Rosana Partners with Red Cross for 24-Hour COVID-19 Special

Rosana is seeing Red (Cross)…

The 56-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter is partnering with the Red Cross for a 24-hour benefit to help the humanitarian organization counteract the impact of COVID-19.

Rosana

The live event, called “Without Fear: 24 Hours with Rosana,” aims to support the Red Cross and help vulnerable populations that are being impacted by the global pandemic.

According to a statement, the virtual hangout, which will live on Rosana’s official Instagramaccount here, will “inspire people to be aware of their transformative power and transport us to different corners of the world, through her interaction with personalities from different fields and anonymous people staged from her own home, in a very daily and close environment, through various activities.”

The 24-hour live benefit starts Friday at 3 a.m. ET.

Aside from tuning in and donating, people are invited to participate in a recording of a new version of Rosana’s “Sin Miedo,” either by singing, sending in a video or playing an instrument. 

All proceeds of the songs will be donated to the Red Cross.

John Leguizamo Joins The All Americans Movement to Support Cross-Cultural COVID-19 Relief Efforts

John Leguizamo is an All-American helping his fellow man…

The 55-year-old Colombian actor and stand-up comedian has thrown his support for The All Americans Movement, an initiative that helps unify cross-cultural support for marginalized communities affected by COVID-19.

John Leguizamo

The initiative was launched by the Asian cultural collective Gold House and Andrew Yang’s Humanity Forward

In addition to Leguizamo, the campaign has garnered support from numerous multicultural leaders and celebrities including Hasan Minhaj, Sen. Kamala HarrisDave Chapelle, Olivia MunnJoseph Gordon LevittGeorge TakeiDaniel Dae KimTwitter founder Jack DorseyMark Cuban and Sophia Bush.

The initiative is also driven by nearly 100 volunteer partnerships between independent businesses, nonprofit organizations including fashion houses like 3.1PhillipLim and Prabal Gurung

Businesses are selling #AllAmericans-inspired products with proceeds going towards medical relief, combatting racism, and economic stimulus. 

Nonprofit organizations are working to provide resources and funds to support and empower marginalized communities. All the while, multicultural leaders are launching an #AllAmericans social media campaign. All are under the newly launched allamericans.us, an online destination that catalogs ways the public can fulfill medical supply needs, curb racism and violent actions against minority groups, and support additional independent companies.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the U.S., Donald Trump and his administration started to label it as the “Chinese Virus” despite reports that the United States’ condition came from Europe. As a result, anti-Asian attacks and harassment started to surge across the country. 

In addition, Black and Latino communities have higher COVID-19-induced fatalities than any other groups. Reports found that the Black community represents 72% of COVID-19 deaths in Chicago while Latino Americans represent 34% of COVID-19 deaths in New York City. Brick and mortar businesses — particularly those owned by Asians — have seen a 40-80% decline in business.

“Crises often force us to retreat to what we know — too often, at the expense of others, but COVID-19 does not discriminate, which is why we cannot either,” Bing Chen, Chairman, Gold House, told Deadline. “Asians have slurs and acid thrown at us; the African American and Latinx communities have systemic bias masked in health care systems and employment thrown at them daily.”

He continued, “Surviving this — and the months to come — is going to take all communities, all industries, and all nations to fortify resources for a cure, more proactive prevention, and fluid lines for empathy that will hopefully endure this pandemic. This is a wakeup call for how we can — and must– all rise together. It is the only way our species endured any catastrophe. And it’s the only way — being tougher together — that we’ll get through tomorrow.”

Other creatives who have boarded the All Americans Movement include Noah Centineo, Jay WilliamsPamela AdlonDane Dehaan, Lisa LingFat JoeJoel McHaleRichard MarxJJ RedickTeri Hatcher, Sue BirdAlyssa MilanoVan Jones, Marcellus WileyTaylor RappMegan Rapinoe, among many more.

Mj Rodriguez to Take Part in GLAAD’s “Together in Pride: You are Not Alone” Live Stream Event

Mj Rodriguezis bringing the pride to sheltering in place…

GLAAD will host the live stream event “Together in Pride: You are Not Alone” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the 29-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress and Pose star among the celebrities taking part.

MJ Rodriguez

The event will be available on GLAAD’s YouTube channel and Facebook Liveon April 26 at 8:00 pm ET. 

“Together In Pride” will raise funds for LGBTQ community centers impacted by the coronavirus.

