Lifebeat’s History
In 1992, the music industry had not yet addressed the AIDS crisis with a unified voice, although many of its members had succumbed to the disease. Bob Caviano, a respected music manager, wrote a moving editorial in Billboard magazine disclosing his illness and challenging the industry to take action. A number of high-level executives heeded his call and formed Lifebeat.
Lifebeat Timeline
Arches of Hope – 1/17/2013
Presented by Lifebeat and MTV Staying Alive Foundation. An inspiring interactive art installation and social media campaign to raise awareness of the rising HIV infection rate among young people. The public was asked to share their messages of hope for an AIDS-free generation by using the hashtag #ArchesofHope. Messages were then beamed to two Viacom billboards in Times Sq. and on a tickertape embedded in the Arches of Hope art installation unveiled by Lifebeat President and Howard Stern producer Gary Dell’Abate and Salt-n-Pepa’s Sandra “Pepa” Denton at THE OUT NYC hotel. Audience reached: 82 million
Dance for Life - 12/1/2012
Lifebeat, dance music and DJ culture came together to celebrate World AIDS Day at an event sponsored by Billboard, Beatport, Traxsource, Resident Advisor and DJ Times.
LifeBeat At The VMA’s - 9/7/2012
The 10th annual VMA party benefitting Lifebeat featured Rita Ora, and Sammy Adams, with DJ’s Pauly D and A-Track rocking the turntables.
Lifebeat’s Beat Goes On IV - 7/26/2012
Latin superstar and multiple Grammy-award winning musician Juanes headlined Lifebeat’s Beat Goes On lV concert at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. The Latino sensation agreed to headline the concert presented by Lifebeat during the International AIDS Conference to urge political leaders to step up the fight against the disease. Audience reached via media coverage: 202 million
Live Beats 2 - 12/8/2011
Musical Mayhem and Tonal Terror Fashioned by Funk; curated by BET’s Stephen Hill featuring Busta Rhymes, Ledisi, India Arie and EWF’s Verdine White at the Highline Ballroom, NYC.
Lifebeat At The VMA’s – 8/27/2011
The 9th annual VMA’s pre-party benefitting Lifebeat with Cobra Starship, Joe Jonas, and Miguel.
Lifebeat at the BET Awards with Trey Songz – 6/24/2011
BET Award winner and Grammy nominated artist Trey Songz performed a special acoustic set at event benefitting Lifebeat during the BET Awards at Playhouse Hollywood.
The New 1984 Dance Party to benefit Lifebeat – 6/24/2011
The legendary 80’s dance party made a comeback at the Gramercy Theater with an emphasis on upbeat 80s pop, and charity.
VIP AUCTION LIVE – 5/29/2011
Clothing Company Ben Sherman teamed up with Lifebeat to raise money as well as awareness about HIV/ AIDS, by throwing a big bash at NYC’s Gramercy Theatre to celebrate the second edition of its global charity initiative, VIP Plectrums.
AIDS Walk New York – 5/15/2011
On Sunday, May 15th, Team Lifebeat joined with over 40,000 other amazing people to walk through the streets of New York in AIDS Walk 2011.
World AIDS Day: The Posies Partner with Lifebeat – 12/1/2010
The Posies along with many other artists, authors and celebrities made appearances at Borders across the country to help fight AIDS.
Lifebeat At The VMA’s – 9/9/2010
ROCK BAND 3 and FreeCreditSCore.com will present the 2010 MTV VMA Concert to Benefit Lifebeat- The Music Industry AIDS, featuring VMA nominees Ke$ha and B.O.B. All of the proceeds from the tickets for the Ke$ha and B.O.B event was donated to Lifebeat.
World AIDS Day: Live Nation Promotion - 12/1/2009
LIFEbeat teamed up with the concert promoter Live Nation for a special World AIDS Day fundraiser. The company donated a portion of every ticket sold to a Live Nation event on December 1st to help fund LIFEbeat’s programs.
Regina Spektor Radio City Music Hall After-Party - 10/14/09
New York native recording artist joined LIFEbeat for a special party celebrating her Radio City Music Hall concert on October 14th at Aspen Social Club in NYC.
Lifebeat At The VMA’s – 9/12/2009
MTV and Pepsi presented this benefit event featuring Kid Cudi and Phoenix.
