Archived // Cover Story
Band Aid:
Meet “The Band From TV”
By: Maryam Mimi Makabi
By: Maryam Mimi Makabi
The ball got rolling even further after Grunberg hooked up with James Denton and Bob Guiney. Originally a musician, Guiney has a soulful voice and has previously recorded several albums. James Denton, the heartthrob actor who plays “Mike,” the apple of Teri Hatcher’s eye on (Desperate Housewives), can work a guitar with the best of them. When Bonnie Sommerville came on board with her rich vocals, “Band From TV” and Generosity Records was up and running.
“The concept is simple—I wanted to create a forum where a vast array of entertainers could live the dream of [performing music] on stage, knowing the fruits of their labor would benefit charities across the globe. The business model is designed to allow me to create much larger donations to charities than I could make personally, by inventing a product that I believe will generate far in excess of its cost,” explains Benjamin.
Each of the celebs making up “Band From TV” has a charity close to their heart and no one more so than Greg Grunberg, who jams for the benefit of The Epilepsy Foundation. "My oldest son has epilepsy and I saw this band as a wonderful vehicle to help raise money for the National Epilepsy Foundation," states Grunberg. "Having band mates who also happen to be in some of the most popular shows on television creates an amazing opportunity to really reach out to our fans to help support these wonderful causes.” Grunberg also emphasized that people with epilepsy are not "epileptics”—meaning they are not defined by their disease. He shares, "People with Epilepsy can not only live ordinary lives—but extraordinary ones."
Since 1968, The Epilepsy Foundation has led the fight to ensure that people with epilepsy are able to participate in all life experiences. Ken Lowenberg, Senior Director of Communications at The Epilepsy Foundation, along with Jane Berliner at Save The Children, has been instrumental to Benjamin in terms of redefining this unique concept of philanthropy. In essence, the work being done to accumulate funds is equally, if not more important, than the actual check itself.
Guiney sings for The Art of Elysium, whose official website is emblazoned with a quote from St Francis: “It is in giving in which we receive.” This nonprofit founded in 1997, encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions. Guiney became involved three years ago after attending an art auction by the charity. It's his goal to "become more hands on, and get to personally develop relationships with several of the children it benefits."
Sommerville croons for CAAP, (Child Abuse Prevention Program), as well as NCADV (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). CAAP has taught over 300,000 New York City school children that they have a fundamental right of safety. NCADV has a 24/7 crisis helpline ensuring that anyone in danger can get help by picking up the phone.
Denton’s charity of choice is Donate Life. Spearheaded by Annie Aft, its mission is to educate the public about the vital importance of organ donation. The advances made in the industry are astounding, and education at a grass routes level is vital in determining the great choice one has in contributing to preserving life after one's own has expired.
Laurie’s vocal talents benefit Save the Children. Created in a small room in New York City in 1932, a group of concerned citizens looking to alleviate other’s misfortune, fostered the beginnings of what is now one the most well known charitable organizations in the world.
On sale now at Amazon.com, (and throughout the U.S. wherever great music is sold,) the premium two disc DVD/CD entitled “Hoggin All The Covers,” is an ideal gift for the holiday season. Knowing that 100% of the band proceeds will go to those who need it most, you can also rest assured that any music lover will appreciate these timeless songs.
The 13 track album includes such classics as “Piece of My Heart,” “Mustang Sally,” “Pink Cadillac,” “Shake a Tail Feather,” and a glorious rendition of “Lean On Me.” Filmed in High Definition with over 14 cameras, the accompanying DVD transports you to “Band From TV”’s thrilling LA concert. You’ll get to experience bonus behind the scenes clips with your favorite TV stars, as well as a collector’s production book of celebrity photographs.
