Turn It Up! A Special Auction of Celebrity Musicians’ artwork

On Thursday, October 9, from 6–9 PM, Housing Works will present Turn It Up, a landmark benefit event at its Crosby Street location that unites some of music’s most iconic names in a celebration of creativity, community, and care.

The evening will showcase a remarkable collection of artwork donated by musicians who also work in visual media. Each piece will be auctioned, with proceeds supporting Housing Works’ mission to provide housing, healthcare, and social services to people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions.

Among the participating artists are some of the most influential voices in modern music: Patti Smith, Michael Stipe, Paul McCartney, Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Chappell Roan, Sean Ono Lennon, Devendra Banhart, Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend), Paul Banks (Interpol), Amanda Shires, Eric Nally (Foxy Shazam / Macklemore), Ani DiFranco, Daniel Johnston, Ian Felice (The Felice Brothers), and Hannah Hooper (Grouplove), with more names still to be announced.

The event underscores the deep connections between music and visual art. Patti Smith has long been recognized not only as the “godmother of punk” but also as a photographer, poet, and painter. Michael Stipe has exhibited photography and multimedia works around the world. Paul McCartney’s drawings and paintings have been showcased in international galleries, while Eddie Vedder is known for his illustration and design work. Together with a new generation of artists like Chappell Roan and Ezra Koenig, Turn It Up creates a multigenerational dialogue about artistic expression.

Guests will also enjoy specialty cocktails curated by Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski, adding another layer of creativity to the evening. The auction will be conducted both in person and online, giving fans and supporters everywhere the opportunity to acquire these one-of-a-kind pieces while contributing to a critical cause.

For more than three decades, Housing Works has been a cornerstone in New York’s fight against HIV/AIDS, homelessness, and health inequities. Founded in 1990 by a group of activists, the organization has built a model that combines advocacy with direct service, offering housing, healthcare, job training, and social services to thousands each year. Its network of thrift stores, bookstores, and cultural events not only generate essential funding but also foster spaces of inclusion and resilience.

Events like Turn It Up embody Housing Works’ belief that community and culture go hand in hand. By leveraging the talents of world-renowned musicians and artists, the benefit highlights the role of creativity in driving social change while directly funding life-saving programs.