News Archives: 2013
Help Stamp Money Out of Politics
November 13, 2013
Why do we need a constitutional amendment declaring that : 1) money is not speech; and,
2) corporations are not people.
Well, the 2010 Supreme Court ruling under Citizens United has gotten a lot of coverage this election season, and for good reason. Unlimited donations by billionaires and corporations to SuperPacs have drowned out the voice of ordinary Americans.
But overturning Citizens United by itself isnt enough. That case builds on two other cases that can all be addressed in an amendment to prevent big money from corrupting our democracy.
How The Supreme Court Got Us Here
The ruling that money is free speech comes from the Supreme Court caseBuckley v. Valeo (1976) which upheld limits on contributions directly to campaigns. The Supreme Court feared that unlimited contributions directly to candidates might corrupt them, or give the appearance of corruption. On the other hand, the Court held that spending money in other ways to influence elections, by donating to SuperPacs, for example, is protected free speech under the first amendment. That is why unlimited sums can be given to SuperPacs but not directly to candidates campaigns.
Of course, this past election has demonstrated that simply laundering campaign contributions through SuperPacs doesnt solve the corruption problem. The real problem is that when you confuse money with free speech you give the wealthy and their corporations enormous megaphones that drown out the rest of us. A constitutional right to free speech for all is worthless if no one can be heard except members of the .01%.
The second line of cases had to do with giving corporations the same constitutional rights as people. These cases built up over time and slowly added more and more rights for corporations. This Wikipedia article traces that history pretty well. Granting rights to corporations hit its high point under Citizens United, but it didnt start there and overturning Citizens United alone wont end it.
What we need is a constitutional amendment that says that money is not free speech and that also says that corporations are not people. Only then can we begin to pass the laws needed to make our elections fair and free of the corrupting influence of huge money donors.
You Buy em, You Own em
Alternatively, a constitutional amendment has been drafted that would require all federal elections to be funded exclusively through public money. When some people first hear of the idea of public funding of elections their immediate reaction is What? No way Im going to give those politicians even more money. But the reality is that the amount of money needed would be less than $2 Billion. Thats about .02% of the federal budget. It could be paid for by closing offshore tax loopholes for corporations.But the big thing is You buy em, you own em. Right now elections are paid for by corporations and the super rich. And politicians do what the people who paid them want. When we the people buy em, we own em and the politicians do what we want.
Democracy Doesnt Work This Way
Its important to note that no other major democracy in the world allows for the unfettered spending on elections by private individuals or corporations. Most countries allow for relatively small contributions from individuals and beyond that public dollars are used to pay for elections. Sure, wealthy individuals and large corporations still wield undue influence in those societies. But the only chance any of us have of government acting as a counterweight against that undue influence is to ensure that politicians need our support more than they need the support of a tiny percentage of wealthy individuals.
¡RELEASED! – 6 disc DVD box-set Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
November 3, 2013
2013 is the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the Magna Carta of the human race that inspires Amnesty International. It’s also the 25th anniversary of the most high-profile of all the concerts in the series – the “Human Rights Now!” world tour. A six-week, five-continent, fifteen-nation, twenty-concert tour of the world in 1988 raising awareness of the human rights cause – headlined by Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Tracy Chapman and Youssou N’Dour.
In celebration of these two anniversaries – and to raise further funds for – and consciousness of – Amnesty, the films of all the “Human Rights Concerts” have been digitally restored and are to be released in 2013 in DVD, audio and digital formats. Three of the four films have never been available in any format since their one-time-only airing on TV – making the upcoming release all the more exciting.
The complete concert set will be released on a 6-disc DVD box-set in the Fall of 2013. The title of the box-set is “¡RELEASED!”
The DVD box-set will be released in:
USA & Canada by Shout! Factory on Tuesday November 5th 2013
The World outside North America by Eagle-Rock
There will also be audio versions of the music from the concerts released simultaneously with the DVD box-set – in both CD and digital formats.
The audio release in the USA & Canada will be:
A) A 2-disc CD – titled “¡RELEASED!” – containing 30 highlight songs drawn from the four concerts.
B) A digital release of all 120 songs from the four concerts listed under “¡RELEASED!” – followed by the title of the original concert
The audio release in the World outside North America will be:
A) A series of four individual CD sets – one set for each of the four concerts. Presenting a grand total of 90 songs from the concerts.