In addition to Rodriguez, the event will include appearances by Billy EichnerMatt BomerAdam LambertLilly Singh, Bebe RexhaDan LevyWilson CruzGigi GorgeousNats GettyMichelle Visage, Javier MuñozSean HayesSharon Stone,Tatiana Maslany, with more guests being announced soon.

The event will include performances by Kesha and Melissa Etheridge.

Actor and producer Erich Bergen is working alongside GLAAD to bring the event to the masses.See More

 “At a time when some LGBTQ people could be isolating in homes that are not affirming, GLAAD is bringing together the biggest LGBTQ stars and allies to send messages of love, support and acceptance,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “So many LGBTQ people, especially our youth, depend on support from local community centers around the country, and during this time of financial distress, we must come together as a community to ensure that all LGBTQ organizations can continue their life-saving work.”

“Together in Pride: You are Not Alone” will also raise critical funds for CenterLink, a coalition of more than 250 LGBTQ community centers from 45 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, as well as Canada, China, Mexico, and Australia. 

CenterLink strengthens, supports, and connects LGBTQ community centers, which serve over 2 million people each year. Participating community centers will also share the livestream on their social platforms.

“LGBTQ centers are the heart of the community, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic these centers have continued to provide vital connectivity and services, pivoting to virtual programming, modifying in-person services when possible, and ensuring that their communities have resources and support when they need it the most,” said Denise Spivak, Interim CEO of CenterLink.

In March, GLAAD joined over 100 LGBTQ organizations in an open letter calling on U.S. public health officials and media to address the heightened vulnerability of LGBTQ people to COVID-19. Amongst other factors, the LGBTQ community experiences higher rates of cancer, HIV, and tobacco use — all which factor into higher susceptibility to negative outcomes from COVID-19. Additionally, LGBTQ people continue to experience discrimination and unwelcoming attitudes in medical settings, and as a result, many are reluctant to seek medical care. On Wednesday, Centerlink released a letter signed by over 160 LGBTQ community centers to House and Senate leaders, urging them to include nonprofits who serve the LGBTQ population in future relief packages.

Lin-Manuel Miranda to Take Part in Stephen Sondheim Virtual Birthday Concert

Lin-Manuel Miranda is celebrating a living musical theater legend.

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican composer, lyricist, singer, actor, producer and playwright, widely known for creating and starring in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals In the Heights and Hamilton, has signed on to appear on Sunday’s Stephen Sondheim virtual birthday concert.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Miranda, who starred in Mary Poppins Returns, joins a roster of new additions that includes Jake GyllenhaalLinda LavinLaura BenantiNeil Patrick Harrisand Ben Plattfor the all-star benefit for Artists Striving To End Poverty.

Previously announced stars participating in the concert include Annaleigh AshfordMelissa ErricoBeanie FeldsteinJosh GrobanJudy KuhnRandy Rainbow and Lea Solanga

Special appearances will be made by Victor GarberJoanna GleasonNathan Lane and Steven Spielberg.

They’ll all join the previously announced Meryl StreepBernadette PetersPatti LuPone and Audra McDonald, among many others, in the special virtual concert to celebrate Sondheim’s 90th birthday.

Take Me To The World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration, hosted by Raúl Esparza, is set for this Sunday, April 26, the 50th anniversary of the opening night of Sondheim’s groundbreaking musical Company.

The concert kicks off at 8:00 pm ET, and will be available for free at Broadway.comand the Broadway.com YouTubechannel.

Other artists performing songs from the Sondheim catalog will include Mandy Patinkin, Christine BaranskiDonna MurphyKristin ChenowethSutton FosterBrian Stokes MitchellKelli O’HaraAaron TveitMaria Friedman, Iain ArmitageKatrina LenkMichael CerverisBrandon UranowitzStephen SchwartzElizabeth StanleyChip Zien, Alexander Gemignani and, from the cast of Pacific Overtures at Classic Stage CompanyAnn HaradaAustin KuKelvin Moon Loh and Thom Sesma.

Esparza starred as Bobby in the 2006 Tony Award-winning revival of Companyand in the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration productions of Sunday in the Park with George and Merrily We Roll Along in 2002, as well as the City Center Encores! production of Anyone Can Whistle and in last year’s Road Show.

“The world is in a hard place,” Esparza said in a statement, “and we are all searching for something great. Well, Stephen Sondheim is greatness personified.”

