Posts Tagged ‘Causes & Charity’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

On Friday I was sitting in Red Mango (frozen yogurt shop) w/ a friend when a homeless man walked in (trying not to be obviously homeless) and asked for a sample. The worker gave him a sample (small; in the size of a ketchup paper cup) and he quickly walked out. It broke my heart. I wanted to buy him his own regular sized portion but he left rather suddenly. For those who may not witness homelessness on a regular basis, this is a reminder to be grateful and to always count your blessings. I’m all for Occupy Wall Street but seriously, there’s greater epidemics that could use the attention. Wishful thinking…

[Related Post: Facebook Is Not The Complete Truth]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

ROB BRAYL: ‘True Colors’ is certainly one of the biggest anthems of the gay community. Are there any songs from your own collection or other artists that you consider to be your personal anthem?

CYNDI LAUPER: I have quite a few with my own catalog. To choose one is going to be tough. Changes from time to time. Anything from Joni Mitchell.

RB: It’s wonderful to see any artist, but specifically artists of your level really reaching out to their gay fan base and working on strengthening the community. How has working on projects like the Give A Damn Campaign, and opening the True Colors homeless shelter for LGBT youth affected you personally?

CL: I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to raise awareness about equality and issues impacting the community that do not get enough attention, especially homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. To be able to do that through the Give a Damn Campaign and the True Colors Residence, which is actually permanent housing, not a shelter, means a great deal to me.

RB: Your video on YouTube speaking on bullying and on the flood of suicides with regards to gay teens was really touching. How have you handled those in the past who may have been punks in the way that they treated you?

CL: I think it is important to say that while the media has been focusing on the recent suicides of these young men as a result of anti-gay bullying, this has been an epidemic that has been growing and in dire need of attention for far too long. I do know what it is like to be viewed as ‘different’ and I have owned that about myself and have been unapologetic about it. We all have to be who we are. It can be hard to do that though as life has ways of knockin’ ya down time and time again. I would urge all the young people reading this to contact the Trevor Project at 1-866-4-U-TREVOR or the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-RUNAWAY if you are having a hard time and need someone to talk to.

RB: Your most recent record, ‘Memphis Blues’, is a beautiful piece of work and showcases a different side of yourself. What can we expect from your next album? Working on any new material?

CL: I don’t have a “next” CD planned — I’m living and enjoying this one! I am filming a live DVD in Memphis. Basically it’s the show we’ve been doing on the road since ‘Memphis Blues’ came out. It will include songs from ‘Memphis Blues’, my hits and a few new songs.

RB: Crazy but I’ve got to ask, do you listen to any rap music?

CL: I have a 13 year old son, what do you think? I listen to A LOT of rap!

TONY CORTOPASSI: Having many acting roles in: Vibes, Off & Running, Life with Mikey, Here & There, Section B, as well as an Emmy award winning role in Mad About You as “Marianne Lugasso” — Is there a type of role you’d love to do next?

CL: Love to revamp my style and genre with everything I do. Of course I‘d love to try something different, new and challenging.

TC: Since you’ve already done Threepenny Opera…any role you’d like to do on Broadway?

CL: My next Broadway project is as composer. I am writing songs for the Broadway adaptation of the film Kinky Boots. Harvey Fierstein is writing the book and Jerry Mitchell is the director. It’s very exciting.

TC: We are all excited to read your autobiography. When is that slated to be released? Can you give us a teaser from the book?

Cyndi: I am writing an autobiography that will be released via Simon & Schuster. I am in the middle of writing right now so ask me this question again next time we chat.

TC: Can you elaborate a little on your new reality show and what we can expect?

CL: Yes. I did a deal with Mark Burnett Productions before I signed on to Celebrity Apprentice. Mark Burnett Productions is probably the most successful producers of reality tv so I am really happy to be in partnership with them. The folks there are smart and creative and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun to do. I love the medium, so I’m excited about it. It is going to be mostly about me and my day to day, focusing on my career.

TC: If you could travel to any time in history, who would you love to meet?

CL: John Lennon.

Watch the incredible Cyndi in action, during a recent performance, below.

[Via One Way Mag]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of trucking my ass to Queens. Wait. It gets better. Way better. I made my way to the Secret Theatre, off the 7 train, to see the fabulous In-Sight Dance Company perform an original ballet set to the music of Ian Axel.