Rob Thomas ‘cradlesong’ Release Party - 6/30/2009
LIFEbeat, Atlantic Records and Chip Duckett invited guests to join Rob Thomas for a special party celebrating the release of the artist’s latest album.
Vanessa Williams ‘The Real Thing’ Release Party – 6/3/2009
Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award nominated Vanessa Williams put on a special live performance to celebrate the release of her album The Real Thing at eco-friendly NYC nightclub Greenhouse. Proceeds benefitted Lifebeat.
Stevie Nicks Party Listening Party and DVD Release Event – 4/2/2009
LIFEbeat and Chip Duckett hosted the legendary Stevie Nicks at Greenhouse in NYC for a special fundraising event celebrating the release of her new DVD, LIVE IN CHICAGO. Proceeds benefitted Lifebeat.
Keep on Dancin Miami – 3/25/09
With DJ’s Jellybean Benitez, Quentin Harris, Hex Hector, Danny Krivit, Victor Rosado, Erv, Jovonn, Eric Kupper, and John Mateo. The event also featured a special performance by Dawn Tallman.
Night of a Thousand Gowns – 3/21/09
The Imperial Court of New York and Emperor XVII Rob Hunter de Woofs & Empress XXII Charlene Chivoe hosted the 23rd Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns, an extravagant event benefitting Lifebeat. Amount raised: $50k.
Keep on Dancin’ – 1/10/2009
Three non-profits, eights DJ’s and three recording artists all came together for one evening of music and remembrance honoring Mel Cheren, ‘The Godafther of Disco’. Cheren was an original financial backer of LIFEbeat and a long-time board member who passed in 2007.
Lifebeat At The VMA’s – 9/6/2008
Rock Band Live Tour artists Panic at the Disco! and Plain White T’s took to the stage at House of Blues in Los Angles. Proceeds benefitted Lifebeat.
Let’s Talk About Pep – 9/16/2008
Book release party hosted by VIBE magazine Let’s Talk about Pep, for Sandy “Pepa” Denton’s new autobiography at HOME nightclub in NYC.
AIDS Walk New York – 5/18/2008
The Lifebeat team joins 45,000 walkers and raises over $7 million dollars for GMHC, Lifebeat and other local AIDS service organizations.
Lyfe Jennings Album Release – 4/29/2008
Columbia Records recording artist Lyfe Jennings, Magic Hat Brewing Company, Music World Entertainment, Power 105 and DJ Suss ONE all came together to celebrate Lyfe’s latest album Lyfe Change.
Rahsaan Patterson at N Boutique – 4/24/2008
LIFEbeat celebrated the success of Rahsaan Patterson’s album Wines & Spirits and his appearance at The Filmore at Irving Plaza with a cocktail reception at N Boutique in Harlem.
Love Beats AIDS – 2/14/2008
On Valentine’s Day Idina Menzel, Suzanne Vega, Gary “Baba Booey” Dell’Abate and the gang from The Howard Stern Show, Betty Buckley, and the casts of “Legally Blonde” and “Forbidden Broadway: Rude Awakening” all made special appearances in New York City Borders stores as part of Love Beats AIDS.
Fashion and Compassion – 2/13/2008
chicHarlemboutique N holds Pre-Valentine’s Day shopping event to benefit Lifebeat. Terrence J, co-host of BET’s 106 & Park, and Jasmine, WBLS midday personality, host with music by DJ SUSS.
LIVE BEATS – 12/4/2007
LIFEbeat and the music industry honored long time board member and BET executive Stephen Hill with LIVE BEATS: Musical Mayhem and Tonal Terror Fashioned by Fun(k). The event featured performances by Mary J. Blige, Kathy Sledge, Denise Rich.
Lifebeat At The VMA’s – 9/8/2007
Maroon 5 and Robin Thicke performed live at VMA FANDEMONIUM: A CONCERT TO BENEFIT LIFEbeat at the House of Blues in Las Vegas with ?uestlove of The Roots DJing.
Album Release Party: Kelly Rowland – 6/10/2007
Kelly Rowland celebrated the release of her Ms. Kelly album with LIFEbeat at Manhattan night club HOME. The event was broadcast live via the web and Rowland’s Destiny’s Child friends Michelle Williams and Beyonce came out to show their support.
