• Featured artist- Nhojj
• Featured volunteer- Janete Scobie
• Program Highlights
• Upcoming Events
• Afterwards

A big hand for our new artists this quarter!

Gabrielle Forrester - Gro Christensen - Josh Zuckerman - Leeia Musique - Michael Doane - Sean - Todd Alsup - Tony George - Wallace

Huge thanks to everyone who played!

African Drum & Dance - Al Lee Wyer - amberRose Marie - Andrew Suvalsky - Andy Mac - Chris Ayer - Chris Jones - DJ Boo - Dan Asselin - David Pearl - Dan Ferrari - Deni Bonet - Erika Banks  - Emory Taylor - Grace Garland - Imperial Court - Jami Jackson - Jill Melanie Wirth - Josh Zuckerman - Karen & Amy Jones - Kierstin Gray - Larry May - Maria Davis - Markeisha Ensley - Marni Rice - Martin Bard - MC Koba - Metropolitones - Michael Doane - Mike Butler - Nhojj - Noam Weinstein - Norma Curly - Paul Wayne - Peter Solomita - Ron B. - Seth Rudetsky - Stanley Jordan - Tha Heights - Sunshine Lemonade - Todd Alsup - Thomas Jackson - Tony George - Voices In Unity - Wallace

Now let's hear it for our amazing volunteers!

Akilah Seecharan - Amenan Kouadio - Chrissy Park - Deepali Kakar - Janete Scobie - Jen Grossman - Janine Charles - Jessica Cooke - Jimena Murabito - Kebera Leach - Kevin George - Laura Wierbicki - Leigh Ollman - Maeve Lenahan - Niema Jordan - Nisha Asnani - Noris Chavarria - 12 Alternative Spring Break Students from George Mason University

Featured Artist-Nhojj

Tell us about yourself?
"I started my musical journey at 5 in Guyana, singing in my father's church. Since then I've performed for the Presidents of Guyana & Trinidad, toured the UK, Canada, and the USA, recorded 4 CDs, and filmed a live DVD with Emmy-Nominated director Bill Cote. In 2001 I had the honor of being featured at International Fringe Festival in the Award-winning play "The Making of the Black Man, and in 2008 - the Indie films "Blueprint" and "Finding Me." I think my biggest blessing has been to perform before Regina Belle at the Barbados Music Awards 09."

Why do you contribute to Hearts & Voices?
"Hearts & Voices teaches me about humanity and how music helps to uplift and inspire. More and more I realize how I can play my part to help bring people together and spread love around. This is what I love most about music - its ability to heal and nourish our collective Spirit. The listeners are giving as much as I am."

How did you connect with LIFEbeat?
"A wonderful promoter Anita Bryant came to my debut album release in 2002 and suggested I work with Hearts & Voices. She was the first to hear the healing quality of my music and felt it would be a perfect fit. And I've been performing with LIFEbeat ever since."

What's the best part of the experience for you?
"Hearing the audience members sing along with me on "Music" or "Lean on Me" Everyone's face lights up, including mine... lol it feels great!"

Visit www.nhojj.com or www.myspace.com/nhojj for more

Featured Volunteer- Janete Scobie

"Right before volunteering with LIFEbeat, I was looking for an organization that would allow me to volunteer in any capacity with the HIV/AIDS community. I felt so impacted by this issue in my personal life, and wanted to actively participate in spreading awareness and supporting the fight against this disease. I had been looking for several weeks when I came across a late night television interview with Veronica Webb. She mentioned LIFEbeat and, immediately, I turned to my computer and googled it. The next day I called and attended my training session the following week.

Volunteering for this organization is one of the most important things that I do. More than ever, we still need to spread awareness and share vital information about HIV/AIDS. Whenever I do an outreach and people say, "HIV/AIDS does not concern me," my commitment is strengthened and I realize that there is still so much that we have to do. I keep telling everyone, "It's not over, folks! It's far from over!" HIV/AIDS concerns all of us.

I particularly love the work LIFEbeat does in the facilities with the Hearts & Voices program, bringing music every week to the people living and fighting this disease. My interaction with the residents is very special, cultivating bonds with them, supporting them with my presence each week. The message that we send is powerful, indeed a very human one. Like every human being, they yearn for love, friendship, compassion, a smile, a warm touch, someone just to ask how's their day going, how they're holding up that week? Having HIV/AIDS does not change the fact that all people need to feel loved and valued and cared for, and the beauty of the Hearts & Voices programs is that it allows us to do just that coupled with the gift of music!