Mary-Mitchell Campbell will be the music director, with Paul Wontorek serving as director.

The online event will act as a fundraiser for ASTEP (Artists Striving to End Poverty), the organization conceived by Campbell and Juilliard students to transform the lives of youth through art.

Rafael Nadal Pledges AUD $250,000 for Australia Bushfire Relief Efforts During Rally for Relief

Rafael Nadal is swinging for a cause…

The 33-year-old Spanish tennis star was among some of tennis’ biggest names gathered in Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday to raise funds for Australia’s ongoing bushfire crisis.

Rafael Nadal Rally for Relief

Raising nearly 5 million Australian dollars ($3.5 million), Nadal, Serena WilliamsNovak DjokovicRoger FedererCaroline Wozniacki and a number of up-and-coming stars at the Rally for Relief gave the capacity crowd of more than 15,000 fans the opportunity to see the lighter side of the competitive sport.

Nadal and the gang volunteered their time for the cause. On several occasions, volunteer fire personnel took to the court to play against the tennis stars.

Australian’s Nick Kyrgiosplayed a role in kick-starting the wave of relief. His Twitterpledge of $200 per ace throughout the Australian summer inspired colleagues into action, prompting Tennis Australiato announce the Rally for Relief evening.

During the event, Federerand Nadal announced they’d contribute 250,000 Australian dollars to the cause.

Kyrgios said he “got goose bumps” when the figure was announced after his one-set match with Federer on the night.

“It’s been an emotional couple of weeks. I just wanted to send a message. … I was eating dinner and wrote a tweet … and it kind of exploded,” he said on court after the event. “When I was back home in Canberra, I couldn’t even go outside [due to the smoke].”

Federer said he and other players were only too happy to help out a nation in which he spends nearly one month of the year.

“It’s been hard to watch,” Federer said. “As you get it through the news, you don’t know how bad it is, but then you get here and speak to the people affected, it’s difficult. I’m always happy to help and lend my money and do my fair share.”

Robert Trujillo & Metallica Pledge $750,000 to Australian Bushfire Relief Efforts

Robert Trujillo is doing his part to battle the bushfire emergency in Australia…

The 55-year-old half-Mexican American bassist and songwriter and his fellow Metallica bandmates have pledged $750,000 to the NSW Rural Fire Service and to the Country Fire Authority in Victoria to support relief efforts.

Metallica

“We are totally overwhelmed by the news of the wildfires sweeping through millions of acres across Australia, with major impact in New South Wales and Victoria,” reads a statement issued by the band.

“The resulting destruction and devastating effects on all residents, animals, the environment and the incredible land in Australia is truly heartbreaking.”

It’s a particularly nice touch from a hard-rocking band who’re idolized in the land Down Under, and whose scheduled 2019 tour of Australia was postponed when vocalist James Hetfield sought treatment for addiction.

Metallica went a step further by posting a string of tweets with background to the ongoing bushfire tragedy and information on how others can help.

Rafael Nadal to Take Part in ‘Rally for Relief’ Charity Event to Raise Funds for Australian Bushfire Relief

Rafael Nadalis ready to swing his racquet for a good cause…

The 33-year-old Spanish professional tennis player, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, will take part in a charity event ahead of the Australian Open that will have a new air quality policy as organizers grapple with issues related to the bushfire crisis.

Rafael Nadal

Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley announced on Wednesday that the Rally for Relief will be held onRod Laver Arena on the evening of January 15 with proceeds going to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

Nadal will take part alongside Roger FedererSerena WilliamsNick KyrgiosNaomi OsakaCaroline Wozniaki and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

“For a period of about two-and-a-half hours we’re going to be showcasing the game, but also coming together as a community to play our part in the relief effort,” Tiley said

“I’m really proud of the playing group because the number of calls and emails I’ve got with everyone stepping forward and either giving money or making themselves available.

“The format is going to be pretty cool … it’s going to be a combination of fun and seriousness.

“We’ll see some doubles, we’ll see some singles, some target hitting and opportunities to raise more money on the night.

“We’ll see the players having a lot of fun.”

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster with all proceeds going to bushfire disaster relief charities.

Tiley also confirmed the Open will go ahead as scheduled with an air quality policy in place after concerns had been raised about the potential for smoke from bushfires burning in Victoria’s east to affect the health of players and fans.

“This is a new experience for not only us but across the world in this sport,” Tiley said.

“But we lead the world with the extreme heat policy and we expect to do the same around air quality.

