What do Pete Townsend and Michael Kors have in common?  They are both Designers!

By Tommy McFLY

The WHO t-shirt chosen by Hard Rock Cafe to raise money for charity

Though you won’t see Pete peddling $500 hangbags anytime soon,  you can however snag threads designed by The WHO for a great cause.  Between releasing their greatest hits CD and playing the Super Bowl halftime show Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey shared some creative juices with the Hard Rock Cafe for the Hard Rock’s Signature Series to benefit the City of Hope.  Each year the Hard Rock Cafe, 999 E Street, N.W, taps a super star to create a shirt for a cause.

City of Hope, located out side of LA, a charity of choice for The WHO works to change the game of biomedical research, treatment and education for cancer sand other life-threatening illnesses.  The WHO Shirt is available now for $26 at our DC Hard Rock Cafe or online.

American Idol 8 winner Kris Allen hasn’t wasted a second of his fame, and jumped head first into making a difference.

By Tommy McFLY

Known on the radio for his chart toppping hit “Live Like We’re Dying,” Kris Allen is making the media rounds and bringing hope for Haiti with him.  On Thursday night’s American Idol results show, Allen performed and recapped his trip Haiti to help raise funds and awareness for the United Nations Foundation. Coincidently the UN Foundation is one of the selected charities to receive a piece of the boat-load-of-donations this year’s Idol Gives Back is projected to rake in.  “I am truly honored to be traveling to Haiti to see the UN’s relief efforts firsthand,”  Allen added.

As the song says – “We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to, turn it all around or to throw it all away.” Allen is clearly trying to turn it all around with his new found stardom.

Get ready for Idol Gives Back coming April 21^st
Hear Kris Allen’s music and keep tabs on him here.

Wolf Trap is the Washington institution where the “arts come out to play” and 2010 is no exception.

By Tommy McFLY

Known for their uber-eclectic line up of performers there is always something for every taste on the second largest stage in America.  Aretha, Willie, and Marvin are just some of the superstars set to play out at the National Park for the performing arts.  When not on stage, how do Wolf Trap’s featured headliners give back?

Not many other legendary bands can say they’ve purchased ambulances, except for perhaps a few 80’s hair bands in a haze.  When not touring the world Jethro Tull, playing Wolf Trap on June 8^th, comes to the rescue in non-traditional ways.  Watching the death-toll of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack unnecessarily rise due to lack of proper medical transport Ian and the boys sprung into action.  They played a benefit concert and the money raised commissioned two ambulances for emergency care related to rail commuters.

Breast Cancer, animals, and the conservation of Natural Resources seem to be the top of the philanthropic list for Sheryl Crow. Known for occasionally dripping some causey or political mentions into her hit-packed performances Crow will take the stage on June 17^th. A breast cancer survivor , Sheryl proudly links to The American Cancer Society, Natural Resources Defense Council, the Sonoma County Humane Society, and ex Lance Armstrong’s pet project LIVESTRONG from her website.

A staple on the DC A-List gala and charity scene Aretha Franklin is no stranger to a good cause. The MusiCares 2008 Person of the Year and Kennedy Center Honors recipient will take the Wolf Trap stage July 29^th.

What can you say about Willie?  In the past having done tremendous work for the Red Cross, green campaigns and even shared a cause, American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign, with Sheryl Crow. Willie Nelson, taking the stage on August 3^rd, is most recognized in the charity world for his aid to farmers.  Farm Aid has ‘Kept America Growing,’ for a quarter century since Willie, Neil Young and John Mellencamp organized the first one in 1985.

Wolf Trap itself is a non-profit entity that raises money to enable arts-based learning techniques.  Terre Jones, Wolf Trap President and CEO remarked “Throughout Wolf Trap’s almost 40 years in existence, the organization has become renowned for its diverse, high-quality concert offerings at the Filene Center and The Barns, but it may surprise many people to learn that, at its core, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is a mission based non-profit dedicated to advancing learning through the arts. We constantly strive to further the essential role of arts-based learning techniques, particularly as it relates to early childhood education. By way of music and movement classes, a nationally acclaimed internship program, our Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, professional development workshops for teachers, and an international residency program where we actually place teaching artists in classrooms to enhance curriculum, Wolf Trap is at the forefront of this critical initiative.”

Check out the upcoming season.

When Garth Brooks announced he was “coming out of retirement” no one would have guessed he meant in the halls of Congress.