When I first received the invitation I was ecstatic, not only because I love supporting local artists, but also because I’ve loved Ian Axel’s music for quite some time now. (For my interview with Ian see link below.)

To say this show was beautiful would be an understatement. There’s something so moving, genuine, and honest about a performance as intimate as this one. Sitting in low lights, in a space that felt like a mix between a garage and a dive bar, I sat front and center captivated the entire time, as these fierce dancers spun a story of love, heartbreak, and rebirth.

There were times when I found tears bubbling in my eyes. Several of Ian’s songs have touched my life in very personal ways, so to see these magnificent songs set to a story of dance, it was, well, beyond pretty. My favorite number of the night was the piece set to Gone. Home, Cannonball, Say Something, and This Is The New Year all were stellar numbers. Actually, I take it back — I’m not sure which was my favorite number, all were moving in their own right.

Please do yourself a favor and support this amazing organization.

An introduction clip + Ian’s gorgeous Gone following.

[Related Post: Exclusive Interview w/ Ian Axel]

In-Sight Dance Company is a Queens-based non-profit contemporary dance organization dedicated to creating original work that inspires critical thought and reasoned discussion. Founded in 2008, In-Sight Dance integrates community service and performance to bring dance to those that do not normally experience the arts and to raise the profile of dance in Queens. To learn more visit: www.insightdance.org

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Yay!

50 Cent has officially launched his new energy shot, Street King. Fiddy’s goal is to provide 1 billion meals over the course of the next five years to children in need. With every Street King shot purchased, a meal is provided.

Unfortunately for me, caffeine turns me into a crazier tweaked out version of Patti Stanger from Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker. So for the good of mankind, I abstain from ALL energy drinks! Well, 90% of the time. But I plan on buying a few and tossing them over to the homeless. Win/win!

Watch + sign up at streetking.com to support this wonderful cause.

Oh! And since I mentioned Patti Stanger, please watch the second clip! The dildo part had me on the floor! Hilarious NSFW awesomeness.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Demi Lovato has dropped her much anticipated Unbroken release, and after getting my hands on a copy and giving it a whirl, I have a few things to say. First, it’s obvious (like duh!) that her label had a big influence on the commercial appeal factor with this record. The first few tracks are collaborations that quite frankly are forgettable and lack the true grit possessed in Skyscraper. Yeah yeah, I know Demi Lovato isn’t Adele and an entire album of heavy hitting ballads might be a bit of a buzzkill. But to me, the emotionally charged pop numbers is where she truly effing shines. From listening to my favorite track on the record For The Love Of A Daughter (below) + lead single Skyscraper, I think it’s apparent that Demi’s heart lies in the cracks of the broken-hearted tracks. (Hey! That rhymed.)

Overall, it’s a great commercial release. I just wish there was a bit more brokenness and less ordinary radio friendly production.

When you watch/listen to the clips below you may think this post seems a bit hypocritical (as the songs I’ve posted are very broken and heartfelt), but I assure you that the majority of the album is not as intense as I had daydreamed. I am posting these clips because this is the Demi I cling to, the Demi I love. I understand completely as to why the album is the way it is — Demi is a very mainstream artist after all — it’s just an opinion of the elements I would’ve liked to have seen more of splashed around on the project.

I would also like to point out that I love this girl for her bravery and the truth she has shared with the world with regards to her past + her traumatic issues. I just wanted to give an honest opinion on the album from someone who is a proud supporter and fan of Demi’s music.

Recent performance + interview + my favorite track from Unbroken below.

(She sounds so damn amazing live.)

[Related: Lovato's 'Skyscraper' Proves There's Beauty In The Breakdown]

[TWLOHA]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

To celebrate the death of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, I thought I would post one of the songs that became a backdrop to my life when I was struggling with the idea of stepping out of the closet. It’s a beautiful song by Kendall Payne entitled Closer To Myself.

Surprisingly enuff (or not if you follow this blog on the regular), Kendall Payne is a Contemporary Christian artist. My jagged faith is important to me and this song not only represents a freedom but also a cage; I felt completely caged with everyone else’s idea of who I should be at the time (including the conservative church’s idea).

The line that particularly pierced was — “I’ve been everybody else, now I want to be something closer to myself.”

I’ve never been in military uniform (well, not my own at least — oh snap!) but I can only imagine that this is how each LGBT soldier feels when they serve our country with their lips sealed.