B) A digital release of 90 songs from the four concerts listed under “¡RELEASED!” – followed by the title of the original concert
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS PACKAGE
In addition to the 6-disc DVD box-set and the companion audio releases of ¡RELEASED! – there is also a special highlights set featuring 30 highlights from the concerts available throughout the World (except North America) via Eagle-Rock. The DVD (a single-disc), the CD (a 2-disc set) and the digital release of highlights are all titled “GET UP! STAND UP!”
To celebrate the first-ever release of the “Human Rights Concerts” in any format – and in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Amnesty’s concert series is being honored with special theatrical screening events in Los Angeles and New York this fall – presented by two of America’s most prestigious cultural organizations. The American Cinematheque in Los Angeles – and The Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Read MoreRock School Scholarship Fund Hosts Benefit Concert with Special Guest Jackson Browne at the Troubadour on November 24th
October 30, 2013
Rock School Scholarship Fund Hosts Benefit Concert with Special Guest Jackson Browne at the Troubadour on November 24th.
Rock School Scholarship Fund announces a benefit concert with special guest, singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. The event will take place at legendary club, The Troubadour at 7:00 PM on Sunday, November 24th in West Hollywood and will benefit The Rock School Scholarship Fund (RSSF), a 501c3 public charity. Students from the School of Rock West LA and Burbank will perform, and for several songs will be joined by singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. Limited VIP tickets, which include early admission, balcony seating and reception, will be available for $120 and general admission tickets are $60. All proceeds go to RSSF. Tickets go on sale Saturday, November 2 at 10 AM Pacific Time, and are available at: http://www.troubadour.com/event/407961
RSSF co-founders Wendy Winks and Carl Restivo created the Scholarship Fund in 2010 after years of working in private music education helped them realize how out of reach music lessons were for most families. The Rock School Scholarship Fund is the first non-profit that provides funds for kids to attend any rock music school in the U.S. The Fund provides instruments and scholarship funding to cover tuition expenses based on a student’s financial need combined with their desire to actively and passionately participate in a rock school program. Wendy Winks, Executive Director and Co-Founder of RSSF, envisions the day when they can “serve thousands of kids and hundreds of schools.” And in order to do that, RSSF continues to work with musicians, music companies and people who love music to raise funds for deserving kids in need.
“Jackson Browne is an inspiration to the students,” said co-founder Wendy Winks. “We are honored to have his support for this benefit concert.” Co-founder Carl Restivo adds, “The students from the School Of Rock are excited beyond belief! The show will include some of Jackson Browne’s greatest hits and a few surprise numbers as well. “
Sponsors of the November 24 benefit concert at The Troubadour, include: Center Staging, Daisy Rock Guitars, Pivotal PR, 5DSpectrum, Schecter Guitars, and Utopia Entertainment.
Jackson Browne has written and performed some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. He was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2007. Beyond his music, he is known for his advocacy on behalf of the environment, human rights, and arts education. He’s a co-founder of the groups Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE), Nukefree.org, and the Success Through the Arts Foundation, which provides education opportunities for students in South Los Angeles.
More information about the Rock Scholarship Fund, whose mission is to “Help Kids Rock,” can be found at www.rockschoolfund.org.
Read MoreGREGG ALLMANS PROFOUND MUSICAL LEGACY TO BE CELEBRATED WITH A ONE-NIGHT-ONLY CONCERT ON JANUARY 10, 2014 AT THE FOX THEATRE IN ATLANTA
October 23, 2013
All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs & Voice of Gregg Allman” to Feature Performances by The Allman Brothers Band, Trace Adkins, Jackson Browne, Eric Church, Natalie Cole, Brantley Gilbert, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Jaimoe, Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, Martina McBride, Pat Monahan, Sam Moore, Robert Randolph, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Don Was and Widespread Panic
Music stars and friends will join together for All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs & Voice of Gregg Allman,” a special concert in honor of the legendary singer, songwriter and musician. The star-studded concert will take place at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia and will feature once-in-a-lifetime collaborations by friends and admirers coming together to pay tribute to Allmans music. The initial lineup includes GRAMMY, CMA, ACM, Americana, W. C. Handy Blues and Dove Award nominated and winning musicians: The Allman Brothers Band, Trace Adkins, Jackson Browne, Eric Church, Natalie Cole, Brantley Gilbert, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Jaimoe, Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, Martina McBride, Pat Monahan, Sam Moore, Robert Randolph, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Don Was and Widespread Panic. There will be surprise special guests, along with additional performers, to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. ET on November 1.
