
LIFEbeat's Hearts and Voices Progam is an on-going live performance
series for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Every year Hearts and Voices produces an average of 250 concerts, bringing
the gift of live music to thousands of people at numerous facilities throughout
New York City including hospitals, hospices, residential facilities and
treatment centers. Every week, talented musicians from all musical genres
volunteer their time to play shows for the most appreciative of audiences.
Many New Yorkers living with the virus routinely spend time in facilities
that can serve their health needs. Most people in these facilities are not able
to go out to enjoy live music and entertainment, so Hearts & Voices brings
the beat of the city to them.
Hearts and Voices continuously seeks to adapt to the changing needs of the
HIV/AIDS community by tailoring live performances to meet the desires of
patients and residents. The Hearts and Voices artist roster is diverse, and
always expanding.
Celebrity performers who have participated include Destiny's
Child, LL Cool J, Edwin McCain,
Jewel, Ethan Hawke, City
High, John Secada and Floetry, among
others.
"... some days I can barely get out of bed, but I
know that I have to fight this thing... music helps a great deal, we can sing
along, and it makes us feel like we are still a part of
society."
- Carol, patient
"Music is a form of contact to another person
(expressing) your feelings. But it's not done verbally, it's done through
the soul."
- T. J., patient
To volunteer or find out more about Hearts & Voices,
contact Erika Banks at 212.459.2590 x112 or at ebanks@lifebeat.org.
Press kits can be sent to LIFEbeat, 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1010, New York, NY
10036.