Miscellaneous - MusiCares

  by Lisa Torem

published: 1 / 12 / 2009

intro

Our Website of the Month is Musicares, a charitable site which provides help and information for musicians in financial, personal or medical difficulties

Where can a musician turn to when a financial, personal or medical crisis occurs? The website ''MusiCares' www.grammy.com/MusiCares provides information regarding obtaining information services and resources for such musicians. Started in 1989, the organization - which works as a charitable arm of the Recording Academy (The National Academy of Arts and Sciences is the umbrella organization which presents the 'Grammy Awards) - has addressed setbacks (affecting musical careers) such as drug addiction by providing online Addiction Recovery videos. Past efforts have included: acquiring money and care for musicians affected by natural disasters, such as hurricane relief (2005)and facilitating auditory health by providing hearing tests in coordination with the 'Starkey Hearing Foundation.' But, the foundation funds ongoing services as well and uses its resources to identify setbacks affecting the music community at large. In addition, each year a famous musician who has made a significant contribution to the industry and who has also been active in philanthropy is honoured - Neil Young will be the 2010 recipient. Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond and Luciano Pavarotti are just a few luminaries who have been bestowed with this award since the organization's beginnings.