By: Tommy McFLY

Garth Brooks

The actual comeback will happen in Vegas at the Wynn Encore, but we still get Garth for a few days in DC as he’s honored by the GRAMMYs.  The GRAMMYs on the Hill is one of the most random and fantastic mixes of music and politics.  In years past the GRAMMY awards have honored musicians such as Quincy Jones and Kelly Clarkson while tipping their hat to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator Orrin Hatch, Congressman Steny Hoyer and the late Senator Ted Kennedy.  This year at an event at the Liaison Capitol Hill hotel Garth Brooks, the number one most selling solo artist in US History, will be recognized along with Majority Whip Senator Dick Durbin and Darrell Issa from California.  “This year’s honorees truly define leadership, and GRAMMYs on the Hill gives us the opportunity to thank our political and musical leaders for their work to advance the rights of music makers,” noted Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow.

The GRAMMYs on the Hill awards are followed by a day of lobbying when hundreds of music professionals descend on Capitol Hill.  The mission will be to promote “advancing pro-music policies that improve the environment for music and its makers.” After a day of hoofing it from Hart, to Dirksen, to Russell, and back the festivities culminate with a Musical Event on Capitol Hill chocked full of special guests. Past surprises have included Gloria Estefan, BeBe Winans, and honoree Kelly Clarkson.

Check out all the philanthropic work the GRAMMY foundation performs year round.
The GRAMMYS on the Hill – April 14 & 15th 2010

DC’s Pink Jams is “Great Music for a Great Cause” promoting Breast Cancer Awareness and early detection with thumpin’ speakers, active artists and a rock and roll attitude.

By Tommy McFLY

Thanks to the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce , star designer Betsey Johnson and a handful of haute Washingtonians Pink Jam’s will take the fight against Breast Cancer to the catwalk.  Founder Christa Floresca is enlisting “art, fashion, and live music to deliver our message that breast cancer awareness does not end on October 31st.”   Betsey Johnson is set to headline a gaggle of talented DC designers who were all challenged to create a pink piece for the show.  The sound track?  Live music from Baltimore’s Charm City Devils who won iTunes’ 2009 Rewind Best New Rock Band. With fashion fancy to fun and all points in between Pink Fashion Rocks will surely have something for everyone.  Floresca feels, “Music unites us as a community, and can bring out powerful emotions and messages that touch our lives.”

The band Charm City.

Look for DC Do-Gooders – Miss DCs (plural) Kate Marie Grinold & Jen Corey, Bianca Richardson from America’s Next Top Model, Nicole White Miss DC USA, and models fresh off the runways of New York Fashion Week will show off the Pink designs.  Media mamma’s Ashley Estill and Katy Adams will strut their stuff alongside breast cancer survivors.

PINK FASHION ROCKS
February 24th 2010
6:30p Reception – 7:30p Runway and live music show
Long View Gallery -1234 Ninth Street NW
(closest metro is Mt Vernon Sq/7th St.-Convention Center)
Get tickets. . . here

The crooner well known for who he’s dating, things he’s tweeting and what he’s singing is also happy to give back.

By Tommy McFLY

John Mayer.

The “John Mayer Official Auction” is a site that features everything John for the highest bidder.  Currently they are auctioning off front row experiences for his Battle Studies tour set to hit the Verizon Center on February 20^th.  You can start a bidding war for the best seats in the house. The fine print announces “John Mayer’s official auction site will support the Back To You Fund, which seeks to distribute monies to a wide range of organizations which support programs in health care, education, support for the arts, and development of talent.”

The auction site is not Mayer’s only philanthropic endeavor.  John also donated his song “Say” to the Bring Change 2 Mind Campaign. Created by Hollywood icon Glenn Close the campaign shines a light on the real people, Close’s sister included, who battle mental illness and strives to destroy stereotypes.

See John Mayer at the Verizon Center on February 20^th

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” sung by Mary J Blige & Andrea Bocelli

Other stars hot on the helping Haiti trail gathered at Jim Henson Studios in LA to record an update of “We Are the World.”  TMZ posted this video, and I’m having trouble picking out ‘actual stars’ – watch it and other than Barbara Streisand, Usher, Wyclef, a few Jonas Bros and Celine Dion tell me who you can spot.  Rumor has it that Sugarland is involved and I can normally spot Jenifer Nettles from five hundred yards away.  Look for the World 2.0 during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Games.

We are the World 2.0

Music Matters columnist Tommy McFly caught up with Joe Jonas as Joe did his best as an advocate for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act of 2010. He joined the Special Olympics and Best Buddies members on Capitol Hill, including Anthony and Tim Shriver.

