The David Lynch Foundation is bringing you music that changes the world with our new initiative—DLF MUSIC. We’ve partnered with PledgeMusic to raise funds for DLF with the release of exclusive tracks from a star-studded line-up.
By joining in on our PledgeMusic Campaign you will enjoy an insider’s preview of exclusive, never-before-heard tracks from leading recording artists who have donated their music to the David Lynch Foundation. Pledge to participate and all proceeds go to support the good works of the Foundation.
Pledgers not only gain access to great music tracks from our first 17 participating artists…but will also get exclusive video, photo, & blog updates giving you a glimpse into the artist’s lives and experiences.
Ever think you’d make a good-looking robot? Well today you can test your theory! The Google Creative Lab just unleashed their Androidify app on Android Market at the Mobile World Congress today. Starting with the standard green guy that we all know and love as a template, you can customize all the way down to a pair of nifty new kickers. Add clothes, facial hair, make him short and fat, tall and thin, or even add some super-stylish facial hair. A lovable Android to call your very own.
Why does an iPhone loving girl like myself take interest all of a sudden in an Android app? Because this newest trending sensation is the brain child of the very talented Jonathan Jarvis from the Google Creative Lab. Congratulations to the Androdify team for an incredible success with over 50,000 downloads in the first few hours.
Make sure to check-out the Androidify website, or the Android Market to download the app, and get creating. If you need some inspiration check out the video below.
If you like the app, send a tweet to @JonathanJarvis and let him know!
I have a confession: I could watch English comedian, actor, and author Russell Brand speak all day long… He’s witty, honest, brilliant and a very genuine person.
Over the past 20 months, Russell has shown his deep support for the David Lynch Foundation and our programs. Even as his fame has sky-rocketed in the last two years, he has managed to stay personable, down-to-earth, and available to help with some of our biggest initiatives.
Last month, Russell took part in our press conference launching Operation Warrior Wellness—an initiative to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) learn to meditate. He described how the Transcendental Meditation program helped him change his lifestyle and experience a “deeper state of happiness which is very profound and absolute.”
Below is a video of Russell’s talk at our press conference. I thought I was a fan of Russell’s before, but his continued support with our programs has made me grow to love him so much more!
You can watch more highlights from the whole press conference below.
“Peace is tapping into something that exists in all of us and makes us unique, and that helps us to be pure.”
It was an absolute pleasure having the inimitable Sheryl Crow at the Change Begins Within concert last year at Radio City Music Hall. Her nine Grammy Awards speak for what a remarkable musician, singer/songwriter she is. But more than that, she is someone who takes giving very seriously, and promotes peace in so many amazing ways. I’ve looked up to this strong woman for a long time, as she is a shining role model of grace, compassion, and talent.
When we interviewed Sheryl Crow, I saw yet another reason for admiration: her deep desire to change the world. Sheryl described the event as one of the “most important events to happen at this moment in history.” She sees that children are growing up with an immense amount of chaos and stress, which they must deal with every day, and which they often externalize in destructive ways. Practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique gives them the tools to process and release these negative influences.
I like the way Sheryl Crow describes peace, not so much as a lack of strife, but as something deeper within all of us: “Peace is tapping into something that exists in all of us and makes us unique, and that helps us to be pure.”
View our interview with Sheryl Crow by clicking the video below:
The meditation-based rehabilitation program offered by the David Lynch Foundation has been utilized in dozens of prisons throughout the US and worldwide during the past 30 years. Research on meditating inmates at San Quentin and Folsom prisons in California and Walpole Prison in Massachusetts has found TM practice markedly reduces rule infractions and dramatically reduces recidivism rates by as much as 50 percent.
Bob Roth and several members of the DLF.TV crew documented the early stages of the research program inside a prison in the pacific northwest. This five-minute documentary shows how the effects of Transcendental Meditation are transforming the lives of inmates, guards, and staff of a medium-security prison in Oregon.
Here are the facts, according to the Report of the Reentry Policy Council: Charting the Safe and Successful Return of Prisoners to the Community:
• Two million Americans are serving time in prison
• 50% of the inmates are in for violent crimes
• About 67% of the inmates released from prison are re-arrested within three years of their release
• This recidivism rate has not improved over the past 30 years.