Far from the traditional fundraisers and charity galas, Benjamin has truly succeeded in applying his acute knowledge of business and transforming his time honored ideals not for corporate gain, but for charitable good. He concludes, “It is my sincere goal to forge an example that other entrepreneurs will adopt with their respective businesses. It’s very simple; we cannot stand back and hope that all that ails the world cures itself.”
photo credits for all images: Brian Kramer
1. Kurt A. Benjamin (Generosity Records)
2. choose 2 more of the band from the ones I sent you that look the best
“The concept is simple—I wanted to create a forum where a vast array of entertainers could live the dream of [performing music] on stage, knowing the fruits of their labor would benefit charities across the globe. The business model is designed to allow me to create much larger donations to charities than I could make personally, by inventing a product that I believe will generate far in excess of its cost,” explains Benjamin.
Each of the celebs making up “Band From TV” has a charity close to their heart and no one more so than Greg Grunberg, who jams for the benefit of The Epilepsy Foundation. "My oldest son has epilepsy and I saw this band as a wonderful vehicle to help raise money for the National Epilepsy Foundation," states Grunberg. "Having band mates who also happen to be in some of the most popular shows on television creates an amazing opportunity to really reach out to our fans to help support these wonderful causes.” Grunberg also emphasized that people with epilepsy are not "epileptics”—meaning they are not defined by their disease. He shares, "People with Epilepsy can not only live ordinary lives—but extraordinary ones."
Since 1968, The Epilepsy Foundation has led the fight to ensure that people with epilepsy are able to participate in all life experiences. Ken Lowenberg, Senior Director of Communications at The Epilepsy Foundation, along with Jane Berliner at Save The Children, has been instrumental to Benjamin in terms of redefining this unique concept of philanthropy. In essence, the work being done to accumulate funds is equally, if not more important, than the actual check itself.
Guiney sings for The Art of Elysium, whose official website is emblazoned with a quote from St Francis: “It is in giving in which we receive.” This nonprofit founded in 1997, encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions. Guiney became involved three years ago after attending an art auction by the charity. It's his goal to "become more hands on, and get to personally develop relationships with several of the children it benefits."
Sommerville croons for CAAP, (Child Abuse Prevention Program), as well as NCADV (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). CAAP has taught over 300,000 New York City school children that they have a fundamental right of safety. NCADV has a 24/7 crisis helpline ensuring that anyone in danger can get help by picking up the phone.
Denton’s charity of choice is Donate Life. Spearheaded by Annie Aft, its mission is to educate the public about the vital importance of organ donation. The advances made in the industry are astounding, and education at a grass routes level is vital in determining the great choice one has in contributing to preserving life after one's own has expired.
Laurie’s vocal talents benefit Save the Children. Created in a small room in New York City in 1932, a group of concerned citizens looking to alleviate other’s misfortune, fostered the beginnings of what is now one the most well known charitable organizations in the world.
On sale now at Amazon.com, (and throughout the U.S. wherever great music is sold,) the premium two disc DVD/CD entitled “Hoggin All The Covers,” is an ideal gift for the holiday season. Knowing that 100% of the band proceeds will go to those who need it most, you can also rest assured that any music lover will appreciate these timeless songs.
The 13 track album includes such classics as “Piece of My Heart,” “Mustang Sally,” “Pink Cadillac,” “Shake a Tail Feather,” and a glorious rendition of “Lean On Me.” Filmed in High Definition with over 14 cameras, the accompanying DVD transports you to “Band From TV”’s thrilling LA concert. You’ll get to experience bonus behind the scenes clips with your favorite TV stars, as well as a collector’s production book of celebrity photographs.
Far from the traditional fundraisers and charity galas, Benjamin has truly succeeded in applying his acute knowledge of business and transforming his time honored ideals not for corporate gain, but for charitable good. He concludes, “It is my sincere goal to forge an example that other entrepreneurs will adopt with their respective businesses. It’s very simple; we cannot stand back and hope that all that ails the world cures itself.”
photo credits for all images: Brian Kramer
1. Kurt A. Benjamin (Generosity Records)
2. choose 2 more of the band from the ones I sent you that look the best
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9606 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD | THIRD FLOOR | BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA 90210
CONTACT@CELEBRITYSOCIETY.COM | 310.859.6654