Incubus, Lollapalooza and music entrepreneur Steve Rifkind are among those who will be honored by Music Forward Foundation at its second annual awards brunch on Sunday, Oct. 6 at City Club Los Angeles. Music Forward Foundation is a national non-profit and Live Nation’s charity partner.
The awards brunch will honor these six individuals or organizations:
Incubus will receive the tour award celebrating not only their music but also their philanthropic efforts through the Make Yourself Foundation. That foundation, established in 2003, supports a wide range of causes including sustainability, disaster relief and arts education.
Lollapalooza will receive the festival award for revolutionizing the music festival landscape – growing a small, innovative festival in Chicago’s Grant Park in 1991 that blended genres and introduced multiple stages into a global phenomenon, all while supporting arts education in Chicago public schools through the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund with programs like Immersion Day and the Lollapalooza & Sueños Festival Job Fair.
Rifkind will be presented the executive award by Grammy-winning musician and producer Eric Krasno for his impact on the industry through Loud Records, SRC Records and Spring Sound. Rifkind has been instrumental in the success of such hip-hop acts as Wu-Tang Clan, Remy Ma and Mobb Deep.
BMG will receive the corporate award for its dedication to creating equitable opportunities and supporting the next generation of industry professionals. The company’s innovative approach extends to its partnership with Music Forward, providing paid internships and mentorships to diverse youth since 2020.
Actress, producer and civil rights activist Gina Belafonte and Sankofa.org will be presented the community award by actor Jesse Williams. Founded by Gina’s father, the late Harry Belafonte, Sankofa.org is dedicated to empowering artists to use their voices for meaningful change while addressing social justice issues.
Brooklyn Bowl, co-founded by Peter Shapiro in 2009, will receive the venue award. With locations in Brooklyn, Las Vegas, Nashville and Philadelphia, Brooklyn Bowl has become an institution. The venues are also a leader in sustainability, as the first bowling alley in the world to achieve L.E.E.D. certification, utilizing wind-powered lights and incorporating recycled materials.
The catered brunch will feature live performances.
The charity’s second annual golf classic is set for Monday, Oct. 7 at El Caballero County Club in Tarzana, Calif. Meals, cocktails, activations and gifting will be provided by local vendors. For more information, visit musicforwardfoundation.org.
Last year’s inaugural events raised more than $350,000 for programs empowering youth in the music industry.
Over more than 30 years, Music Forward Foundation has sought to transform young lives, inspire careers and champion a more inclusive music industry. To date, the organization has served over one million young people and provided more than $42 million in scholarships, workforce opportunities, relief funds and more.