AfterParty: True Colors – 5/18/2007
LIFEbeat hosted an after-party for the True Colors Tour at Latin Quarter in New York. The Gossip and The Dresden dolls joined their fans after the concert at Radio City Music Hall
AIDS Walk New York – 5/20/2007
LIFEbeat saw its biggest team and most successful fundraising ever in conjunction with the 2007 AIDS Walk New York. Through a partnership with GMHC, LIFEbeat is able to keep a majority of the funds it raises for its programs.
Cuervoton 2007 Finals: Chicago – 5/18/2007
The 2007 Cuervoton talent search tour wrapped with a final concert/competition in Chicago. The winner was a female rapper from NYC: Patty Dukes.
AfterParty: Duncan Sheik – 5/15/2007
Music and Broadway fans made their way to Manhattan lounge D’Or to celebrate Duncan Sheik’s performance at The Concert Hall at The Society for Ethical Culture.
AfterParty: Moe – 5/3/2007
Fans of the band Moe. turned out to support LIFEbeat at NYC’s Cutting Room.
AfterParty: Third Eye Blind – 4/24/2007
2007 saw the re-launch of the popular LIFEbeat series of after-concert and album release parties from the mid-90’s. The first event was held at HOME nightclub following Third Eye Blind’s sold-out NYC concert.
LIFEbeat at SXSW – 3/16/2007
LIFEbeat in partnership with AIDS Services of Austin to provide HIV prevention info and free condoms to every single one of the 11,000 attendees at two hot events, including the official SXSW showcase with Filter Magazine at the acclaimed Cedar Street Courtyard, featuring Redman, The Procession, Electric Soft Parade, The Watson Twins, and more!
Playboy launches 2007 Rock The Rabbit Campaign – 2/14/2007
Playboy and LIFEbeat teamed up for the 2007 Rock The Rabbit Campaign with an official launch party featuring the Flaming Lips, Lil’ Jon, Rhymefest and Kasabian at the Las Vegas Playboy Club inside the Palms Hotel & Casino. Playboy turned up the volume on the campaign this year and asked the featured musicians to create original T-shirt designs using Playboy’s iconic imagery, such as the world-famous Rabbit Head logo, as inspiration.
Screening of “Dreamgirls” – 12/5/2006
Dreamworks Pictures and Paramount Pictures hosted two special advanced screenings of the Golden Globe winner for best picture, “Dreamgirls” to benefit Lifebeat at the IFC Center in New York. Jennifer Hudson was a special guest.
Lifebeat at The VMA’s – 8/30/2006
30 Seconds to Mars (fronted by actor/musician Jared Leto) and Taking Back Sunday took to the stage for the MTV2 pre-VMA concert benefiting LIFEbeat.
LIFEbeat Honors Sirius Satellite Radio’s Scott Greenstein – 6/21/2006
Nelly Furtado and The Raveonettes performed at Pacha, NYC in honor of the President of Entertainment & Sports at Sirius Satellite Radio, Scott Greenstein.
Cuervoton Finals – 5/18/2006
LIFEbeat partnered with Tony Touch and Chingo Bling, as well as Machete Music and Wu Tang Latino to spread the message of HIV/AIDS prevention while searching for Latino artists who will take Hispanic urban music into the future.
Hearts and Voices Concert Series: Reggaeton Explosion 3 – 3/29/2006
Don Omar, Voltio, Tanto Metro & Devonte, Nina Sky and Pitbull performed at LIFEbeat’s third reggaeton themed Hearts & Voices concert held at New York’s Spirit Nightclub. Hosted by Lisa Evers and DJ Nelson the event also featured the music of DJ Enuff & The Heavy Hitters.
LIFEbeat Honors Brian Graden – 10/25/2005
Musicians John Legend and James Blunt performed at the Geisha House in Hollywood, CA at a benefit honoring Brian Graden, filled with members of the film, television, and music industries.
Lifebeat at The VMA’s – 8/27/2005
The Bravery and Morningwood rocked the pool in front of Hotel MTV in South Beach, Florida at this pre-VMA concert to benefit LIFEbeat.
Hearts and Voices Concert Series: Reggaeton Explosion 2 – 6/23/2005
N.O.R.E., Zion & Lennox, Nina Sky performed at the release party for Tony Touch’s “The ReggaeTon Album”, held at Spirit NY.
