S/A? Studio Print
A limited number of 100 top-quality Giclée prints (18” x 24”) depicting Todd Rundgren in his studio were offered for sale, with all proceeds to benefit Todd Rundgren’s Spirit of Harmony Foundation. Mouse pads were also created with the same design.
The prints were made from the original artwork of renowned Arizona artist Jim Covarrubias (the original is acrylic on canvas, 24” x 36”) being the artist’s rendition of the photograph found on the inside of Todd Rundgren’s “Something/Anything?” album cover. Special note is given to Rhino Entertainment Company which graciously consented to the production and distribution of the prints.
Dan Blue of Glendale, Arizona (who commissioned and owns the original artwork) made these prints available for sale through the Spirit of Harmony Foundation’s website.
Record Store Day
RECORD STORE DAY 2023 AND MARSHALL HEADPHONES & SPEAKERS TEAM UP TO SUPPORT TODD RUNDGREN’S SPIRIT OF HARMONY FOUNDATION AND CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CLASSIC ALBUM, A WIZARD, a TRUE STAR
Record Store Day has worked hard over its 16 year tenure to support some of the most impactful charities and social initiatives on radar. Today, in conjunction with Marshall Headphones & Speakers, Record Store Day announces a donation to Todd Rundgren’s Spirit of Harmony Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to emphasize the moral imperative of music education.
Rundgren’s classic album A Wizard, a True Star sees a special 50th Anniversary release on April 22 as part of Record Store Day, the celebration of independent record stores. US organizers have pledged to donate $1 per copy sold of the stunningly beautiful reissue at US record stores that weekend to the Spirit of Harmony Foundation, combined with a generous donation from Marshall Headphones & Speakers.
For entire news release, please click here.
Concerts and Shows
Todd Tribute Concert in the Boston area, POSTPONED
The Road To Utopia, a tribute to Todd Rundgren with The Gary Backstrom Band, featuring Greg Hawkes from The Cars. This is a Special Concert to Benefit Todd Rundgren’s Spirit of Harmony Foundation and Music Education Advocacy. Please click here for tickets.
The Gary Backstrom Band is a high energy, original, innovative act featuring the infectious licks and songwriting of nationally recognized guitarist and music educator Gary Backstrom. The band’s music features clever, hook-filled songwriting and arrangements with intense interaction among the musicians. The band’s unique sound is exciting, unpredictable improvisation that can only be heard in the best live acts on the scene today. Gary Backstrom Band members: Gary Backstrom, Kit Holliday, Kevin Silvia, Chris Nemitz, John Vanderpool, Everett Pendleton, Peter Koeplin.
HARRINGTON SISTERS:
Our dear friend from the University of Notre Dame, Brigid Harrington and her sister Shannon, perform regularly during breaks at a cafe in New Jersey. With tips collected for the Spirit of Harmony’s music education advocacy.
TRAVELER:
“Music is the Traveler crossing our world, meeting so many people, bridging the seas.” Traveler has been doing benefit concerts for the Spirit of Harmony and local music programs several times each year for the past three years. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Traveler concerts celebrate “Classic/Conscious Rock” and shine a bright spotlight on the importance of music education for children. Thank you, Traveler!
COWBOY JACK:
Many thanks for the great support of Cowboy Jackie and the Rock n’ Soul All-Star Revue. Cowboy Jackie’s performances at the Elbo Room in Chicago collect instruments and funds for the Spirit of Harmony, and raise awareness about the importance of music education for children. THANKS for your great advocacy work!
FOAMY Commemorative Print
To mark Todd Rundgren’s 70th birthday year, professional photographer Ronnie Temple offered a limited edition of 70 life size prints of Todd’s favorite guitar “Foamy.”
Ronnie photographed Foamy using a process that was simultaneously lifelike and beautiful. For stories and photos and more information about this wonderful print, please click here.
Michael Morrison, Artist
Artist and Todd fan Michael Todd Morrison has taken on an incredible project: He is creating a painting for each and every one of Todd’s songs. He has named this collection the Spirit of Harmony Series, and all proceeds from artwork in this series are contributed to the Foundation.
For 37 years Raleigh-based artist Morrison has been creating acrylic works on canvas, gesso board, and other surfaces focused on landscapes and abstracts using bright colors as well as photographic works that depict his passion for travel, sustainability, the environment, horticulture, and philanthropy. He won first place in the USDA’s Art and Agriculture competition the past three years and his art was selected for 100 Raleigh-area buses as part of the Art on the Move contest.
Michael has been showing his paintings in galleries and exhibitions around the country, including the USDA Gallery in Washington, DC, Art Basel in Miami, and ArtPrize at Harmony Hall in Grand Rapids, MI, spreading the word about Music Education Advocacy.
On December 7, 2016, Michael was bestowed the Abraham Lincoln Honor Award: President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama.
His volunteer service exceeded 500 hours last year which included his volunteer efforts for several non profit foundations which included Clayton Visual Arts, Spirit of Harmony Foundation, Hearts of Color, Cancer Foundations, the USDA food drive, and many others.
Bangin’ Drums
The Quaker Steak & Lube (http://thelube.com) national restaurant chain promoted “Bangin’ Drums 4 Music Education!” July 29-September 30, 2017. Here is more information.
Commemorative Gold Album
A special limited edition of an authentic commemorative Gold Record award helped raise funds and awareness for the Spirit of Harmony Foundation. Each Award was personalized with the supporter’s name. Please click here for more information.
88+ Ways Music Can Change Your Life
Authors Vincent James and Joann Pierdomenico designated the Spirit of Harmony Foundation as one of the beneficiaries for the proceeds from the sale of this wonderful book.
88+ Ways is filled with over 150 inspirational stories & quotes from musicians, music educators and music lovers from all over the world. Included are a number of stories from Grammy winning and Platinum selling artists & composers. Recording artist and songwriting contributors include Bobby Kimball (Toto), Simon Kirke (Bad Company), Vanessa Carlton, Siedah Garrett (Michael Jackson), Rick Wakeman (Yes), Rob Parissi (Wild Cherry/Play That Funky Music), Rob Hyman & Eric Bazilian (The Hooters), Billy Steinberg (Madonna), Bill Champlin (Chicago), Mark King (Level 42), Bobby Hart (Monkees), Ciaran Gribbin (INXS), Rose Kingsley (Metropolitan Opera Singer & Ballerina) & Grammy winning Children’s artist The Battersby Duo. Film and TV actresses contributing stories include Audrey Landers (Dallas), and Darcy Donavan (Anchorman, My Name is Earl). TV/Film/DVD producers & composers contributing include Fred Mollin (Friday the 13th, Hard Copy, Beyond Reality), Michel Rubini (Nemisis, The Hitchhiker, Tales from the Crypt), Jay Gruska (Cocoon-Movie, Supernatural-TV, Charmed-TV), Sara Flatow (Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Scandal) 50% of the proceeds from all book & ebook sales will be donated to foundations providing music instruments and lessons to schools and communities in need.