This is getting preachy McPreacherson so I’m gonna shove a cork in it before I go all Southern Baptist psychopath, so that’s pretty much it, kids. Be yourself. Love yourself. And do NOT, for any reason whatsoever, buy a pink Hummer.

And if this is too serious for ya, you can A. suck it and B. go watch hot soldiers dancing to Britney Spears by following the link below.

Thanks.

[Related Post: US Soldiers Grab Crotchsicles While Dancing To Britney]

[Vid Above]: A brave soldier coming out to his father, the day DADT died.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Voice like butter! Message worth spreading! (See what I did there?)

For her new music video, Give, LeAnn partnered with Stand Up For Kids, an organization whose main focus is supporting homeless youth. Several homeless kids from the streets of Chicago are featured throughout the clip.

To coincide with the theme of the song, LeAnn wanted to create a video with a message of giving back.

LeAnn wrote on her website: “My life is forever changed from this experience. One thing they all said to me is no one looks them in the eye when they see them on the streets, so there’s a deep loneliness there and a feeling of almost not existing. I will now always look anyone who’s homeless in the eye and smile. That smile could make their whole day.”

LeAnn’s new album Lady & Gentleman is due out September 27th.

Watch the video for Give below.

[Related Post: LeAnn Rimes Beautifully Covers Adele]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

BTB favorite Natalia Kills recently took over the roof of New York City’s Atlas Hotel, to celebrate the release of her debut album Perfectionist dropping earlier this week. Performing singles Wonderland and Free acoustically, the live set was part of the Hotel’s 4th Annual Open A.I.R: Artist In Residence Summer Concert Series, an event that benefits the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

Awesome music + NYC rooftop views + a wonderful cause = 2Grool4Skewl!

[Related Post: On Heavy Rotation: Natalia Kills]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Open up the latest US Weekly (or any gossip rag for that matter) and chances are you’ll see a picture of LeAnn Rimes with a neon caption discussing her current relationship or arrows pointing to her “disappearing” bikini frame.

But, what you won’t see as often is praise for her voice — a voice that’s always been golden, a voice that lately has somehow gotten lost in the mix of tabloid fodder.

Let’s flip the switch, shall we?

LeAnn recently performed a cover of Adele’s Someone Like You, and as you can imagine, it’s a stunning rendition.

Also note that Rimes has released a new heartfelt single entitled Give.

In her own words: “‘Give’ is a powerful song with a message that I believe needs to be shared with the world, especially in these times of today. I’m so honored to sing this song and help spread that message.”

LeAnn Rimes new album, Lady and Gentlemen, is due out September 27.

Watch the Adele cover + listen to the new single following.

[Related Post: Defending L. Rimes & 'Crazy Women']

[LeAnn's Give Campaign.]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

This past Saturday was stained with a horrible residue. The temperature in New York City was over one hundred degrees and everything seemed a bit too sticky for comfort. Yet what stuck the most was not produced by the sun, it came forth digitally through a Facebook post, one that hurt to read: AMY WINEHOUSE DIED?

Thinking of recent death hoaxes, I quickly searched Google to find an answer. I found nothing. But then, minutes later, a confirmation popped onto the computer screen by CNN, and I felt a laser of grief pass through my veins. How tragic, I thought. How incredibly tragic. I had recalled how just the night before, I was walking across the Brooklyn Bridge talking about her style and music with my friend Sheilah. It felt eerie, as if somehow light years away, our frequencies as human beings might have crossed.

I began to break and tears soon bubbled over my eyes. Having dealt with addictive behavior in my own life and addiction in the roots of my family, I felt Amy’s pain. In an attempt to remember the artist who brought us the beauty of Back to Black, I, like millions of other fans, took to YouTube to find clips, interviews, and to re-watch her previous music videos.

While searching, I stumbled upon one of her last performances and my heart shattered. Her eyes were that of a lost, hurt child, and suddenly an overwhelming feeling came over me — I wanted to give her a hug, a big fuzzy teddy bear hug and look her into the eyes and tell her that she is worthy of love and that everything would be alright.

Once upon a time, Janis Joplin proclaimed that she made love to 25,000 people at her live concerts, but went home alone. That statement to me represents the type of yearning for love and acceptance that is felt by addicts, that deep but unmet need for connection that pushes the drive for fame and the aching pain of addiction, which could be the reason why it’s common among the famous, why the two often feed off each other. The reason why it fed and ultimately starved Amy.