Hearts and Voices Concert Series: Reggaeton Explosion – 3/31/2005
Tego Calderon and Aventura lit up the stage at Spirit NY nightclub in the third concert of the series to benefit LIFEbeat’s Hearts and Voices program.
LIFEbeat Honors Vince Pellegrino Luncheon – 12/9/2004
Guests filled the world famous John’s Pizza Times Square to honor the achievements of LIFEbeat board member Vince Pellegrino Guests included Wynonna Judd.
MTV Latin America presents a LIFEbeat Benefit – 10/20/2004
MTV Latin America threw a benefit concert and party for LIFEbeat at IO Nightclub inMiami. The event was held in conjunction with the Latin Video Music Awards and included outstanding performances from Kinky, JD Natasha and La Sinfonia.
Keep Hope Alive Album Compilation – 10/5/2004
Blaze, West End Records, King Street Sounds and Nite Grooves teamed up with LIFEbeat to produce a benefit compilation with some of the hottest dance music artists around. Blaze, Ultra Nate, Barbara Tucker, Joi Cardwell, Arnold Jarvis, and more lent their talents to the album.
Lifebeat at The VMA’s – 8/28/2004
Hip-hop legends The Beastie Boys and De La Soul performed ,and DJ AM took over the turntables at this party hosted by longtime LIFEbeat supporter Ingrid Casares at Crobar, Miami.
LIFEbeat Honors Clear Channel’s Tom Poleman – 6/14/2004
John Mayer and Jessica Simpson serenaded the crowd in honor of Tom Poleman and LIFEbeat. The event took place in the Grand Ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental, NY
Hearts and Voices Concert Series featuring A Bad Boy Takeover – 5/25/2004
Featuring Bad Boy’s Mario Winans, Loon, Carl Thomas, and 8Ball&MJG, the second concert series event to benefit LIFEbeat’s Hearts and Voices Program was a hit with the fans and artists alike.
Hearts and Voices Concert Series featuring Kanye West – 3/11/2004
Kanye West headlined the inaugural concert series to benefit LIFEbeat’s Hearts and Voices Program. The artist showcase featured performances by Young Gunz, soul singers Rell, and Allen Anthony, Memphis Bleek, and Freeway.
LIFEbeat Fundraising Concert at Friends Academy, featuring O.A.R. – 1/24/2004
On January 24,2004 LIFEbeat brought its message of HIV prevention to the Friends Academy school inLocust Valley,New York, with a special fundraising concert by the popular band…of a revolution (O.A.R). Organized by the head of the LIFEbeat Committee at Friends Academy, Jennifer Tytel.
LIFEbeat honors Johnny Barbis – 11/17/2003
Rufus Wainwright and Floetry performed at LIFEbeat’s first dinner event, honoring Dreamworks’ Johnny Barbis at Noche in NYC. Celebrity guests Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Dan Akroyd and Bernnie Taupin all came out to support Johnny Barbis and LIFEbeat.
MTV and Esquire Magazine present a benefit for LIFEbeat – 10/24/2003
Held at the swanky Esquire Apartment, MTV and Esquire presented a memorable night of music and mingling at The Esquire Apartment, a state-of-the-art living space in The Trump World Tower that represents how today’s sophisticated man lives. The event was hosted by Kevin C. O’Malley, Publisher, Esquire, Carson Daly, Jonathan Rifkind, John B. Davis and friends.
MTV2 Presents Iggy Pop and The Stooges to benefit LIFEbeat – 8/27/2003
Iggy Pop brought his raw power to Roseland Ballroom for a raucous punk rock show to benefit LIFEbeat’s HIV/AIDS prevention programs. Reuniting with his seminal band The Stooges, Iggy brought down the house (and his pants) with classic cuts. The concert also featured performances by S.T.U.N. and Godsmack.
Dance for Life Album Released - 9/24/2002
West End Records released Dance for Life: West End Records Celebrates LIFEbeat’s 10th Anniversary. The album was a non-stop DJ mix by DJ David DePino featuring 10 remixes by Blaze, Hex Hector, Masters at Work, Danny Tenaglia, Junior Vasquez, and more. All proceeds from the sale of the CD went to LIFEbeat.
LIFEbeat’s 10th Anniversary Concert - 8/28/2002
Sugarcult, Pete Yorn, Jimmy Eat World, and the Hives celebrated a decade of good works by Lifebeat with a benefit concert at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.
