2009-2010 Community Services Report

Music is a gift that has touched all our lives. When musicians and those who support them share the gift of music, they bring people together in a way nothing else has the power to do.

In 1989, The Recording Academy established MusiCares to sustain music and its makers.

Mission

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

In 2010, MusiCares experienced a landmark year by serving the largest number of clients to date — more than 2,200 — with $2.5 million in aid.

Our Programs And Services

Since its inception, MusiCares has developed into a premier support system for music people by providing innovative programs and services designed to meet the specific needs of its constituents.

Emergency Financial Assistance Program

The "heart and soul" of MusiCares is the Emergency Financial Assistance Program. With a commitment to providing help to those in need as quickly as possible, this program provides assistance for basic living expenses including rent, utilities and car payments; medical expenses including doctor, dentist and hospital bills; psychotherapy; and treatment for HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hepatitis C, and other critical illnesses.

The Emergency Financial Assistance Program is open to music people who are able to document at least five years of employment in the music industry and/or who have credited contribution on six commercially released recordings or videos, and who can demonstrate proof of need. MusiCares operates toll-free phone lines serving all regions of the United States.

Personal attention and confidential care are given to anyone who contacts MusiCares. Professionally trained staff evaluate a situation, provide crisis intervention if needed and offer any appropriate referrals to local and national organizations. They review the financial assistance application and the approval process with the applicant. Clients are notified as soon as possible about the available resources, and approved financial assistance grants are paid directly to a third party or creditor to ensure proper use of the funds. In addition, MusiCares staff negotiate lower rates with service providers or creditors to stretch the value of financial resources.

Nashville and its surrounding communities were unexpectedly struck by a major disaster on May 1, 2010. Many in this music community experienced significant loss, including homes, cars, equipment, and rehearsal space that were ruined by the unprecedented flooding in several communities. It has been estimated that only a fraction of those who experienced significant loss have adequate flood insurance to cover their damages. MusiCares understands the effects of this disaster in a unique way, and established the MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief Fund to assist music people affected by the Middle Tennessee floods.

"Thank you so much for supporting our family and remembering the players."

— MusiCares Client
Emergency Financial Assistance

"We are so grateful for your help with the expense of laying our dear brother to rest. Without your help this would have been very difficult to do. What an asset you are to the various artists and their families."

— MusiCares Client
Emergency Financial Assistance

"Thank you for your help with our mortgage payments. Your gift gave us a renewed hope of saving our home and returning to Nashville to teach again."

— MusiCares Client
Emergency Financial Assistance

MusiCares client receives necessary dental services in Memphis, Tenn.

Healthy Essentials

MusiCares has developed a range of nationwide educational workshops and programs to address the unique needs of music professionals. Workshops cover a variety of subjects, including financial, legal and substance abuse issues, as well as topics of concern to specific constituencies such as vocal and hearing health. At music industry health fairs, MusiCares provides information to promote medical well-being and brings together health care professionals offering services such as flu shots, hearing tests, medical screenings, mammograms, and dental care. Our free artists' clinics allow our clients to receive the full spectrum of primary and preventive services provided by medical professionals on a monthly basis. In addition, the Nashville Chapter has convened a hepatitis C support group to provide education and support for individuals afflicted with this serious disease.

Dental clinics are free of charge to our clients. Each client receives an oral examination, X-rays and cleaning. Follow-up care is provided at a rate that is typically 40 to 60 percent less than dental office charges. During fiscal year 2010, MusiCares offered 15 dental clinics in Portland, Ore.; Nashville; Memphis; Washington, D.C.; New York; Houston; Atlanta; Miami; Chicago; Philadelphia; and Honolulu. In partnership with local and national organizations and dentists, we provided more than 389 clients with basic dental services free of charge. In fiscal year 2009, 12 dental clinics were held in various cities across the United States. Our partnerships with both local and national organizations and dentists allowed us to provide 165 clients with basic dental services free of charge at minimal or no cost to MusiCares. Through our innovative relationship with the Smiles/Mobile Dentists Program, American Mobile Dental, Mathew Walker Center, Ben Massell Center, and several other local dental providers, MusiCares was able to arrange for their mobile — dental teams — consisting of a dentist, two hygienists, and a dental X-ray technician to set up the equivalent of a complete dental treatment office in either Chapter office space or in American Federation of Musicians offices in several cities across the country.

