StandUp2Cancer Returns for Third Telecast
Via StandUp2Cancer:
Building on two historic fundraising telecasts in 2008 and 2010, Stand Up To Cancer will return to primetime television on Friday, September 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET & PT). Executive producers Gwyneth Paltrow and Joel Gallen will join Stand Up To Cancer’s production team to deliver a one-of-a-kind show featuring performances from top recording artists, and celebrities from film, television and sports engaging viewers with powerful stories and a moving call-to-action.
This star-studded appeal will continue to build public support for groundbreaking translational research accelerating the delivery of new therapies to patients, getting them from the “bench to the bedside” as quickly as possible. SU2C brings together scientists from different disciplines across various institutions to collaborate.
ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC are donating one hour of simultaneous commercial-free primetime for the nationally televised fundraising special on September 7, to be broadcast live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. HBO, HBO Latino, Bio, LMN (Lifetime Movie Network), Logo, MLB Network, mun2, Palladia, TBS and VH1 have also committed to carry the Stand Up To Cancer telecast, with other cablers expected to, as well. The program will include a celebrity phone/multi-media bank that will allow viewers to interact with participating talent. Viewers will also be able to donate via text-to-give and at standup2cancer.org. One hundred percent of all public donations will go directly to cancer research.
The first two SU2C telecasts took place on September 5, 2008 and September 10, 2010, and have been viewed in more than 190 countries. To date, more than $180 million has been pledged for SU2C’s innovative cancer research. Since 2008, SU2C has made grants to seven multi-disciplinary “Dream Teams” of researchers as well as to 26 young innovative scientists who are undertaking high-risk, potentially high-reward projects to end the reign of cancer as a leading cause of death in the world today. Sixty-eight institutions are currently involved.
Talent participation in the 2012 SU2C broadcast will be announced as the special nears. Right now the following personalities are confirmed: Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Michael Douglas, Jessica Biel, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Renner, Emma Stone, Seth Rogan, Simon Baker, Jordana Brewster, Diem Brown, Dana Delany, Chelsea Handler, Marg Helgenberger, Rashida Jones, Minka Kelly, Joe Manganiello, Jillian Michaels, Masi Oka, Ana Maria Polo, Alison Sweeney, and SU2C co-founder Katie Couric. Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys, Coldplay, and Tim McGraw are scheduled to perform.
2Cellos Make Their Album Debut
Every now and then, an artist or group comes along and just knocks my socks off. This is one of those times.
2Cellos, (Luka Sulic & Stjepan Hauser) a duo from England who play, you guessed it, cellos, recently became a worldwide YouTube sensation with their rock dueling cellos in their rendition of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal, and their brilliant cover of Guns N’ Roses Welcome to the Jungle. Their debut album, set to be released on July 19, 2011 is an amazing collection of Rock and Pop songs from U2, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, Muse, and other greats. The album also includes the aforementioned MJ and GnR tunes. Commenting on their music, Stjepan says: “Both Luka and I love classical music and have studied it for years, but we are really excited to put our own take on classics by some of our favorite pop and rock artists.” We are too.
This is some seriously great cello work, and you two are rock stars in my eyes. Apparently, also in Sir Elton’s eyes, since they were asked to join him on his Summer European tour this year. Oh how I wish this tour would visit Los Angeles!
If you haven’t yet heard them, enjoy the below videos. I know you will. Click here to Pre-Order this terrific album. I already got mine.
Guns N’ Roses Denies ‘Glee’ Tribute
Not many acts turn down an offer from one of TV’s biggest hits, but Guns N’ Roses is taking a stand. Slash, the band’s former guitarist, revealed that he and frontman Axl Rose were approached by Glee producers regarding a possible tribute episode to the band’s biggest hits. He went on to say that they opted not to be a part of the newly crowned Best Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes. In an interview with EW, Slash said “In the current climate of what’s going on in entertainment these days, I try to be more optimistic than negative, because it’s really easy to get negative about it, but I draw the line at ‘Glee.’ ‘Glee’ is worse than ‘Grease,’ and ‘Grease’ is bad enough. … When ‘Grease’ came out, I was like, ‘Oh, c’mon, give me a break.’ Actually, I look at ‘Grease’ now and think, ‘Between “High School Musical” and “Glee,” “Grease” was a brilliant work of art.”
Kings of Leon and Coldplay have also turned down Glee producers in the past; however, Coldplay has since reconsidered and cleared the show for use of their songbook. What do you think? Are you happy Guns N’ Roses said no? Do you think they’ll change their mind? Let us know below and in our FORUMS!