UrbanAID2 – 4/9/2002
Russell Simmons and Sean “P. Diddy” Combs served as co-chairs for UrbanAID 2, featuring performances by Alicia Keys, Ashanti, Fat Joe, Ja Rule, Jay Z, Musiq, P Diddy, and The Roots. Special awards were given to AIDS activists Maria Davis and Rosie Perez. The show was hosted by comedian Mike Epps and featured PSA’s and video vignettes by Talib Kweli, N.E.R.D., B2K, Russell and Kimora Simmons and President Bill Clinton. The show was broadcast on MTV and BET.
ClubAID – 2000-2001
This event teamed hot clubs across the nation with top deejays to raise money for HIV prevention. Star deejays Paul Oakenfold, Barry Harris, Tony Humphries, and Razor and Guido have all donated their time and talent.
Levi’s and LIFEbeat present Music With A Message: World AIDS Day – 12/1/2000
MTV partnered with LIFEbeat to make the World AIDS Day concert a global event by broadcasting it to over 241 million households worldwide. Pink, Dave Holmes and Carson Daly of MTV hosted the concert. Performers included Mya, 98 Degrees, Outkast, The Corrs, Baha Men, and Jessica Simpson.
Levi’s and LIFEbeat present Music With A Message: World AIDS Day – 12/1/1999
Some of the biggest names in music converged on stage at the Beacon Theater and raised more than $450,000 for HIV programs and education. Performers included *NSYNC, Monica, Wyclef Jean, Destiny’s Child, 112 and Joey McIntyre.
CounterAID – 1992-1994, 1999
Musicians and fashion celebrities became cashiers at record stores from New York to Los Angeles with proceeds from the day’s sales going to benefit LIFEbeat. Participating artists included: TLC, Green Day, Coolio, Naomi Campbell, Ellen Degeneres, Tommy Lee and many more.
BoardAID – 1994-1999
The original, longest running, most prestigious and widely publicized charitable event in all of the board-sports industries. Proceeds benefit LIFEbeat. Artists who have appeared at BoardAID include The Beastie Boys, Porno for Pyros, Blink 182, and Wyclef Jean and the Refugee All-Stars.
World AIDS Day Performance for LIFEbeat’s Hearts and Voices – 12/1/1998
Jewel gave a special, private performance for the residents of Rivington House on World AIDS Day in 1998.
The Beat Goes On – 1994-1997
Concert series to benefit LIFEbeat televised on VH1. Shows were held in New York and Washington DC. Music artists and celebrity hosts included: Sarah McLachlan, k.d. Lang, Seal, Melissa Etheridge, Gloria Estefan, Patti Smith, Bill Maher, Rosie O’Donnell, Jon Bon Jovi, Chaka Khan, Dave Matthews Band, Veronica Webb and many more.
Breakfast Series - 1996-Present
This fundraising series highlighted the involvement of music industry professionals in the fight against AIDS. Past honorees include Emil Wilbekin, Rick Cummings, Jimmy Steal, Tracy Cloherty, Frankie Blue, Tom Calderone, Cathy Hughes, Russell Simmons, Steve Smith, and Kevin Weatherly.
SkateAID – 9/1996
The first-ever-in-line skate pledge event to benefit LIFEbeat hosted by Gary Dell’Abate and held in New York City.
Urban AID – 10/1995
Simulcast on BET and MTV; performers included, Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., Puff Daddy, Jodeci, Brandy, Salt N Pepa, Wu Tang Clan, Naughty By Nature, and Queen Latifah.
LIFEbeat AFTERparty Series – 1995-2000
Launched by Entertainment Weekly and subsequently sponsored by Rolling Stone, this series of after concert parties were hosted by music artists to benefit LIFEbeat. Hosts included HOLE, INXS, The Go-Go’s, BLUR, Jamiroquai, Busta Rhymes, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, LIVE, Garbage, Rufus Wainwright, Smashmouth, Sonic Youth, The Monkees, The O’Jays, Third Eye Blind and Tony Bennett.
LIFEbeat’s First Fundraising Concert At Roseland – 6/1992
Pet Shop Boys and Salt-N- Pepa performed.
Concert For Life Screening At the Supper Club – 4/1992
Hosted by Yoko Ono, Nona Hendrix and Cyndi Lauper. LIFEbeat’s launch, first press conference.