An all-star band will be led by GRAMMY Award-winners Don Was and Warren Haynes, who will serve as co-musical directors. The concert event was created and will be produced by Keith Wortman. Michael Lehman is executive producer and Tisha Fein is talent producer. The event will be recorded and filmed for multi-platform distribution throughout traditional and digital media.
“Gregg Allman and his songs have been a deep and unmistakable influence on artists across southern rock, blues, soul, gospel, and country music,” commented Don Was. This incredible initial lineup of artists coming together to celebrate the man and his music is a genuine reflection of that. I am honored and humbled to produce a multi-media event of this magnitude,” continued Keith Wortman.
Tickets go on sale to the general public November 1 at 10 a.m. E.S.T. at www.foxtheatre.org and by phone at 855.285.8499. Tickets will also be available at the Fox Theatre box office, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308. Ticket office hours are Monday Friday, 10 a.m. 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. 3 p.m. In addition, tickets will be available at all Metro Atlanta Whole Foods and Select Ticket Alternative Outlets.
Read MoreJackson Browne, Others Step Up for Feeding America Food Banks
October 9, 2013
Jackson Browne, HEART, Little Steven, Melissa Etheridge, Ani Difranco, Nils Lofgren, Indigo Girls, The Verbs (Steve Jordans new band), Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers – along with a spoken track of John Lennon “Apathy Isn’t it”) – a soundscape about america & hunger, entitled “redemption #9” inspired by the Beatles track “Revolution 9”; a student-produced mashUp inspired by Joan Baez and Pete Seeger, plus 4 select emerging artists are slated to appear on a unique CD aimed to respond to food banks growing demand and coming cuts to food stamps and other support for the needy.
The tunes4food – Redemption Day (soundtrack) album, produced by a Buffalo, NY grassroots, group, will be released on NOVEMBER 19. Proceeds will be split across Food Banks in 3 hard hit cities, Buffalo, Cleveland & Long Island.
“John Lennon was quoted as saying he wanted to be remembered as a famous peacenik, and he worked tirelessly to get the anti-war message out during his lifetime. Our song, ‘Dear Old America’ speaks through the eyes of a young soldier in 2013 struggling with the reality of modern war and its painful effects on our world and its families. We dedicate this song to all those wounded and in need.”
WITH LOVE, ANN WILSON, HEART
Little Steven track, Salvation goes live this week
WWW.TWITTER.COM/TUNES4FOOD
Jay Leno Grand Marshalls 30th Annual Charity Motorcycle Ride and Music Festival
October 9, 2013
Jackson Browne, Jackshit, Chevy Metal, and The Forest Rangers with Katey Sagal perform during day-long event, to benefit the USO. Admission includes a chance to win a 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King
Thousands are expected for the 30th anniversary Love Ride, led by Grand Marshall Jay Leno, with Jackson Browne, Jackshit, Chevy Metal, The Forest Rangers with Katey Sagal on October 20, 2013. Budweiser Presents the 30th Anniversary Love Ride, Powered by GEICO Motorcycle, the longest running single day motorcycle fundraiser in the world, features Willie G. Davidson, grandson of a Harley-Davidson founder, Hollywood celebrities Robert Patrick, Lorenzo Lamas, Peter Fonda, and more, plus special guests. Registration is now open at LoveRide.org.
In its thirty-year history, the Love Ride has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Bruce Springsteen, B.B. King, Billy Idol, Crosby, Stills & Nash, the Foo Fighters, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Montgomery Gentry, Sheryl Crow, Steve Miller Band, and ZZ Top
The Love Ride kicks off with a concert at Harley-Davidson of Glendale, followed by a ride to Castaic Lake Recreation Area. For motorcycle riders and non-riders alike, the event features headline performances, plus music by American Hitmen and The Loveless, as well as delicious food trucks, drawings for exclusive prizes, a custom bike show and more.
Participants can register now at LoveRide.org for just $20. The minimum entry is only $60, which can also be paid in full during registration, with no fundraising required. Admission includes access to both the Glendale and Castaic Lake events, parking, and one opportunity ticket for a chance to win a variety of prizes, including a 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King. A full list of opportunity and fundraising prizes are available at LoveRide.org.
