Social Distance Sounds: Elton John to headline benefit concert; Michael Ubaldini responds to 'Quarantine Blues'; Rock & Roll Hall of Fame connects online

My inbox has been filled up with news related to artists helping health care officials and those impacted by the global coronavirus outbreak. Here are a few I wanted to share and I'll continue to post others in the days ahead...Robert Kinsler

Tim McGraw will perform as part of iHeart Living Room Concert.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist Elton John will headline a benefit concert on Fox this Sunday night, March 29 to assist with efforts related to the coronavirus pandemic. Other artists scheduled to perform include country music superstar Tim McGraw, hitmakers The Backstreet Boys and rising artist Billie Eilish. "Fox Presents the iHeart Living Room Concert for America" will also feature Alicia Keys and several other favorites. The hour-long event will be held beginning at 9 p.m. (Eastern Time). Feeding America and First Responders Children’s Foundation are the charities to benefit from the benefit concert. For more information, see the Variety article here.

Michael Ubaldini / Photo credit: Jesse Navarro

One of my favorite artists, singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini, is bringing a series of song-centered live-streamed concert showcases to his Facebook page. The Southern California-based artist has released a number of fantastic albums. Like Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young, Ubaldini is that rare artist able to unleash forceful rockers and affecting Americana ballads with equal authority.

The online events are as follows:

'Folk Song Fridays' will be featured every Friday at 7 p.m., (Pacific Time). This showcase will have Ubaldini performing acoustic traditional folk songs (and a few originals) and talking with people online real time. He will be telling the rough history of the traditional songs - some with roots stretching back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

'Outlaws Of Folk Music Series' will be held the first Saturday of each month (Pacific Time). The first 'Outlaws' showcase will kick off on Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. and will featured 3 or 4 different performers.

'Gospel Music Sunday' will come every 2nd Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. (Pacific Time)

For more information, visit Ubaldini's official website here or his Facebook page here.

If you are not a Facebook friend, you can still see the broadcasts on a public page where the aforementioned performances are reposted the same night.

CLEVELAND – While things are on pause, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame continues to engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll. The Rock Hall is helping fans at home stay connected to the Museum and their favorite artists with unique content on rockhall.com and across its social channels on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

• LEARN: For fans of all ages, Rock Hall EDU (rockhall.com/education) delivers FREE engaging lessons, activities and resources that can be incorporated into current learning plans or fun family activities.

• WATCH: The Induction Ceremony vault is now open! Enjoy 34 years of uncut Induction speech and performance footage, archival images and never-before available programs with career-spanning essays written by leading music journalists and educators. 

• LISTEN: Designed to soothe your soul and ease your mind, the Rock Hall’s Spotify channel features playlists such as a mindfulness mix, feel-good (much-needed) distraction mix, and career-defining playlists from the Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Whitney Houston, Prince, and many more.   

• EXPLORE: The Museum may be temporarily closed, but you can still take a virtual curated tour. Visit rockhall.com/your-tour to choose from “Women Who Rock,” “Play It Loud: The Instruments of Rock & Roll Highlights,” or “Staff Picks” to see artifacts and exhibits up close. 

• JAM: Music has the power to bring us together, even when we can’t play in the same space. Check out Inductee interviews from inside The Garage exhibit and share your own home jam space performances on social using #rockhallgarage. 

• SHOP: With the Rock Hall’s collection of office décor and accessories, barware and kitchen items available on rockhallstore.com you can bring that rock star vibe into your own home or send as a gift. 

• PRESERVE: Busy cleaning? Keep an eye out for photos, recordings, and other materials to be potentially added to the Rock Hall’s NEO Sound initiative. Of interest are self-recorded films and videos of Northeast Ohio musicians, national acts featured at local venues, or major historical music events.  

• SUPPORT: Help us deliver on our mission by becoming a Member or Donor Circle supporter! Donors and Members enjoy a variety of benefits including exclusive news, pre-sales, and more.

Ways to engage with the Rock Hall can be found at rockhall.com/explore-online. Regular updates on the Rock Hall’s temporarily closure is also available at rockhall.com/coronavirus and its social media channels.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 

Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through exhibits, innovative programs and concerts. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall) and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock!