Brunch Award Recipients Include Incubus, Lollapalooza, Gina Belafonte + Sankofa.org, Steve Rifkind, Peter Shapiro + Brooklyn Bowl & BMG
LOS ANGELES – SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 – Today, Music Forward Foundation, a national non-profit organization and Live Nation’s charity partner, announced its 2nd Annual Awards Brunch and Golf Classic fundraisers in Los Angeles on October 6th and 7th. Last year’s inaugural events raised over $350,000 for programs empowering youth in the music industry during an unforgettable weekend celebrating music, community and giving back.
Music Forward Foundation Executive Director Nurit Smith shares, “We’re proud to bring the music industry together for two days of fundraising and celebration of Music Forward’s mission. We will honor leaders and game-changers who have been moving our industry and our communities forward at our Brunch. The following day, we will be joined by executives and celebrities at the golf course to join forces to build critical access and opportunities for the next generation of our industry.”
The 2nd Annual Awards Brunch on Sunday, October 6th at City Club Los Angeles will honor music industry visionaries who go beyond the stage to make an impact on the world:
- Multi-platinum rock band Incubus will receive the Tour Award celebrating not only their music but also their philanthropic efforts through the Make Yourself Foundation established in 2003 supporting a wide range of causes including sustainability, disaster relief, and arts education.
- Lollapalooza will receive the Festival Award for revolutionizing the music festival landscape – growing a small innovative festival in Chicago’s Grant Park in 1991 that blended genres and introduced multiple stages into a global phenomenon. All while, supporting arts education in Chicago Public Schools through Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund with programs like the Immersion Day and the Lollapalooza & Sueños Festival Job Fair fostering talent and empowering future generations.
- Actress, producer, civil rights activist Gina Belafonte + Sankofa.org will be presented the Community Award by actor Jesse Williams (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Only Murders In The Building”). Founded by Harry Belafonte and now led by CEO Gina Belafonte, Sankofa.org is dedicated to empowering artists to use their voices for meaningful change while addressing social justice issues such as systemic violence, income disparity, and the unequal justice system through art, culture, and media.
“I’m honored to receive Music Forward’s Community Award,” said Gina Belafonte. “Sankofa.org and Music Forward share a common vision to make the world a more inclusive and equitable place. This event is an incredible gathering of those of us in the industry who use our voices for social change, one of the founding principles.”
- Pioneering music entrepreneur Steve Rifkind will be presented the Executive Award by two-time Grammy winning musician and producer Eric Krasno (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Soulive) for his transformative impact on the industry through Loud Records, SRC Records and Spring Sound. Rifkind has been instrumental in the success of iconic hip-hop acts like Wu-Tang Clan, Remy Ma, and Mobb Deep, and his focus on artist empowerment and fair business practices makes him a beacon in the industry.
- Brooklyn Bowl, co-founded by Peter Shapiro in 2009, will receive the Venue Award. With locations in Brooklyn, Las Vegas, Nashville, and Philadelphia, it has become a beloved institution, frequently appearing on “Best Of” lists for its exceptional experience. The venue is also a leader in sustainability, as the first bowling alley in the world to achieve L.E.E.D. certification, utilizing wind-powered lights and incorporating recycled materials.
- BMG will receive the Corporate Award for its dedication to creating equitable opportunities and supporting the next generation of industry professionals. BMG has redefined the music industry by merging publishing and recordings into a single, transparent platform. With a mission to maximize artists’ and songwriters’ potential, BMG offers fair deals and comprehensive support to its clients. The company’s innovative approach extends to its partnership with Music Forward, providing paid internships and mentorships to diverse youth since 2020.
Additional celebrities and music industry luminaries will be in attendance for the catered brunch that will feature special live performances. American Express is the presenting sponsor and other sponsors include Amazon, Concord Records, L’Acoustics, Pathways LA and Mexcor International. To sponsor or buy Awards Brunch tickets, visit us HERE.
The 2nd Annual Golf Classic swings into action on Monday, October 7th at El Caballero County Club in Tarzana with celebrities, music executives and sponsors hitting the green for a cause. Meals, cocktails and gifting will be provided along the course from local vendors including Mr. Charlie’s, Ike’s Sandwiches, The Original Mommie Helen’s Bakery pies, Cloud Kitchens/Picnic and Chummeez candies, Centinela Tequila margaritas, Tonino Lamborghini Tequila tastings, AMASS Prosecco, Crowns & Hops, Full Circle and FrogTown breweries, Pasmosa Sangria, Sommsation wine tasting, Tractor Beverage frozen drinks, Topo Chico, Pepsi and more.
Sponsors include Citi, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, Starter, Oracle, Morgan Stanley, US Bank, HMI Insurance, J. Wood Capital, Zach Friedland, L’Acoustic and Brascia Builders. To sponsor or buy Golf Classic tickets, visit us HERE.
For more information about these great opportunities to connect with the music community, celebrate industry heroes and support the future of the music industry, visit musicforwardfoundation.org.
About Music Forward Foundation:
Over the past 30+ years, Music Forward Foundation has successfully realized its mission to transform young lives, inspire careers, and champion a more inclusive music industry. Each year, the organization activates its significant network to impact more than 16,000 youth nationwide. To date, the organization has served over 1 million young people and provided more than $42 million in scholarships, workforce opportunities, relief funds, and more. Music Forward Foundation transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry. musicforwardfoundation.org