Adding to the fun, title sponsor GEICO Motorcycle is sponsoring a Love Ride consumer enter-to-win contest offering participants the chance to win a brand new Sportster 2014 Harley-Davidson 883 Iron. Entry forms will be available at most Western Regional Harley-Davidson dealerships starting September 1st.
The Love Ride has also partnered with Chevron to offer consumers an opportunity to enter for a chance to win a trip of a lifetime and other great prizes. As part of the Ride of a Lifetime Sweepstakes, one winner will receive a free trip to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a private tour of Jay Leno’s garage and amazing car collection, and $1,000 in Chevron gift cards. Consumers who visit participating Southern California Chevron or Chevron ExtraMile locations during the month of September can find out how to enter online or by mail. Participants who enter the contest online will be given a keyword to receive $10 off their Love Ride admission.
Love Ride 30 sponsors include Budweiser, GEICO Motorcycle, Chevron, Sebastian Professional, Russ Brown, John Paul Mitchell Systems, City National Back and the City of Glendale.
For registration and more information about Love Ride 30, go to LoveRide.org. Join Love Ride on Facebook (Love Ride Glendale HD), Twitter (@LoveRide) and Instagram (LoveRide30).About Love Ride
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Love Ride is the longest-running one-day motorcycle event in the world. A place where people come to have a good time and make a difference. To date, Love Ride has raised $24 million for charity, and the spirit of the event has expanded to annual events in Mexico and Europe.
The Love Ride was in 1984 found by lifelong rider and Harley-Davidson dealer Oliver Shokouh. Through the years, the Love Ride has supported numerous national charities, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Autism Speaks, and the USO.
Read MoreJackson Browne Announces September 29th Bay Area Show at the Craneway Pavillion
September 19, 2013
Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne and David Hidalgo will perform at the Craneway Pavilion located at Point Richmond on Sunday, September 29 at 7PM. The concert will benefit Los Cenzontles and the Los Cenzontles touring group and students will also perform. Tickets begin at $55 with three VIP ticket packages and can be purchased at www.jacksonbrowne.com
Los Cenzontles is a factory of musical culture based in California. Deeply rooted in tradition, its professional musicians and mentors redefine Mexican American culture with a contemporary voice. Through a nationally acclaimed musical group, a media production company, and a youth Academy, Los Cenzontles focuses on the future by bringing our youth to the forefront of our mission and music. The organization recently announced the launch of its “Supporting Roots” Campaign to raise funds to expand and renovate its facility and expand its renowned cultural arts programming.
Jackson Browne has written and performed some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. He was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007. Beyond his music, he is known for his advocacy on behalf of the environment, human rights, and arts education. He’s a co-founder of the groups Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE), Nukefree.org, and the Success Through the Arts Foundation, which provides education opportunities for students in South Los Angeles.
For more information about Los Cenzontles and the Supporting Roots Campaign visit www.loscenzontles.com
Read MoreJackson Browne Presents Singer Songwriter Carlos Varela
September 16, 2013
Jackson Browne presents singer songwriter Carlos Varela at Largo on Sunday, October 13th!
When: Sunday 10/13/13 8:00 PM (Doors open at 07:00 PM) Ticket Price: $35.00
Purchase Tickets: http://largo.laughstub.com/show.cfm?id=273581&cart
Location: Largo at the Coronet
366 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 Phone:(310) 855-0350Show Type: NO LATE ENTRY * NO REFUNDS * NO EXCHANGES
Door Time: 07:00 PM
Seats will be assigned beginning at 6:00pm, Doors open for drinks at 7:00pm, Showtime at 8:00pm.
*When you arrive at Will Call on the night of the show, all seats will be assigned first come first served, from the front of the theatre to the back. If you want to sit closer, be sure to come earlier. Will Call will typically open two hours before show time. For complete ticketing policies click here. For more detailed information about Largo at the Coronetcheck out our website, www.largo-la.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter. Stay tuned for more announcements and thank you for your support.
Read MoreProud To Be A Cenzontle – Emely
September 12, 2013
First in a series of videos about Los Cenzontles, Emely, a student at Los Cenzontles explains the impact it has had on her life. Singer songwriter Jackson Browne and David Hidalgo will kick off a fundraising campaign drive with a very special concert to benefit Los Cenzontles at the Richmond Craneway Pavilion on Sunday, September 29 at 7:00 PM.
