“There are more slaves around the world today than ever before in human history…it cannot be stopped by governments and non-profits alone, it requires comminty-based participation.” That’s the call from the new “rockumentary” Call + Response which will be released in theaters this Fall. In the film, hidden camera shots from various chlid slave operations in Asia, and interviews with modern abolitionists like Cornel West, Madeline Albright and Ashley Judd are tied together by a stirring soundtrack featuring acclaimed artists like Natasha Bedingfield, Talib Kweli, Swithchfoot, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, and more.
Since it was funded completely donations, 100% of the proceeds from the film (including future dvd and soundtrack sales) will go to global field projects on the front lines of the abolition movement. Check out the above trailer or click here to find out how you can get involved.
If you’re not one of the millions who have already seen Pixar’s latest release WALL-E, I highly recommend you jump on the bandwagon. We don’t want to spoil anything, but we will say this is an artistic masterpiece that breaks from many of the patterns seen in most animated features, yet still remains entertaining for the whole family. Along with the heart-warming storyline and loveable trash-collecting lead, we also appreciated the underlying message that pokes fun at apathetic living and encourages viewers to take personal responsibility for making the world a better place.
There is an old saying that says “laughter is the best medicine”. If that’s the case, Cherub Improv may be the answer to America’s healthcare needs. The Manhattan-based volunteer improv group performs free of charge at various hospitals, senior centers, and homeless shelters to help bring joy to those in need.
The group, which was founded by Jonathan Evan Goldberg, a full-time lawyer, performed over 100 shows and workshops in their innagural year and already has a packed calendar for the year ahead. Audiences have praised their quick-witted humor, but in addition to making people laugh, CI also aims to teach viewers the importance of helping and supporting those around them, a valuable lesson for improv and life.
London’s Hyde Park will be the site of a historic concert tomorrow night in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday (which is actually July 18th) and his retirement from running his nonprofit organizations. The concert is a culmination of several events that have taken place over the last couple days raising money and awareness for Mandela’s various charities.
Proceeds from the show benefit Mandela’s 46664 Foundation, which gets its name from his prison number. The idea is to send a message that we can never reduce people mere numbers-we are all human beings and deserve to be treated equally. 46664 is mainly focused on raising awareness for governments and individuals about HIV/AIDS and educating them on how they can help eradicate it; however, they also support several major treatment funds in Africa.
Tomorrow’s event also marks the 20th anniversary of the Free Mandela Concert (also held in London) which demanded the South African government to release the anti-apartheid leader who, at the time, had been imprisoned for nearly thirty years. Two year later he was finally freed, and the rest was history.
Yesterday we told you about Johnny Depp’s good deeds, and one of our readers passed on a great story from the New York Post about Mary J. Blige’s generosity. Apparently, while shopping at a high-end store, Blige overheard a customer at the register who had put a dress on hold thinking it cost less than it really did, and now did not have enough to pay for it. Blige told the salesperson she wanted to pay the balance on the dress, and when the customer offered to mail her a check she said ” just enjoy it, I’m blessed, so let me do this.”
Even though the money was probably a relatively small amount for Blige, the fact that she stepped up to help without expecting anything in return is a great example of the type of person we should all try to be.
We always hear about celebrities when they go to rehab, or get arrested so why not when they do something good? According to a report in the Oshkosh Northwestern, Johnny Depp, while in town filming for an upcoming release, was approached by a young boy who asked for his hat. Depp apparently told the boy he could have it “when he was finished with it” and sure enough, a few months later he sent the hat in the mail, along with a hand-written note and some Charlie and the Chocolate factory trinkets for the boy’s siblings.
In addition to the hat story other reports say that while in town Depp spent a lot of time with fans who came by to catch a glimpse of filming, and he was also rumored to have left a $1,500 tip for a dinner at a local restaurant. We applaud Mr. Depp for his great example of integrity and class.
Over the last few months the Dever-based hip hop collective, Flobots, has proven that the lyrics ”I can lead a nation with a microphone…” were more than just a creative hook. The group has gained renowned for their unique genre-blending sound that includes a violist and trumpet player, but its more the groups message than music that sets them apart.
Their debut album Fight With Tools is a political commentary with lyrics pulled straight out of today’s headlines. The group talks about real issues and encourages people to use the “tools” they have within them to engage with these issues and make a difference in their communities. In order to help turn their words into action the group has established Flobots.Org, a non-profit that helps people connect and get involved with social causes they are passionate about. Leading by example, the band engages in many projects in their own hometown, inlcuding a workshop that teaches music to young kids at the Denver Children’s Home.
If you’re down in the San Diego area this weekend you should check out the 4th Annual Bro-Am hosted by the multi-platinum group Switchfoot. The event which features surf competitions, lots of food, and of course live music, is free to the public; its the bands way of giving back to their hometown. In addition there will be an auction with all proceeds benefiting the local chapter of Stand Up For Kids, a group that helps rescue at-risk kids living in the streets.
This is a fun event that promotes community and supports a great cause, what better way to spend a Saturday.
An interactive art exhibit called The Telectroscope is bringing people together in New York and London. People on either side stand infront of the giant lens and look at others across the Atlantic as if they were right infront of them. I’m really not sure how it works, but the artist Paul St. George came up with a pretty clever tale for how the concept came about. Whatever the case, its wonderful to see this kind of out-of-the-box creativity uniting communities on local and international levels (even if it is just to smile and wave at each other).
The exhibit runs through June 15th, so if you are in New York or London, be sure to check it out, if not you can at least look at some pictures and reviews on the Telectroscope blog.
Last night at the Academy of Country Music Awards Rascall Flatts was honored with the ACMA/Home Depot Humanitarian Award. The band is a major supporter of the Monroe Carrel Jr. Children’s Hospital in Nashville to whom have donated over $2.2 million dollars from their hometown shows. They also put on an annual Disney-themed concert for the patients and families there at the hospital. In addition to their work at the hospital the guys are also involved in the Make A Wish Foundation and The Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet.
As the recipients of the award Rascal Flatts will be able to have a playground built in the city of their choice by Home Depot and the non-profit company KaBOOM! The band was also recognized last night as the Top Vocal Group for the sixth time in a row. Its refreshing to see people who are at the top of their game using their platform to help others and make a difference in their communities. Well done guys!
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