Each mammogram clinic is also free of charge to our clients. The client receives an exam and X-ray. Mammogram clients are then set up under state programs to receive free follow-up care if needed. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2009 (FY '10) more than 100 females in the music industry received free mammography screenings and care through new and existing partnerships in Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Memphis. In fiscal year 2009, two mammogram clinics were held and provided 26 women with free mammograms and follow-up care.

Influenza virus is not only an inconvenience but it can be a serious illness for some. In an effort to keep our music community healthy and well, MusiCares provided flu shot clinics in Nashville, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and New York during 2010, and more than 200 clients received immunizations. At our eight flu shot clinics in 2009, more than 300 music industry professionals were immunized.

Partners in our clinic efforts include the Emory Voice Clinic, Country Doctor Community Clinic, Faith Family Medical Center, Dr. Pacita Franco, Haight Ashbury Free Clinics, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary's Voice and Swallowing Institute, KayPentax, Women's Breast Center, Matthew Walker Clinic, Dr. Patrick Sherrard, Starkey Hearing Foundation, Venice Family Clinic, and Qliance.

MusiCares formed a unique partnership in fiscal year 2010 with Dr. Scott Powell, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon and a former member of the group Sha Na Na, in honor of his dear friend, the late Pierre Cossette. Powell is now providing free orthopedic services to uninsured music professionals that include comprehensive care — from initial office visits, X-rays and MRI imaging to physical therapy and follow-up care for patients.

The success of our Healthy Essentials programs ensures that this initiative will expand further so that more clients can have access to these valuable services.

"I have a Blue Cross/Blue Shield catastrophic plan that will cover a major injury or illness, but local office visits for exams and procedures are not covered. Those costs can be very expensive and I have avoided seeing a doctor for a regular check-up for the past five years....I just couldn't afford it. I was so excited to hear about this help for artists. Thank you!"

— MusiCares Client

"Thank you so much for reaching out to our community of uninsured musicians. The way the economy and the health care system is right now, it seems that it costs you an arm and a leg, just to go into the doctor's office to find out that your arm and leg are working just fine! So, thanks for being there to provide, if nothing else, a peace of mind and well-being. A yearly check up is something that people shouldn't have to do without. Many of us did...until now."

— MusiCares Client

"This is awesome! It's been years — years — since I've been able to go to a dentist. This is amazing! Thanks so much."

— MusiCares Client
Chicago Dental Clinic

While MusiCares works confidentially with its clients, some individuals, like Slash, want to share their inspiring stories
Click here for addiction recovery stories on video

Addiction Recovery

MusiCares operates an addiction recovery program called the MusiCares MAP Fund that has become a leading force in the effort to identify and address the problems of addiction in our industry. The MusiCares MAP Fund provides access to addiction recovery treatment and sober living resources for members of the music community regardless of their financial circumstances.

"Because MusiCares was willing to help me when nobody else could, I have my family back, my career, and am celebrating 1 year clean and sober today! Thank you MusiCares for making a difference in this musician's life."

— MusiCares Client
MusiCares MAP Fund

"After six years of sobriety, I fell face first and relapsed over and over again. MusiCares stepped in and helped save my life. I'm feeling more than grateful to have 70 plus days under my belt...I'm living again and I can't thank you enough for that gift."

— MusiCares Client
MusiCares MAP Fund

"If it were not for MusiCares helping me with my addiction, I was seriously contemplating suicide as I could not live this way any longer, nor could I stop on my own. Today, one day at a time, I am free, I have hope and I am giving back to others as MusiCares gave to me. I have six months clean and sober! Thank you!"

— MusiCares Client
MusiCares MAP Fund

MusiCares also provides addiction recovery support through its MusiCares Safe Harbor Room. Staffed by qualified chemical dependency and intervention specialists, MusiCares Safe Harbor Rooms offer a support network to those in recovery while they are participating in the production of televised music shows and other major music events. During 2009 and 2010, we served approximately 500 attendees at concerts, award shows and other events across the country.

