The National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund have united for a very special charity auction. All proceeds raised will go to costs associated NITO’s continued advocacy efforts involving federal and state ticketing legislation, transparency and reform from Performance Rights Organizations, AM/FM performance royalties, international artist visa reform, the creation of healthy and sustainable live and recorded music spaces, and more. Hosted by Charitybuzz, the world’s leading impact marketplace, the NITO x Sweet Relief charity auction runs October 8–22 exclusively HERE.
The NITO x Sweet Relief charity auction will feature a wide variety of signed instruments and rare memorabilia from some of music’s biggest stars and greatest legends. Among the catalog’s highlights include:
· A drumhead signed by Ringo Starr
· A Takamine acoustic guitar signed by all current members of Eagles (including Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Vince Gill, and Deacon Frey)
· A signed 2009 ESP black Firebird from the personal collection of Metallica’s James Hetfield (accompanied by a handwritten note from Hetfield)
· A commemorative Weathervanes Epiphone guitar signed by Jason Isbell
· A mandolin signed earlier this year at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival by bluegrass icons Ronnie McCoury, Sierra Hull, and Sam Bush
· A Fender Squier Stratocaster signed by members of Styx (including James “J.Y.” Young, Chuck Panozzo, Tommy Shaw, Todd Sucherman, Lawrence Gowan, Will Evankovich, and Terry Gowan)
· A Martin acoustic guitar signed by a who’s who of Americana legends including Sierra Hull, Sam Bush, Rob McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Del McCoury, Alison Krauss, Oliver Wood, Jano Rix, Chris Wood, Jerry Douglas, Ron Block, Barry Bales, Russell Moore, Bob Carpenter, Jimmy Fadden, and Jeff Hanna
· A Fender Stratocaster signed by Bonnie Raitt
· A Fender Stories Collection Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster signed by Campbell
· A Gibson Derek Trucks Signature SG signed by Trucks
· A Susan Tedeschi Signature Model Fender Telecaster signed by Tedeschi
· A Joe Satriani Signature Model Ibanez JS signed by Satriani
· A Steve Vai Signature Model Ibanez signed by Vai
· A banjo signed by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
· A cymbal signed by famed jazz drummer Harvey Mason
· A drumhead signed by members of Def Leppard
· Guitars signed by Pat Metheny, Suzanne Vega, and Sublime
“We are thrilled to partner with Sweet Relief on this upcoming auction,” says NITO Executive Director Nathaniel Marro. “NITO has always been about supporting our artists first and foremost, so joining forces with Sweet Relief was a no-brainer. We want to thank all these amazing artists who have donated their time and instruments to this auction. The funds will be going to two great organizations pushing for a healthier music industry for everyone.”
“We’re grateful to the good folks at NITO for including us in this auction; our missions align perfectly as we both exist to serve the music industry,” says Sweet Relief Executive Director Aric Steinberg. “As always, thank you to the artists who are participating and thanks again to NITO for partnering with us to help provide a safety net for physical and mental health care for all.”
ABOUT THE NATIONAL INDEPENDENT TALENT ORGANIZATION (NITO):
The National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) is a 501(c)(6) trade organization representing hundreds of independent talent agencies and managers nationwide. NITO members represent over 5,000 touring artists performing in every state. NITO provides exclusive resources and benefits while cultivating a community with the free exchange of ideas and best practices for our members. The organization’s work advances a fairer and more equitable live and recorded music environment, ensuring that NITO is a leading voice in the decisions affecting our industry. For more, please visit nitolive.org.
ABOUT SWEET RELIEF MUSICIANS FUND:
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity providing services and financial assistance for career musicians and music industry professionals. Grants are earmarked for medical and vital living expenses, including insurance premiums, prescriptions, medical treatment and operative procedures, housing costs, food costs, utilities, and other basic necessities. For more information or to make a donation, please visit sweetrelief.org.