Jackson Browne headlines Richmond benefit with special guest David Hidalgo
SUNDAY, SEPT 29
CRANEWAY PAVILION
RICHMOND, CA
7:00 SHOW
Featuring:
Jackson Browne
David Hidalgo
Los Cenzontles
Singer songwriter Jackson Browne and David Hidalgo will kick off the campaign drive with a very special concert to benefit Los Cenzontles at the Richmond Craneway Pavilion on Sunday, September 29 at 7:00 PM. Los Cenzontles touring group and students will also perform. Tickets go on sale at 10 AM on Saturday, August 24th:
Los Cenzontles (pronounced los senn-sont-less) announces the launch of its “Supporting Roots” Campaign to raise funds to expand and renovate its facility and expand its renowned cultural arts programming. Los Cenzontles (The Mockingbirds) is a factory of musical culture based in California. Deeply rooted in tradition, its professional musicians and mentors redefine Mexican American culture with a contemporary voice. Through a nationally acclaimed musical group, a media production company, and a youth Academy, Los Cenzontles focuses on the future by bringing our youth to the forefront of our mission and music.
The $2 million campaign will allow the nonprofit organization to renovate and expand its storefront providing 30 percent more space for additional classrooms that will include a new dance studio, art room, sound proofing, storage and kitchen for cooking classes. The campaign will also provide production equipment upgrades, staffing and reserves to ensure long-term organizational stability.
The “Supporting Roots” capital campaign, co-chaired by singer Linda Ronstadt, Dr. Sandra Hernandez and Steve Oliver, was recently bolstered by a $500,000 grant from the Ford Foundation.
Says Los Cenzontles Founder and Director Eugene Rodriguez “To receive major support from Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt and the Ford Foundation is recognition that Los Cenzontles has come a long way since its grass roots origins. We now sit among the top California organizations and have statewide and national impact in the field of the cultural arts. Many communities are looking to us as a model for community arts programming. We want to fulfill this role. The Supporting Roots Campaign significantly enhances our ability to serve our mission.”
Eugene Rodriguez formed Los Cenzontles as an arts residency in 1989. He incorporated the nonprofit organization in 1994 and moved into the Dias Plaza storefront on San Pablo Avenue in 1998. “We have been bursting at the seams with our Academy classes, production projects, storage and office space needs. Our goal is to have the project completed by Spring 2014, in time for Los Cenzontles’ 25th Anniversary.
LC Academy serves 650 students each year. It creates dozens of cultural videos and songs with over 1.4 million upload views online. The performing group performs for 25,000 people per year in partnership with numerous agencies nationwide and internationally. The organization promotes cultural investment and dialogue to strengthen youth, families and communities.
The Ford Foundation gift for the Supporting Roots Campaign joins gifts from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The Walter and Elise Haas Fund, The Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation and others. Los Centzontles has raised $1.1 million and strives to raise an additional $900,000 to complete its campaign
Linda Ronstadt says that Los Cenzontles uniquely high quality arts education for young people and families to build their voices and strength of character is especially important as young Latinos are the fastest growing demographic in the nation. “Their success is our success. I invite and encourage the public to join in support of this important organization by giving to the Supporting Roots Campaign and allowing it to continue to train and inspire new voices.”
Tickets for the Craneway Pavilion benefit with Jackson Browne, David Hidalgo and Los Cenzontles can be purchased beginning Saturday, August 24, 2013:
For more information about Los Cenzontles and the Supporting Roots Campaign visit www.loscenzontles.com
Read MoreJackson Browne Joins David Crosby, Graham Nash and Others in Maui Van Signing for Ruth’s Ride Benefit
September 9, 2013
“This is a game-changer – a life-changer,” said Robert “Bobalou” Benavides, who was standing next to a brand-new wheelchair-accessible van outside of the David Crosby and Graham Nash concert at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center on Aug. 29th.
The license plate on the van, “Ruth’s Ride,” conveyed the meaning of the star-studded evening; this benefit concert was special – Crosby and Nash were performing to fund an accessible van for Benavides’ beloved 10-year-old daughter, Ruth, who is physically challenged.
The music was almost secondary to the feeling of charity — almost. Crosby and Nash shared new music and old favorites, some of which were written here in Hawaii. They welcomed special guest Jackson Browne, who played a few songs before being joined onstage by Crosby, Nash and Cruz.
Read More