“We do have three stadiums with roofs so play will always continue.

“But what will be new is that we will have some real-time (air quality) monitoring on-site … and we’ll use that analysis to make some decisions around the safety and well-being of players and fans.

“… I think the players understand that this is not something that we can do anything about and they’ve been gracious and very cooperative.

“They want to play.”

Karamo Brown & His Queer Eye Co-Stars to Co-Host Elton John’s Oscar Viewing Party

Karamo Brownwill have a busy Oscar night… 

The 39-year-old part-Cuban American television personality and his Queer Eye co-stars will serve as co-hosts at Sir Elton John’s AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party on February 9.

Karamo Brown

The legendary performer, who inspired Taron Egerton‘s Golden Globe-nominated performance in Rocketmanhas drafted Brown, Jonathan Van NessTan Franceand Bobby Berkto join honorary chairs John and husband David Furnishat the helm, though its unclear where the fifth Queer Eye star, Antoni Porowski, will be. 

Also taking the stage will be the British actor, singer-songwriter and Brits Critic Choice Award winner Sam Fender, who has been tapped to perform.

The Oscars viewing party event will once again take place in West Hollywood Park, serving as a benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

“Each year we are blessed to have incredible artists do what they do best at our party and this year will be another special night not to miss. Given we have some of the wonderful hosts of Queer Eye at our party, we all wanted to use the event to raise funds for our work with LGBT ommunities around the world, many of whom are 20 times more vulnerable to the disease than their straight peers. AIDS isn’t over until no one gets left behind,” John said Thursday in a statement.

Carlos Vives to Receive Latino Impact Award at the Latino Impact Summit

Carlos Vives is making an impact

The 58-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter will receive the Latino Impact Award at the 2019 Latino Impact Summit, to be held at the United Nations headquarters (ONU).

Carlos Vives

The announcement was made by the Latino Impact Alliance in a joint venture with the Ismael Cala Foundation.

Vives is being recognized for the work of his organization, Tras La Perla de América, which works for the responsible, inclusive and sustainable development of his hometown Santa Marta in Colombia.

“This year, as in the previous editions, we want to recognize and exalt the work of Latino leaders who contribute from various scenarios to the growth and sustainable development of the Americas,” said Estefanía Grajales, director of the Latino Impact Alliance, in a press statement.

The Latino Impact Summit is organized by the Latino Impact Alliance and the Ismael Cala Foundation. The initiative seeks to promote the generation of partnerships for growth and sustainable development in the region. The event is supported by the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development and the United Nations Office for Partnerships. This year’s main topic will be an analysis and discussion about the economic growth of Latin America, with Colombia as the focus country.

“We are grateful for all the support received and we hope that Latino Impact Summit will continue to be perfected as the platform par excellence to celebrate progress and pose new challenges,” added Ismael Cala, who is the founder of the event, together with Sergio Fernández de Córdova.

The Latino Impact Summit will take place on December 2 at the headquarters of ONU in New York City. 

Robert Trujillo & His Metallica Mates Donate to California’s Wildfire Recovery Efforts

Robert Trujillo helping with California’s wildfire recovery efforts…

The 55-year-old half-Mexican American musician and his Metallica band mates have donated $100,000 through their All Within My Hands non-profit foundation to help in the recovery from the fires that have ripped through Northern and Southern California over the past month, displacing thousands and leaving more than 500,000 in the dark due to power outages aimed at avoiding further blazes.

Metallica

“Sadly, for the third year in a row, communities we have called home throughout the state of California are again experiencing the tragedy left in the wake of wildfires,” they wrote. 

It is the second year in a row the band has pledged support for the state in the wake of historic fires, offering up $100,000 in 2018 and playing a wildfire relief show in San Francisco in 2017.

“The All Within My Hands Foundation would like to lend support to those affected in both Northern and Southern California by donating $100,000 to assist in relief, $50,000 to the Sonoma County Resilience Fund– created by the Community Foundation Sonoma County – and $50,000 to the Wildfire Relief Fund – created by the California Community Foundation,” they wrote. “Both organizations are dedicated to long-term recovery efforts, helping residents resume normal lives as they get back on their feet after the devastation of these firestorms. We would also like to encourage you to join us in supporting those in need as well as the first responders who have been working tirelessly to keep Californians safe.”

They also encouraged fans to volunteer, offer their homes for temporary housing, contribute money, non-perishable foods, clothing and supplies.