• Prisoners return to society more hardened and more willing to commit crimes than before.
“The basic therapy is love. Love is the imperial medicine for any illness or disorder. When a child feels they are welcome, when a child feels an educator is concerned about them, the child who came from violence and hostility of the streets, from being mistreated and who became aggressive. They change. The child changes.” – Father Gabriel Mejia
It is hard to imagine the horrors that are visited upon thousands of abandoned children living on the streets of the inner cities of Colombia. So what can one man do—through the power of unwavering love, awe-inspiring organizing power, and decades of grit and determination—to transform the lives of these “disposable ones?”
The David Lynch Foundation is proud to present the world premiere of the compelling documentary, “Saving the Disposable Ones,” directed by the BBC award-winning documentarian (and DLF.TV Executive Producer) Stuart Tanner. The full-length 60 minute documentary will be will be screened in select cities following the premiere on April 8, in Fairfield, IA. Based on previous viewings, I am anticipating an overwhelming response to this gut-wrenching yet inspiring video.
This compelling documentary takes you through the heartbreaking streets of inner city Colombia, where Father Gabriel Mejia is transforming the lives of thousands of abandoned children by providing shelter, love and Transcendental Meditation.
Although, the film is not available to see outside of the screenings, DLF.TV is showcasing a 7-minute extended trailer which has had a very similar response. You can watch the trailer and be a part of the conversation here.
ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY:
The film documents the work of Father Gabriel Mejia. Starting in Medellin in the mid-1980’s, Father Gabriel opened the first Center de Hogares Claret: a place where children could come for a good meal and a safe place to sleep. In the late 1980’s, he traveled to the United States where he learned Transcendental Meditation. He knew immediately that he had found the answer to the overwhelming stress the children suffered from living on the streets. As the power of the drug cartels waned, the number of Father Gabriel’s orphan shelters increased. Now, in 2010, there are 47 shelters under Father Gabriel’s direction, which are spread across all of Colombia. His center of operations in Medellin is the former home of Pablo Escobar, the now deceased drug lord.
As Stuart’s film documents, over time an extraordinary transformation in the lives of the children takes place. They are freed from the torments they endured living on the streets, recover from their drug addictions and begin to gain an education.
The David Lynch Foundation has currently provided over 120,000 scholarships around the world including tens of thousands in Latin America. The proceeds from this premiere will go towards the David Lynch Foundation programs in Latin America, including Father Mejia’s Foundation, providing meditation instruction to at-risk populations. The program is offered on a voluntary basis, at no cost to the school or organization.
Feel free to email me if you want to learn more about the David Lynch Foundation Documentary Series. See some of the projects that DLF will be documenting at http://dlfprojects.org.
The show sold out as hundreds lined up to get in...
Last Friday, March 19, Donovan and several talented musicians came together for a unique and memorable evening–a benefit concert for the David Lynch Foundation.
Over 1,000 excited guests packed the historic El Rey Theatre on Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles. Live online streaming of the concert extended the audience to thousands over the web. You can watch the replay of the concert on DLF.TV at http://dlf.tv/2010/donovan-live/.
The evening began with performances by opening bands, Everyboy and Blessed Le Strange. There was an auction for a date with actor (and concert host) Matthew St. Patrick that reached $750, and a video about the David Lynch Foundation and implementing Transcendental Meditation in schools. David Lynch himself introduced Donovan, who appeared on stage around 9:30 PM (Los Angeles time). Donovan opened the concert with his classic Sunshine Superman, backed by the band that would accompany him on most of the songs.
Donovan played several of his well-known hits such as, Wear Your Love Like Heaven, Season of the Witch, and Mellow Yellow. He also played some of his more rare songs such as (my favorite) Yellow Star. Donovan was accompanied by a band and his daughter Astrella Celeste for the majority of his set.
Other artists of the evening included: Jerry Vivino, Scott Healy & Rick Reed (from the Conan O’Brien Late Night Band), Lanny Cordola & Matt Sorum (of Guns n Roses and Velvet Revolver), POE, Amrita Sen, Danny Saber (Black Grape/Alice Cooper), Poe, and Carla Olson (Textones).