I want to end this piece by saying that no one will ever be able to replace Amy Winehouse in this life. She was a one-of-a-kind performer and artist. You can’t fake that kind of raw talent and you certainly can manufacture REAL music.

And to all of you making light of this situation, I ask that you have respect. Addiction is not a light switch you can just turn on and off. Celebrities have hearts and souls like the rest of us. Please show some compassion, because I can guarantee that there’s someone in your life who has fought or is fighting with addiction issues right now who could use it.

To anyone reading this who might be struggling, my heart is with you.

An early interview + performance of a much happier time below.

RIP.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

It’s gettin’ hot in here!

[Kinda NSFW BTW.]

There’s just something about military men dancing to Britney Spears. Especially ones that lift their shirts and grab their crotchsicles. Yes, crotchsicles. It’s a new word I’m trademarking as we speak…

Ok, that was a little much. I apologize! But it’s the truth.

After the first clip appeared of US Marines shakin’ what their mama gave ‘em to Britney’s Hold It Against Me — which quickly went viral — we should’ve guessed that more vids would surface. Now, a new clip has just made its way onto the web that’s just as entertaining, featuring another Brit track, (Drop Dead) Beautiful.

In all seriousness though, these men and women sacrifice a great deal for our freedom and for that, we raise our glass and hope that posts like this can somehow get back to them and brighten their day.

Watch both videos below.

Lookin’ good fellas!

HELP FOR HEROES — Aimed at helping injured service personnel returning from Iraq & Afghanistan.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I live for songs, for videos, for music like this. Music so visceral and real it almost leaves a sting like a papercut. Music like Skyscraper from Demi Lovato.

The minute I watched this clip, I felt charged, as if something inside of me had been pumped with emotional electricity. As Frou Frou once pointed out, there’s beauty in the breakdown, and well, let’s just say Lovato’s breakdown tune is beyond stunning.

Directed by Mark Pellington, Lovato keeps it simple, belting from the barren terrain of the Bonneville Salt Flats. No gimmicks, no over the top costumes or headgear, no backup dancers or pyrotechnics — just Lovato, and the years of scar tissue from her struggles.

I don’t know about you, but I am so proud to have Demi on our radar, to have a star as huge as she is scatter her issues out in front of us, in such an honest and genuine manner because there’s thousands of girls watching, who will now undoubtedly feel less alone. And who knows, might even take the step to get the help they need.

Rihanna could learn a thing or two from this girl.

Watch the breathtaking video for Skyscraper + Demi’s exclusive interview with Ryan Seacrest (regarding the story behind the song) following.

LOVE IS LOUDER.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Children are abused, murdered, and sold for sexual desires every day. Often, it goes on because no one takes the plunge to make a stand. Take this verdict as a reminder to never remain silent if there is any doubt or suspicion of abuse. Whether we acknowledge it, it’s happening, and sometimes right in front of our eyes. To every child who is being or has been abused, I hold you in my prayers.

To Caylee, this one’s for you.

[KEEP A CHILD ALIVE.]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Photo by: Bauer Griffin]

“For about a week he was calling and was deadly serious about it. Finally, I said, ‘Well, you made my life hell, so I lived it and now I deserve it.’ He really thought he’d had some input into the creative process by being a p****. I’ll give him this credit – he made me an adult and put me on the road that I’m travelling.”

-Adele / The Sun
[On her ex claiming he deserved royalties for her musical success]

Donate to Comic Relief and help change lives by clicking here.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Slowly put down the double stuffed Oreo and no one will get hurt!

Beyonce’s new goal is to blast the fat right off yo body.

Knowles, who has teamed up with First Lady Michelle Obama for her Let’s Move campaign, has remixed her song Get Me Bodied as an effort to bring awareness to childhood obesity. The campaign was developed to deal with the epidemic of overweight children with the goal of ending childhood obesity within a generation.

For the record, I think fat kids are adorable. But I realize it’s not healthy for kids to look like the Michelin Man. So yay for this campaign and for Beyonce lending her voice to such a positive movement. Also, I’ve gained some weight (thanks, harsh winter of NYC), so I need to get my boogie on to this video as well!

Check out the video below & get off those buns, kiddies!