(CelebrityAccess News Service) – Barry Bergman, founder and president of the Music Managers Forum-US, will be honored October 24 with a reception at the United Nations in honor of the MMF's 10th anniversary as the leading organization championing artists' rights. October 24 is also United Nations Day.
"If I've learned anything throughout my 10 years with MMF it's that this business is not about me. It's about all the creative people who make the music," Bergman told CelebrityAccess. Without them we couldn't earn a living."
The event is being sponsored by the MMF-US in association with AURA, BMI, The Recording Academy and Sound Exchange in conjunction with the CMJ Music Marathon.
Bergman was profiled on CelebrityAccess/Encore the week of March 14, 2003.–Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
Celine Dion to Receive ELLA Award
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Grammy-winning singer Celine Dion will be presented with the Society of Singers' 13th annual ELLA Award.
The entertainer, who has a long-standing contract to perform at Caesars Palace hotel-casino, will receive the award during a June 2004 ceremony in Beverly Hills, Calif., Society of Singers President and chief executive officer Jerry F. Sharell said Wednesday.
The award, named after its first recipient, Ella Fitzgerald, goes to singers whose contributions to the music world are equaled by their dedication to humanitarian causes and community support.
"It's a great honor to receive this award named after Ella Fitzgerald, one of my favorite singers and performers," Dion said.
Her show, "A New Day," has played to sold-out crowds at the Las Vegas Strip hotel-casino since opening in March.
Previous recipients include Julie Andrews, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and Peggy Lee.
——
On the Net:
Wayne Newton to Receive Service Award
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Singer Wayne Newton will receive the Bob Hope lifetime service award at the upcoming Las Vegas Comedy Festival for his efforts entertaining U.S. military personnel.
The festival will run Oct. 29-Nov. 2 at the Stardust Resort and Casino, where Newton is the resident headliner. The Smothers Brothers, the Improv's Budd Friedman and comedian Rita Rudner also will be honored.
Newton took over Hope's USO duties two years ago as celebrity figurehead on tours.
"Wayne Newton has brought a lot of smiles and laughter to Las Vegas for the last 40 years. It's great he's being honored for his work entertaining our troops overseas. I'm sure Bob Hope would be smiling knowing his legacy continues," Stardust spokesman Rob Stillwell said Wednesday.
Tom and Dick Smothers will receive a career achievement award, Friedman will be honored with the Steve Allen Pioneer of Comedy Award and Rudner, a headliner at the Strip's New York-New York gambling resort, will receive the comedian of the year award, presented by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
——
On the Net:
http://www.lasvegascomedyfestival.com
