Featured Artist- Jami Jackson

"I am a native of Durham, North Carolina and knew at age 5 that I had a natural penchant for singing and music. After signing with indie label, Blacque Records, post-graduation, I released my debut album, "Call My Name," in March 2007. The album featured ten original songs and compositions; a collective journey of inspirations, motivations, passions, and stories from the heart. Throughout the year, I performed to audiences at some of New York's top venues such as the Apollo Theater, where I drew rave applause, Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar, the Nuyorican Poets Café; and was invited to Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, GA to perform for the Association for the Advancement of Science.

I was also featured in MTVU's HIV/AIDS anti-stigma commercial called "Pos or Not", that premiered in April 2008, singing my original song "Sista Girl".

I found out about Hearts and Voices by simply doing a Google search. My mother encouraged me to use my gift of voice to help others, so I decided to find an organization that uses performances as a way to give back. Hearts and Voices turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. I am able to sharpen her performing skills and try new things, as well as help someone else in need. It has also opened many other doors in her life. Check out my music at www.jamijackson.net and www.myspace.com/jamijacksonmusic."

Featured Volunteer- Laura Wierbicki

"I remember watching an episode of 21 Jump Street as a child. There was one particular episode that struck me about a young boy that had AIDS and needed protection from the police because he was being harassed at school. At the end of the episode, Johnny Depp made a Public Service Announcement about AIDS. Before the camera panned to him, it focused on a drawing of a young child with their arms reached out. It read "I have AIDS, please hug me". At that age, I remember feeling so sad for that child and wanted to hug them, all while being confused about why someone wouldn't. This television show gave me my first exposure to the impact of AIDS and HIV. Years later, I would encounter another person on TV, this time someone who was living with HIV and sharing his story, all while being filmed and living with six strangers. Pedro Zamora educated the pubic about how both HIV and AIDS are such complex diseases, and the social ramifications still impact us today. The preconceived notions of a terrified public, outcry over the government acknowledgment and lack of funding, and the ongoing struggle to educate the public on prevention showed us that this disease affects all of us. Pedro Zamora's experience and story deeply touched me; I was truly affected by his death.

I don't think it was an accident that I came across an outreach table at a local concert a year and a half ago and inquired about volunteering. What I didn't realize was that along with doing Local Tour Outreach, there was also a program called "Hearts and Voices". The day after my training, I signed up at Terence Cardinal Cooke [TCC], and have been there ever since. The energy I feel at TCC from the residents and my fellow volunteer's connects me even deeper to this cause, and helps me understand the importance of human connection, especially to those who are often forgotten or ignored.

Currently, I hold the position of Project Manager for a small nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those with substance abuse and alcohol addiction. It's a great experience to work and volunteer with different communities, and I am extremely grateful. My experience at TCC has shown me the many faces AIDS can touch. As residents share about their daily activities or about their life, AIDS never describes who they are - no disease should.

Recently, I was in the LIFEbeat office helping out with a stick and stuff, and noticed a picture of Pedro Zamora hanging on the wall. I thought to myself "I am exactly where I'm supposed to be"."

Hearts & Voices Program Highlights

I can hardly believe it's winter already. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered at shows and in the office to make this holiday season a huge success. A special thanks goes out to Maeve Lenahan, who came in to organize, pack and deliver holiday gift bags throughout November and December.

We had 7 holiday shows and gave away over 300 gift bags to residents/clients at our facilities. Here are a few highlights from last quarter, including noteworthy accomplishments from some of our Hearts & Voices performers/volunteers:

• Lavender Light Gospel Choir gave a spectacular 1 hour performance at Terence Cardinal Cooke [TCC] on November 12, 2008. There were over 100 residents, volunteers and staff in attendance. Many people were visibly moved to tears and dancing during the show. Everyone one left the show with pep in their step and a song in their heart.
  
• Fatman Scoop & Shanda visited Incarnation Children's Center to spread some holiday cheer, inspiration and to distribute holiday gifts. The show was interactive and by the end everyone, including staff, were jumping, dancing and singing up a storm.
  
• Jami Jackson was featured in a BET TV News documentary called "Are You Positive?" that aired on December 1st, World AIDS Day. It was a documentary that featured 3 other young people and challenged viewers to choose which person had HIV and which didn't. It was designed to inform viewers to make better choices as it relates to HIV.
  
• I was very excited to learn, last month, that David Pearl, one of our fabulous Hearts & Voices performers, has authored a book of piano exercises: Piano Exercises for DUMMIES. I continue to be amazed, not only by David's amazing talent on the piano, but by his giving spirit. He not only performs at Hearts & Voices shows, but he teaches private piano lessons to clients at Housing Works West Village every other week.
  
• World AIDS day, December 1, 2008 marked the 20th anniversary of the day. Hearts & Voices was active celebrating and commemorating the day by putting on 2 shows and providing artists to perform in 2 other co-sponsered events. Perfomers on that day included Aly Sun Panichi, Naomi Rabinowitz, Jill Melanie Wirth, Norma Curly, Gordan Chambers, The Metropolitones, Nhojj, Deni Bonet and special guest Case.

This is just a glimpse of what has been going on over the past season. Every show we produce is a small miracle 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 grateful and thankful.

Imperial Court's Night of 1000 Gowns

Are you ready for the next big FUNdraiser event on the horizon?

Save the date for the Imperial Court of New York's 23rd Annual Night of 1,000 Gowns gala event. LIFEbeat and Sylvia's Place will be the co-beneficiaries. It's a night of fabulous fun and over-the-top fashions -- you have to see it to believe it!

Afterword

I had the profound privilege, last week, of not only attending the Inauguration of Barack Obama, but also mingling with other AIDS Service Organizations from all around the country at a reception the night before the big event.  I'm energized by the amazing people I met at this event and by the Hope our new president represents.

This is the year to spread this good "Hearts & Voices" thing we've go going to other cities & states.

Thank you all for your partnership in bringing the power of music to people living with HIV/AIDS. We are truly all in this together!

Peace & Partnership,
Erika