I have been with LIFEbeat for almost three years and I look forward to seeing the residents each week. My participation in LIFEbeat's outreaches and interaction with HIV+/AIDS residents have educated me even more about the disease and made me ever more determined to do my part in spreading awareness and supporting the community. I am so proud to be part of such a great organization!"

Hearts & Voices Program Highlights

Spring has finally sprung! Though I am looking forward to warmer weather arriving, I can hardly believe winter has gone by so quickly. I took a moment the other day to look back at what has transpired over the past few months and I'm pleasantly surprised by the results.

We produced 63 successful performances for 1505 audience members which is an increase from last year. Here are a few highlights from last quarter, including noteworthy accomplishments from some of our Hearts & Voices performers/volunteers:

• Stanley Jordan gave another phenomenal Hearts & Voices show, this time at Village Cares New York. His performance mesmerized the clients and staff members alike. It was really exciting to find out that one of the clients had heard Stanley perform over 20 years earlier on the streets of New York and owns the record to prove it.
  
• Taj Weekes and Adowa performed a spectacular show to over 50 residents and staff at Rivington House. Taj Weekes is a very talented Reggae singer, guitarist and songwriter. His band Adowa consisted of drums, guitar, keys, bass and a back up singer. This professional band really left a lasting and uplifting impression on everyone in attendance.
  
• 12 students from George Mason University Alternative Spring Break Program volunteered at the Rivington and Terence Cardinal Cooke shows on March 10 and 11. Their energy and enthusiasm was greatly appreciated by residents, staff and volunteers alike. I look forward to them coming back again anytime.
  
• The Imperial Court of New York was busy last quarter. In February they performed a fabulous Mardi Gras show at Housing Works West Village. Then in March they put on their Extravagant annual event, Night of 1000 Gowns, where they raised funds for both LIFEbeat and Silvia's Place. I am deeply moved and honored by their dedication and giving to the GLBT and HIV/AIDS communities.
  
• I am overjoyed to announce that our very own Janete Scobie (featured above) has recently published her first novel The Seeds of Green Mangoes. I am so proud of this monumental accomplishment and am continually grateful for her enormous contribution to Hearts & Voices audiences and performers. Visit Janete's Blog to learn more.

This is just a glimpse of what went on over the Winter season. Every show we produce is a real gift for everyone involved. I just can't thank you enough for your part in making Hearts & Voices such a success. People at all of our facilities are so appreciate and grateful.

AIDS WALK is coming up on May 17, 2009

Preparations are well underway for this major Spring fundraiser. We are excited to have Gary "Baba Booey" Dell'Abate as our celebrity team captain this year and already have a team of well over 25 participants and counting.

We'd love for you to join us too! There are several ways you can help:

* Walk with Gary and the LIFEbeat team.
If you are in the New York area, join us on the walk! By signing up for the LIFEbeat team you are pledging to raise AT LEAST $25 (that's only two movie tickets, or $5 from 5 friends!)

How to Register
• 1. Visit http://www.aidswalk.net/newyork/
• 2. Select "register to walk" on the left nav bar
• 3. Select "join a team" (the second button)
• 4. When the page loads you'll have the option to join an existing team
• 5. Scroll down and select "LIFEbeat - The Music Industry Fights AIDS #0071"
• 6. Hit "continue" and you'll reach our team's registration page

* Make a donation to the LIFEbeat team
If you can't join us at AIDS Walk New York, you can still help us reach our goal by making a donation to the LIFEbeat team!

-> DONATE TO TEAM LIFEBEAT

Thank you for your ongoing interest and support!

Afterword

The beginning of 2009 has really flown by. In looking back I can honestly say I am very proud of what Hearts & Voices has accomplished this far. The future is looking bright with new artists and volunteers coming on each quarter to join the consistent and seasoned veterans. I am continually moved by the generosity and love each of our volunteers and performers brings. It is such an honor and inspiration to be a part of such an amazing group of givers.

I'm looking forward to more exciting and creative shows in Spring and Summer. Many of our facilities have beautiful outside gardens, which will make for fabulous outdoor concerts. The best is still yet to come!

Peace & Pretty Plants,
Erika