No stranger to the stages of Washington DC the legendary Stevie Wonder is coming to the rescue of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

By Tommy McFLY

Stevie Wonder performs at 2007 event held in his honor.

Stevie Wonder Live at the Kennedy Center will be a one night celebration of inner-city youth, the arts and the legacy of Duke Ellington.  As a result of city wide budget cuts to DC schools critical funds for staff and materials shrunk.  Before calling in a musical heavy hitter like Wonder, the staff of the Duke Ellington School unanimously voted to each forfeit a day of pay per month to avoid losing their colleagues and supplies.

Rory Pullens, Head of School and CEO of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts weighed in, “Stevie Wonder’s agreement to do this benefit concert underscores his understanding of the value of an arts education.”  Enjoy what will surely be a phenomenal evening of entertainment and support the mission of Duke Ellington – Thursday, February 25, 2010 starting at 7:30pm in the concert hall of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

VIP tickets including access to the private “Wonderland” after party are immediately available for pre-sale for $500 at the office of the Ellington Fund.  Benefit sponsorship packages are available from $2500 to $75,000.  Contact the Ellington Fund at 202-333-2555 or info@ellingtonarts.org for both.  General ticket sales will be available starting on Thursday, January 28th at the Kennedy Center Box Office or at www.kennedy-center.org for $125, $150 and $175.  Please visit Duke Ellington School. for further details.

Known for his rhymes Ludacris is gaining plenty of  ’street cred’ in the charity world.

By Tommy McFly

The rapper known for having. . .acquaintances “in every area code” also works hard to give back.  It was at Kenneth Cole in Tyson’s Corner next to racks of leather boots and the latest jackets I caught up with Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges. Luda is determined to make a difference in the lives of under privileged children while stressing to give them a hand up and not a hand out.  Hosting an in-store fundraiser and CD signing drew a crowd of fans and philanthropists alike.  Luda and Cole both care about the community, especially Atlanta, and encourage leading by example.

The evening before the Ludacris Foundation hosted its 6th Annual Benefit Dinner at the Ronald Reagan Building which brought out bold faced names like Quincy Jones, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Russell Simmons, Clinton Portis, Donnie Simpson, and Luda’s Mom. Only a few hours of sleep didn’t stop Luda or his mom from crossing the river to shop for the cause.  Luda packed his Washington visit full of events including a luncheon at the National Press Club. Washington Examiner columnist Tara Palmeri noted Ludacris caught the attention of Fox News On The Record host Greta Van Susteren. From Yeas & Nays – “It is true that I had no idea that he has done so much charity,” Van Susteren confirmed to Yeas & Nays. “This does not mean that I, in any way, find his lyrics OK. I find his lyrics offensive. I told him that.”

To find out more visit The Ludacris Foundation.

Pop, Christian, Country, Christmas: Amy Grant has been categorized many different ways but whether putting her ‘Heart in Motion’ or ‘Decking the Halls,’ she is always an American.

By Tommy McFly

It was a chilling rainy DC day when Amy Grant came to town to kick off the American Red Cross “Holiday Mail for Heroes” campaign with a mini concert on the steps of the American Red Cross Headquarters. I was lucky enough to catch up with her for a few minutes upstairs in one of the Red Cross grand ballrooms.  It was extremely clear that Amy Grant was not reading talking points.  She has a deep respect for the members of the military and is lobbying all of us to add a soldier or sailor to our holiday mailing list.

There are 1.4 Million sons, daughters, mothers, and husbands serving our country not to mention the over 20 Million veterans who have served.  Holiday Mail for Heroes is a fantastic and easy way to show your caring and appreciation.

Amy Grant who lives happily in Nashville with country star husband Vince Gill and ‘mixed family’ are getting ready for a monumental Christmas.  This is the last year their whole family will be waking up in the same house.  Her I-do-daughter, who she became mom to when marrying Gill, is getting married and will start her own tradition.  The American Red Cross urges you to make Holiday Mail for Heroes part of your family tradition.

From the Red Cross: How Holiday Mail works…

We have established an extensive process to ensure all cards sent to our service members are safe and arrive in time for the holidays. Holiday cards will be collected through a unique P.O. Box address from Monday, November 2 through Monday, December 7*.

First, cards from across the nation must be sent to this address:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and distributed to participating Red Cross chapters nationwide. Once the cards arrive at the Red Cross chapters, they are sorted and reviewed by volunteers who then distribute them to service members, their families and veterans in communities across the country.