Category Archives: Celebrity Benefit Concerts

Hands Up, Dancing Shoes On…Prince Announces Rally 4 Peace Concert

Prince better not leave his afro pick home for this one. Image Courtesy: Royal Farms Arena PR

Prince better not leave his afro pick home for this one.
Image Courtesy: Royal Farms Arena PR

Dust off that purple grey suit because Prince is coming to you, Bmore.

The “Purple Rain” singer announced a Rally 4 Peace concert in Baltimore this Mother’s Day weekend. Tickets are on sale now. But, if you’re reading this…it’s probably too late.

The impromptu concert coincides with Prince’s unreleased song for Baltimore. Still don’t have a release date on that. Maybe Prince will perform the highly-anticipated debut onstage (pretty puh-leeezzzeee).

According to CNN, concert organizers say the performance is a “symbolic message of our shared humanity and love for one another.”

Lucky attendees are urged to wear gray, not the usual purple, to commemorate all those lost to violence. Including Freddie Gray that died from spinal injuries during police custody.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Baltimore youth charities.

Way to keep Baltimore Uprising in the news, Prince.

CALI COME OUT!! Tyrese Hosts Benefit Concert for Kidnapped Nigerian Girls

Image Courtesy: Tyrese Twitter

Image Courtesy: Tyrese Twitter

Stevie had a special message for Boko Haram, check the video below to see how Ludacris, Vin Diesel, Larenz Tate, Terence J and Marques Houston responded to it.

Now it’s time to get down, cause nothing brings people together like a Stevie Wonder jam.

Stevie Wonder Showed his support for Tyrese’s Benefit Concert.

Image Courtesy: Tyrese Instagram

Image Courtesy: Tyrese Instagram

*****************UPDATE***************************UPDATE***************************UPDATE**************
Singer/actor Tyrese is putting down his sign and leading a benefit concert for the over 200 kidnapped Nigerian girls tonight in LA. The “Baby Boy” actor made it clear on Twitter that hashtag activism isn’t enough to save innocent children’s lives when held captive by terrorists. Can the church say amen?

So, he’s recruited all his celeb buddies to join him at 1 Oak for a show of support for all victims of human trafficking. The guest list includes:

He is also going to be reunited with R&B group mates Tank and Ginuwine for a live performance. There will also be live auction of donated celebrity merchandise at the event.

Money raised from the one night only concert will benefit UNICEF’s programs for Nigerian children. To purchase tickets click here

*I will keep updating the page for highlights on the concert throughout the night.

Jazz Singer Esperanza Spalding Will Perform at 3rd Annual Concert to Feed the Hungry

Esperanza beating that bass for the crowd. Image Courtesy: blog.afropop.org

Esperanza beating that bass for the crowd.
Image Courtesy: blog.afropop.org

Grammy-winning singer and bassist (not to mention bad ass ‘fro wearer, take that Dante de Blasio) Esperanza Spalding is taking her jazz prowess to the stage tonight for third annual Concert to Feed the Hungry in NYC.

Image Courtesy: Concert to feed the hungry Facebook page

Image Courtesy: Concert to feed the hungry Facebook page

Esperanza will be sharing the stage with world-renowned pianist Kenny Werner.

All proceeds will go towards the Buddhist Relief Fund that advocates the fight to end hunger. The religious org supports programs that provide hunger relief in impoverished communities around the globe.

To get tix click here 

2 Chainz Headlines Charity Concert at University of Michigan

2 Chainz getting high off his own vibes at MUSIC charity concert. Image Courtesy: Adam Glanzman

2 Chainz getting high off his own vibes at MUSIC charity concert.
Image Courtesy: Adam Glanzman

Last night students came out and turnt up at the 3rd annual MUSIC (Michigan Undergrads Serving in the Community) charity concert with…No Lie… 2 Chainz headlining.

Putting your hands in the air...wave em like you just don't care... Image Courtesy: 2Chainz

Putting your hands in the air…wave em like you just don’t care…
Image Courtesy: 2Chainz

Playing to a sold-out crowd of M-U students, the blinged out lyricist is only the second rapper (J. Cole performed in 2012) to hit up the stage for its own version of a SXSW festival; Spring Festival that spotlights innovative student groups on campus.

While the “I’m Different” rapper closed down the year-long festival, he helped bring in cash that will benefit a summer leadership camp on U-M’s campus for at-risk Detroit kids, similar to New York’s fresh air fund.

Nothing like kicking off Spring break with a concert for a cause. And, of course 2 CCCCHHHHAAAAIIIINNNNZZZ!!!

Sorry, couldn’t contain it.

VOCAL VOLUME X 2: Jennifer Hudson Performs at Pinoy Relief Benefit Concert

Jennifer Hudson showcasing those vocal pipes. Image Courtesy: directlyrics.com

Jennifer Hudson showcasing those vocal pipes.
Image Courtesy: directlyrics.com

For those wondering if JHud can still belt out those gazillion range notes in “You’re Gonna Love Me,” peep the video below.

Now that your mind has officially been blown. We’ve got another vocal vixen that blew the roof off Madison Square Garden last night–American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez  sang Frozen’s “Let it Go.”

Jessica Sanchez letting those high notes flow singing "Let it Go" Image Courtesy: UNTV

Jessica Sanchez letting those high notes flow singing “Let it Go”
Image Courtesy: UNTV

The songbirds took their talents to MSG for the Pinoy Relief Concert that raises money to rebuild communities in the Philippines destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan last year. As of last month, Pinoy Relief Fund has raised over $700,000  towards recovery, emergency response and reconstruction. Their goal is $5 million. Funds from the benefit concert have yet to be released.

