It's Christmas. You need gifts for the music fans in your life. Plus you're feeling more charitable than usual (stats indicate that charitable donations are up 90 percent from 2012's "Giving Tuesday"). Charitybuzz might have something sitting around that you may be interested in. The benefits: A) They're awesome. B) All sales benefit various charities, so you can feel good about indulging. Music Times looked over what's available and compiled a shortlist of best bets. But be warned, all these auctions are limited time only.
5. The Ultimate Elvis Experience (ending December 12)
Unfortunately for the scores of Elvis fans still out there, Charitybuzz couldn't organize a chance for you to meet the King. You can, however, travel to Memphis for two VIP tours of Graceland (which, trust us, is an excellent experience). Enjoy a few more Elvis-based experiences and then serve as a guest DJ on SiriusXM's Elvis Radio.
CURRENT BID: $950 BENEFITTING: WhyHunger
4. 4 VIP Tickets for Tegan and Sara, Plus 4 Signed Posters
This is the gift option for those who need to shop for a few alternative-rock loving friends/family. First of all, you get four VIP tickets to Tegan and Sara's December 14 show at Capitol Theatre in New York, plus a signed poster for everybody. Take care of all your shopping at once.
CURRENT BID: $250 BENEFITTING: HeadCount
3. Go Surfing with Switchfoot in San Diego
Musicians have lives outside of work too, you know. It's probably not surprising to anyone who listens to Switchfoot that the rockers enjoy surfing. Now you can join them catching waves in San Diego. The good news is that airfare and accommodations will also be covered, so East Coasters need not worry.
CURRENT BID: $1,000 BENEFITTING: WhyHunger
2. Play Ping-Pong with Lady Antebellum in Las Vegas
A select few of the opportunities offered by Charitybuzz go beyond just meeting the stars: They involve performing off-the-wall activities with the stars. Whomever wins this prize will get flown out to Las Vegas to play country act Lady Antebellum in...ping-pong? The description doesn't indicate if the band is any good, so you're on your own there. You'll also get to see the band's show that night.
CURRENT BID: $3,250 BENEFITTING: WhyHunger
1. Guitar Lessons from Steve Vai
We're a little into sludge metal ourselves (not quite wholesale shredding), but that's not to say we wouldn't love a guitar lesson from virtuoso Steve Vai. This guy can give you some tips on both improving your jams (he toured with Frank Zappa way back when) or just plain noodling (he can finger-tap pretty competently).
CURRENT BID: $1,500 BENEFITTING: Hollywood Arts