MusiCares provides a Safe Harbor Room at the following shows/events over the past two fiscal years:

• ACM Awards
• ASCAP Expo
• CMA Awards
• CMT Video Music Awards
• Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
• Crossroads Music Festival
• GRAMMY Awards
• "The GRAMMY Nomination Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night"
• Latin GRAMMY Awards
• MusiCares Person of the Year tribute gala
• NAMM Convention
• Sasquatch! Music Festival
• South by Southwest
• Stagecoach Music Festival
• Summerfest Music Conference
• Vans Warped Tour
• Winter Music Conference

Vans Warped Tour Safe Harbor Rooms

MusiCares had an expanded presence with the Vans Warped Tour in 2010. MusiCares and Vans Warped Tour partnered together to hire a full-time consultant to be the face of MusiCares while on the road with the tour for the entire summer. This consultant was responsible for manning a MusiCares booth during the day and running several 12-step meetings in the evenings. In addition, MusiCares staff joined the tour for seven dates to provide additional support.

Approximately 25 percent of the total number of clients served last year by MusiCares in all of our combined programs were women. Only 12 percent of the total number of substance abuse clients served were women. That number is actually relatively strong given a recent report by Columbia's National Center on Addiction and Substance abuse, which notes that less than 8 percent of women who need treatment for addiction ever, receive it. MusiCares is aware of the need to reach out to women and educate the music industry on the issues specifically related to women and addiction. Building on the success of the 2010 MAP Fund event honoring Betty Ford, MusiCares will continue bringing attention to this issue via a series of outreach strategies and events. GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Judy Collins served as spokesperson for our efforts, and headlined a panel discussion in September 2010. Other planned Women In Recovery In Music initiatives include enhanced Web content on this topic, a Web-based resource guide and Web interviews with recovering women in music.

"If it were not for the Safe Harbor Room that MusiCares provided during this awards show, I would have definitely relapsed after having over three years of sobriety. I am forever grateful to your organization!"

— Crew Member

"I have worked the GRAMMY Awards show along with many other telecasts throughout the years, always feeling lost and alone in my sobriety. When I saw the sign and found the MusiCares Safe Harbor Room, I found out that a few of the people I had seen around for years at the show, were recovering addicts and alcoholics just like me, and now I have made new friends along with sharing a common bond!"

— Crew Member

MusiCares offers weekly addiction support groups for people in the music industry to discuss how to best cope with the issues surrounding the recovery process. The MusiCares Sober Connection provides access to a database of individuals across the United States who take music people to recovery support meetings while on the road.

In addition, a MusiCares Recovery Jam is held the last Monday of every month in the Gibson show room next to the Recording Academy Texas Chapter Office. The jam takes the place of the aftercare group once a month. Group members get to play in a sober environment without the strain and stress of their professional demands.

Additionally, MusiCares advocates on behalf of the health of the music community with congressional leaders.

"I don't know where I'd be this year without MusiCares and the Musicians Support Group.... It's a beautiful thing to know I have a place where I can help and be helped. Rock on."

— MusiCares Client

Fundraising Initiatives

The annual MusiCares Person of the Year tribute dinner and silent auction take place during GRAMMY Week two nights before the GRAMMY Awards. Each year, the dinner honors a recording artist who has made important contributions to the world of music and has demonstrated extraordinary humanitarian and philanthropic efforts.

The 20th annual MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honored Neil Young for his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work, which has included many generous charitable donations over the years. Close to 2,400 guests came together at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Jan. 29, 2010, two days before the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast, to enjoy performances by the largest number of performers ever seen at this event, including Dierks Bentley, Jack Black, Jackson Browne, T Bone Burnett, Neko Case, Shawn Colvin, Elvis Costello, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Sheryl Crow, Everest, John Fogerty, Patty Griffin, Josh Groban, Ben Harper, Emmylou Harris, Elton John, Booker T. Jones, Norah Jones, Lady Antebellum, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Jason Mraz, Ozomatli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Leon Russell, James Taylor, Keith Urban, Wilco, and Lucinda Williams. The concert portion of the gala was co-presented by AEG, ELS and Acura and the gala dinner was sponsored by MasterCard. The evening began with a special reception and silent auction that offered an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The auction was followed by a gala dinner, an award presentation and a star-studded tribute concert. The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week, and despite the financial turmoil our economy faces, the 2010 tribute still helped generate more than $4 million in gross revenue for MusiCares.

The 19th annual MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honored Neil Diamond for his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work, which has included many generous charitable donations over the years. Approximately 2,200 guests came together at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Feb. 6, 2009, just two days before the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast, to enjoy performances by Adele, Eric Benet, Terence Blanchard and Cassandra Wilson, Coldplay, Chris Cornell, Foo Fighters, Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson, the Jonas Brothers, Kid Rock, Los Volcanos (who were personally invited to participate by the evening's honoree), Raul Malo, Tim McGraw, Urge Overkill, and Faith Hill, who was joined onstage by Diamond for a heartfelt version of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" before Diamond sang several of his most loved songs for the crowd. Despite the financial turmoil our economy faces, the tribute generated almost $4 million in gross revenue for MusiCares. The silent auction and cocktail reception were sponsored by Red Strip Plane Music, and the dinner and concert were sponsored by AEG and ELS.

