Swift guitar, Eminem shoes among items in charity auction

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. acoustic / əˈku stɪk / (adj.) – referring to a musical instrument that’s not made louder by electrical equipment
    Example:

    We watched an acoustic concert last week.


  2. ensemble / ɑnˈsɑm bəl / (n.) – a group of things intended to be used together
    Example:

    My aunt wore an expensive ensemble of designer brands.


  3. auction / ˈɔk ʃən / (v.) – to sell something in a public sale where buyers compete in making the highest offer
    Example:

    A famous rock band auctioned some of their instruments.


  4. draw / drɔ / (v.) – to attract attention or interest
    Example:

    It’s easy for the speaker to draw his audience’s interest.


  5. garner / ˈgɑr nər / (v.) – to get or collect something, usually with difficulty
    Example:

    This book garnered a lot of positive ratings and reviews.


Article

Read the text below.

Taylor Swift’s acoustic guitar, Eminem’s signed tennis shoes, and an ensemble worn by a BTS member were among the items auctioned for charity on Feb. 5.


Julien’s Auctions said the memorabilia from some of the most popular music performers were auctioned at the MusiCares Charity Relief Auction.


All proceeds from the event following the Grammy Awards ceremony were given to MusiCares, an organization dedicated to helping musicians in times of financial and medical crisis.


A signed Epiphone acoustic guitar that appeared on Swift’s 2020 “evermore” album artwork was predicted to draw between $5,000 and $10,000. Eminem wrote the words “Shady” on a white pair of Nike Air Max which was expected to go up to $3,000. A black utility-style jumpsuit and buckle belt worn by BTS’s J-Hope during a photo shoot for his debut solo album “Jack In the Box” were expected to garner up to $4,000.


Snoop Dogg and his son, Cordell, donated sound systems signed by both, along with a special NFT.


Joni Mitchell had several items auctioned including a signed print of her original oil painting of Jimi Hendrix. Another painting on the auction block came from former Van Halen lead singer David Lee Roth, a signed acrylic on canvas called “Dark Ocean.”


Olivia Rodrigo’s custom-made “Chopova Lowena” 2022 Glastonbury Festival ensemble and Katy Perry’s 2019 FIFA Live Performance were also auctioned.


The rest of the items that were auctioned came from a wide range of entertainers including Barbra Streisand, Daft Punk, Jimmy Buffet, Ozzy Osbourne, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and Jon Batiste.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Some of the items auctioned were Taylor Swift’s guitar, Eminem’s signed tennis shoes, J-Hope’s clothes, and several paintings by different musicians. Which item in the auction would you have bid for? Why? Discuss.
  • What memorabilia from a celebrity in your country would you consider buying? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • MusiCares is dedicated to helping musicians in times of financial and medical crisis. In what other aspects do you think the organization should help people in the music industry (ex. training of musicians, retirement)? Why? Discuss.
  • MusiCares’ mission is to help the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world. Do you agree that music does this? Why or why not? Discuss.