lot of work for us, but it's a lot of fun!" added Stembridge.

GRAMMYs

Photo: Jamey Campbell & David Schenk with Schenk Photography​

One of the coolest facets of the invitational is that it was founded and run by Eric Church's Band and crew. But Church himself is a huge supporter and participant, donating VIP ticket packages that include backstage tour to be including in a silent auction, which also includes guitars, music keepsakes, sports memorabilia and more.

"We get items from all across country music, plus from the pop and rock worlds. And we have a huge silent auction that is open to Eric's entire fan club and anybody at the event the day of, and it raises $100k+ a year," Stembridge said.

This year, the silent auction also included a VIP tour package for Shawn Mendes, and more artists donate items each year. In fact, the event has become a go-to event for many in the Nashville music community and beyond, and it's even become hard to get in. The invitational now boasts a huge waiting list and a full list of sponsors, a testament to the event's ongoing success, and to both the starpower lent by Church and the hard work put in by his band and crew.

"Eric and his wife Katherine devote a lot to the event, but they let us run with it," Hendricks said. "It's a great team that we have, band and crew. We're all family and we like giving back."

The band and crew are already working on plans for next year's "Put A Club In My Hand," and even outlines for the 10th anniversary in 2021. For artists interested in donating items for the silent auction, or for interested sponsors, please contact Beonca Couch at beonca@higheartedbabes.com.

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