In fall 2009, a MusiCares Board member and a noted local philanthropist co-hosted a MusiCares House Concert in Nashville highlighted by a stellar performance by Jackson Browne. The evening was extraordinary in terms of ambience, guests, food, refreshments and especially music, and it continued the successful tradition started by this event the previous year. On an evening in early June 2009, MusiCares held the first of what has become a regular fundraising program for both Foundations. Hosted by two MusiCares Board members, the inaugural MusiCares House Concert was held in Beverly Hills, Calif., and featured an extraordinary acoustic performance by multi-GRAMMY-winning artist Michael McDonald. The festive atmosphere, which included sumptuous hors d'oeuvres and beverages, was made truly celebratory when Recording Academy and MusiCares President/CEO Neil Portnow announced the event had raised more than $100,000 for MusiCares. Similar House Concerts will be announced in select cities across the country to benefit both MusiCares and the GRAMMY Foundation.

The MusiCares MAP Fund Benefit Concert is held annually to generate funds for our addiction recovery services. The sixth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert honored women in recovery and paid special tribute to Betty Ford at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Friday, May 7, 2010. The benefit featured a range of artists and focused attention on the unique and often misunderstood issues women face in seeking treatment for addiction issues. In fiscal year 2009, the fifth annual MusiCares MAP Fund Benefit Concert was moved to a larger and more prominent venue to both raise the profile of this event and increase its revenue opportunities. This goal was achieved by a sold-out event. The benefit honored Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers and drew such noted performers as Iggy Pop and the Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood. As a result of the popularity of the event, it attracted more media and we expanded our red carpet to accommodate the press turnout.

Throughout the year, MusiCares benefits from our GRAMMY Charity Online Auctions, which feature exclusive VIP experiences and memorabilia presented in partnership with Kompolt at www.ebay.com/grammy and Julien's Auctions at www.juliensauctions.com.

Some 2010 highlights included the launch of the first annual "Black Friday" holiday auction, which launched the day after Thanksgiving and targeted the massive amounts of shoppers looking for deals on the biggest shopping day of the year! MusiCares also brought one-of-a-kind VIP Experiences to the public such as a lunch with director/producer Judd Apatow and an exclusive meet-and-greet concert experience with Coldplay in Mexico City! Our auctions also featured exclusive music memorabilia signed by Ringo Starr, Green Day, Pink and many more. Some highlights from 2009 included a lunch at the Ivy in Beverly Hills with actor John Stamos, a private DJ lesson with the late DJ AM (who also signed an iPod featuring his own personal playlist that also sold at auction), a limited-edition Les Paul Robot Studio guitar signed by Coldplay during rehearsals for the GRAMMY telecast, and much more.

In 2009, MusiCares laid the groundwork for its 20th Anniversary Campaign — a major fundraising campaign that launched in 2010 to celebrate our 20th anniversary year. Industry giants Les Bider, John Branca, Jerry Moss, and Mo Ostin set the bar with significant lead gifts to be matched by the ELMA Music Foundation.

The late DJ AM donated his time and talents to our GRAMMY Charity Online Auctions in 2009

Your Support

As our industry responds to current technological and economic shifts, the need to broaden and sustain our respective missions increases. Your help is more important now than ever. When considering a charity for your personal contribution or corporate affiliation, please remember that you can make a real difference in the lives of the people we serve through support of MusiCares. Donate now.

To see a list of generous supporters from our 2010 fiscal year, click here.

To see a list of generous supporters from our 2009 fiscal year, click here.

To view financial information for the 2010 fiscal year, click here.

To view financial information for the 2009 fiscal year, click here.

View a PDF of this report

MusiCares Offices

The MusiCares Foundation Community Services Report is published by: MusiCares® Foundation

©2010 MusiCares Foundation

Contents may not be reprinted without express written permission. The GRAMMY Foundation®, MusiCares®, GRAMMY®, and The Recording Academy® and their respective logos are registered trademarks and service marks.

Unless otherwise noted, photos courtesy of The Recording Academy, photographed by WireImage.com.