The promotion for this event took on a life of its own. We had interview spots on every major radio station in LA including KCRW, Breakfast with the Beatles and 100.3 the Sound. Good Day LA ran a great interview with Donovan and Astrella, and LA blogs had a field day announcing the line-up. See an in-depth interview with Donovan on Huffington Post.
The evening’s hosts, Mathew St. Patrick and Adam Gaynor, led a charity auction in between sets. The items up for bid included a 5-hour private meeting with Donovan, in which he offered to talk on any topic, musical or private, with the winner. The auction began with $2500 and reached $4500. There was another auction for a coffee with David Lynch at his house, which started with $1000 and ended in $2000.
Adam Gaynor (Matchbox 20) and Mathew St. Patrick (Six Feet Under) hosted the evening. Love them!
A luxuirous converted movie theater, the El Rey was a perfect Art-Deco venue filled with Donovan fans of all ages.
The Great Donovan...
Bob Roth showed a video about the Foundation and introduced David Lynch.
David Lynch, Russell Brand (DLF supporter) and Bob Roth backstage discussing their next big idea...
Adrien Daller and Erin Skipper (not pictured) were my absolute heroes during this event. No one sees how much goes on behind the scenes, but these girls give their all and always with a smile.
Russell Brand, The Great Donovan, Emily Lynch (David's wife) and David Lynch.
We are big fans of Russell at DLF.TV (who isn't?). I love when he supports our events!
Photos are credited to Adam Latham. More photos and a replay of the event can be seen on DLF.TV.
UPDATE: APRIL 1, 2010
Lots of press generated from this event–before and after (over 300 articles). Some of the coverage included:
Legendary folk-rock-pop troubadour DONOVAN (“Mellow Yellow,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Epistle to Dippy,” “There is a Mountain,” “Wear Your Love Like Heaven,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” etc.) will headline a benefit concert for the David Lynch Foundation on Friday, March 19 at the El Rey Theater, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., in Los Angeles.
Doors will open at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
“The Beatles and I brought back from India the lost art of meditation. Now with David Lynch, we pass it on to thousands of students world-wide . Join us to help save the world! Change Begins Within!”, Donovan tells us as he prepares for the big night.
Donovan will be joined by his daughter Astrella Celeste and backing band Jerry Vivino, Scott Healy & Mike Merritt (from the Conan O’Brien late night band), Danny Saber (on guitar) with special guests Jack Maness (Sublime), The Global Sound Lodge featuring Lanny Cordola & Matt Sorum (of Guns n Roses, Velvet Revolver, The Cult), Amrita Sen and more TBA.
Mathew St. Patrick, from Six Feet Under, will host the evening performances.
“This will be a unique and heartfelt performance that every music lover will want to experience,” said concert promoter Jason Rothberg.
For information and interviews, contact Heather Hartnett heather@dlf.tv.
* General Admission: $25.00
* VIP Tickets: $110 (includes a meet and greet with Donovan after the show & VIP seating)
Schedule
* 7:30 pm: Doors open
* 8:30 pm: Bruce Nathan (Every Boy) on vox
* 9:00 pm: Blessed the Strange
* 9:35 pm: Jack Maness (Sublime)
* 10:00 pm: Donovan & Friends – Donovan will be joined by daughter, Astrella Celeste, Jerry Vivino, Scott Healy & Rick Reed (from the Conan O’Brien Late Night Band). Throughout Donovan’s set, he will be also be joined by special guests, Lanny Cordola & Matt Sorum (of Guns n Roses and Velvet Revolver), POE, Amrita Sen, Danny Saber (Black Grape/Alice Cooper), Matt Costa, Ruby Friedman, Bob Forrest (Thelonious Monster) and Carla Olson (Textones)
* 11:30 pm: The Paris Escovedo Project
Donovan was one of the few artists to collaborate on songs with Beatles Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison. Donovan has played with folk greats Pete Seeger, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, as well as rock musicians Jimmy Page, Jon Bonham & Jon Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck as well as Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. Recently Donovan completed the successful album “Beat Cafe” as well as a new box set “Try For The Sun: The Journey of Donovan” and a book, “The Autobiography of Donovan: The Hurdy Gurdy Man” (Arrow Books).
