Music Heals International (MHI) whose global mission brings music and musicians to children in need to rebuild communities and inspire resilience and creativity, has announced the first-ever annual recipient for the MHI Rob Wasserman Memorial Ambassador Award in partnership with Gibson Gives, the philanthropic division of Gibson, the iconic global instrument brand. MHI is honored to recognize acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Lukas Nelson whose commitment to music and its healing power beautifully reflects the spirit of this award at this inaugural event. This one-night-only, intimate event features a special live music performance from Lukas Nelson and Friends, including Paul Beaubrun from Arcade Fire, and more, on Wednesday, June 18 from 7:00pm-9:30pm at the Gibson Garage Nashville located at 209 10th Ave S, Suite 209 in downtown Nashville, TN. All proceeds from the event will benefit Music Heals International; tickets for the Lukas Nelson event are limited and on sale now HERE.
“Music Heals International is proud to honor Lukas for his incredible contributions to our work and mission over the past decade by presenting him with the first-ever Rob Wasserman Memorial Ambassador Award, alongside our wonderful partner, Gibson Gives” says Sara Wasserman, Founder and Executive Director, MHI. “This award is especially meaningful-not only does it celebrate Lukas as an extraordinary artist and musician whose gifts uplift the world, but it also honors the enduring legacy of my father, which continues to live on through the work of MHI.”
“Gibson Gives is proud to support the remarkable programs and mission of Music Heals International,” adds Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director of Gibson Gives. “We are especially excited to honor Gibson artist, Lukas Nelson with the inaugural Rob Wasserman Memorial Ambassador Award at our Gibson Garage in Nashville--celebrating not only his artistry, but the profound impact he and Music Heals International continue to make through the power of music.”
Following Haiti’s devastating earthquake songwriter in 2010, Music Heals International Founder and Executive Director, Sara Wasserman began volunteering in the country through J/P Haitian Relief Organization, now CORE -. After seeing the unmistakable impact of music as a tool to help children cope and find joy after this traumatic uprooting, Sara started Music Heals International as a way to bring music education to the children of Delmas 32 and communities beyond.
As a singer, recording artist, and producer, music has always been an important part of Sara Wasserman’s life. The daughter of GRAMMY®-winning bassist Rob Wasserman, she first began performing on tour with her father and Bob Weir’s band, RatDog. This was followed by solo tours of the U.S. and Europe and the release of her debut album Solid Ground, which featured collaborations with Aaron Neville, Lou Reed, Christian McBride, Stephen Perkins, Bob Weir and Rob Wasserman. Sara joined the Board of Directors of the Peruvian children’s orphanage Casa de Milagros in 2007 and produced a series of fundraising concerts, featuring many of the artists with whom she has collaborated. She also served on the host committee in 2013 and 2014 for Sean Penn & Friends Help Haiti Home Gala. Her passion for music and helping children build better lives led her to volunteer in Haiti with J/P Haitian Relief Organization (J/P HRO) in 2012 and ultimately launch Music Heals International in partnership with CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), and Music Will.
The leading global guitar brand, Gibson continues to shape the sounds of generations of musicians across the globe. Gibson supports the global music community through its philanthropic division, Gibson Gives. The mission of Gibson Gives is to support non-profit organizations worldwide in their efforts to advance musicians, youth-focused education, music, and health and wellness initiatives. 100% of donations to Gibson Gives go towards giving the gift of music.
All proceeds from the event will benefit Music Heals International; tickets for the Lukas Nelson event are limited and on sale now HERE.
GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Lukas Nelson has become one of the most respected voices in music today. Poised for a landmark year, Nelson will release his anticipated new album, American Romance, on June 20— his first solo project and first in partnership with Sony Music Nashville. Produced by GRAMMY Award-winner Shooter Jennings (Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker), American Romance cements Nelson as a singular artist, as he showcases his songwriting dexterity and country-blended sound in a way that feels both familiar and new.
Throughout his esteemed career, Nelson has also established himself as a highly sought-after collaborator both in the studio and on the stage, having recently joined forces with The Travelin’ McCourys, to arrange and perform a bluegrass-inspired rendition of Adele’s iconic hit, “Someone Like You,” which featured Sierra Ferrell. Teaming up with rising stars and music veterans alike, Nelson has also worked with Lainey Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Ernest, Miranda Lambert/Pistol Annies and more. He also recently performed at the MusiCares 2025 Person of the Year Gala, where he honored the Grateful Dead by performing “It Must Have Been the Roses” with Ferrell.
Known for his captivating live performances, Nelson has sold out countless headline shows and been featured at renowned festivals such as Stagecoach, Ohana Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, and Farm Aid, in addition to multiple appearances on late night shows including Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Additionally, Nelson co-produced the music for the acclaimed 2018 film A Star is Born, in which he also appeared. The soundtrack won a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and a BAFTA Award for Best Original Music.
Pre-order American Romance, the new album from Lukas Nelson, out June 20 on Sony Music Nashville: HERE.