Jennifer told the crowd no matter where you are, if in need a hand should be extended.

Filipino singer Charice of “Glee” and Black Eyed Peas rapper apl.de.ap, also reigning from Philippines, performed at the concert.

Charice going the short hair-don't-care route using her stellar voice to help her country get back on their feet. Image Courtesty: UNTV

Charice going the short hair-don’t-care route using her stellar voice to help her homeland get back on its feet.
Image Courtesty: UNTV

Black Eyed Peas rapper apl.de.ap slaying the crowd. Image Courtesy: UNTV

Black Eyed Peas rapper apl.de.ap slaying the crowd.
Image Courtesy: UNTV

Looks like all the performers put in work last night. Good job!!

To donate to the Pinoy Relief Fund, click here.

Destiny’s Child’s Michelle Williams Helps Raise Money for Hometown Heroes

Destiny Child’s third songbird Michelle Williams has booked a heartwarming gig this weekend. She’s signed on to perform at Wisconsin’s Grand Slam Charity Jam that aims to raise $100,000 for Hometown Heroes, a camp for kids who lost a family member to military service.

She tweeted this heartbreaking statistic about military families ultimate sacrifice.

Looks like Michelle’s taking a message out of her own song list and applying it to real life. She recently released  “If We Had Your Eyes” video that preaches compassion for others. Check out the video below. To that, I say amen.

GOLDEN CAUSES: Halle Berry, Neyo, Kelly Rowland Hit Post-Oscar Parties to Support Charities

Image Credit: Kimberly Reynolds

Image Credit: Kimberly Reynolds

The envelopes have been opened. The congratulatory champagne uncorked and gowns have been celebrated and widely panned. Award season is officially a wrap. Yayyyyy!!! As happy as I am to see its entrance every year, I’m even more ecstatic to see its exit. Despite the Oscar revelry (more so than ever this year) I can’t help but compare it to a circus in town. Instead of lions, tigers and elephants emerging from their cages to entertain, we’ve got celebs climbing out their limos, some more carelessly than other’s (yes, I’m looking at you J Law), to stand under the Big Top  Big Tent to give us a 360° view of their stylists creations. 

Before you label me a cynic or Debbie-the-downer, I must admit I love award season. I live for award season. My mother and I nearly circle the dates on the calendar in anticipation. And this year was no different. We were both certainly apart of the Lupita Nyong’o ever-growing fan club. And I jumped off my couch when she joined the small ranks of Black women clutching lil Oscar (for those counting she makes 8). She is a shining example of class and grace to young girls around the world. I look forward to her next human condition contribution.

We won’t have to wait long for some celeb’s charitable deeds. Elton John’s 22nd Annual Fundraising Oscar viewing party raised $5.1 million dollars towards HIV/AIDS prevention. The cause attracted the likes of Kelly Rowland, Russell Simmons and Mel. B as attendees.

Kelly Rowland Arriving at Elton John AIDS foundation Oscar night. Image Courtesy of: ejaf.org

Kelly Rowland Arriving at Elton John AIDS foundation Oscar night.
Image Courtesy of: ejaf.org

Elton John alongside Russell Simmons at his AIDS Foundation on Oscar night. Image Courtesy: ejaf.org

Elton John alongside Russell Simmons at his AIDS Foundation on Oscar night.
Image Courtesy: ejaf.org

Mel B striking a pose at Elton John's AIDS Foundation party Oscar night. Image Courtesy: DailyMail

Mel B striking a pose at Elton John’s AIDS Foundation party Oscar night.
Image Courtesy: DailyMail

Meanwhile in Beverly Hills, Halle Berry made a rare appearance (where you been hiding, girl?) at the Fame and Philanthropy party that attempted to raise $1 million dollars each to two charities: Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach project that educates African youth on AIDS/HIV and The Community Inspiring Today’s Youth, a LA-based non-profit that guides students on entrepreneurship.

Halle Berry looking super gorg at the Fame & Philanthropy party in Beverly Hills. Image Courtesy: Daily Mail

Halle Berry looking super gorg at the Fame & Philanthropy party in Beverly Hills.
Image Courtesy: Daily Mail

Neyo cheesin at the Fame & Philanthropy party. Image Credit: Zimbio

Neyo cheesin at the Fame & Philanthropy party.
Image Credit: Zimbio

Neyo performed at the inaugural event and raised awareness for his Compound Foundation.

Fun times, had by all.

Lauryn Hill Headliner for Human Rights Concert

xfactorlaurynhill

Singer/rapper L-boogie will be performing at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on February 5th to benefit Amnesty International, an organization monitoring human rights abuses globally.

This concert is keeping with her “homecoming to the stage” performances she booked in November,after being released from federal prison this fall. The naptural singer spent three months in a Connecticut prison for not paying her federal income taxes.

The Human Rights concert aims to use music to light a fire under young potential Nikki Giovanni’s or Amiri Baraka’s (R.I.P) to help defend against human rights abuses.

It’s not surprising Lauryn would get involved considering her charitable history; she created the Refugee Project, a foundation that catered to poverty-stricken kids through an away camp in upstate New York that was shuttered around 2000, when she was in the Fugees, (“fu-gee…la, la…its the way that we rock…when we’re doing our thang…remember that? *sigh* takes me back) in hopes of changing the attitudes of kiddos plagued by violence, drugs and mis-education.

For 25 years (1986-1998) Amnesty held their annual human rights concerts, now their bringing it back. Pre-sale tickets are on sale now. Click here to see who is sharing the stage with Ms. Hill.