Donovan is now heading up the musical wing of the David Lynch Foundation, fulfilling his 40-year interest in Transcendental Meditation. DONOVAN, his wife Linda, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are currently promoting Transcendental Meditation in schools.
Find Donovan on Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, Flickr YouTube and iTunes
The David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace was founded in July 2005 by the award winning filmmaker David Lynch with the immediate goal of teaching one million at-risk youth to meditate. The Foundation has already provided over 100,000 scholarships for students to learn the Transcendental Meditation technique, as well as inmates and guards in prisons, formerly homeless men in re-entry programs, soldiers with PTSD returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and American Indians suffering from diabetes.
About David Lynch Foundation Television (DLF.TV) — http://www.DLF.TV
In April 2009, David Lynch launched David Lynch Foundation Television (DLF.TV): The Online TV Channel, which, in David’s words, “Documents programs that awaken creativity and transform lives.” DLF.TV showcases high quality video content from David Lynch Foundation programs and events, debuts compelling profiles and documentaries, and explores all aspects of creativity.
Find David Lynch Foundation Television on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube
DLF.TV launched our exclusive and personal interview with supermodel Ali Stephens today. Possessing a welcoming beauty and radiating presence, Ali has taken the fashion industry by storm appearing in campaigns for Prada, CK Calvin Klein, Chloe, Gap, Lacoste, Alexander McQueen and Neiman Marcus, just to name a few. Ali is a supporter of the David Lynch Foundation and has been practicing the Transcendental Meditation Technique for over 10 years.
In this interview, Ali talks to DLF.TV about how she was discovered, how meditation is a part of her life, and what it’s like to see herself on the cover of a magazine. Read more about Ali and join the discussion on DLF.TV. If you would like to receive updates when DLF.TV released new videos, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter!
Non-Profit Partners With Leading Mobile Video Delivery Platform to Make Content Accessible on 200+ Million Cell Phones via MMS
LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – February 9, 2010) – David Lynch Foundation Television (DLF.TV), the entertainment branch of the Academy Award-nominated director’s peace and education advocacy non-profit, today announced a partnership with Mogreet — a leader in mobile video marketing — to bring DLF.TV’s video content into the mobile space. DLF.TV’s first mobile video will be a special music montage short, shot and directed by David Lynch, featuring Afghan-American singer Ariana Delawari. The promo is premiering on DLF.TV, in partnership with Flavorpill, on February 2nd, 2010. Shot in the director’s distinctive style, the short shows Delawari dressed in an array of Old Hollywood costumes, singing snippets from a number of songs off of her debut album, Lion of Panjshir, released by Lynch’s own record label. Cell phone users will be able to view the trailer by texting “LYNCH” to 647338.
As mobile messaging has become truly mainstream — more messages are sent/received every day than there are phone calls placed/received — Mogreet takes texting to the next level, namely video. Mogreet’s platform is utilized by leading brands around the United States to communicate with their customers. Most commonly used as a marketing tool by for-profit businesses, the partnership with DLF.TV is Mogreet’s first foray into the non-profit space.
“We are always looking for ways to expand the reach of our video content,” commented Heather Hartnett, Director of Communications, DLF.TV. “Previously, that reach was limited by the bounds of the Internet, so we’re very excited to be going mobile with the Delawari video and reaching interested viewers directly on their cell phones.”
Mogreet’s proprietary mobile video messaging platform is the first of its kind in the US, and has the largest MMS footprint in the country. The company can reach more than 200 million consumer’s handsets, across all major carriers.
“Mogreet’s mobile video marketing has proven its ability as an effective tool for for-profit businesses to reach their consumers directly, but there is a huge potential for non-profits to utilize the service as well,” commented Jay Goss, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mogreet. “We’re very pleased to be partnering with DLF.TV on this first experiment in non-profit mobile video delivery and we hope that it will lead to future mobile video campaigns with DLF.TV and other non-profits.”
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