NextAid

NextAid, LIFEbeat, The Loud Minority, Dubspot,
Turntables on the Hudson, CityDeep, and Mixology
Present BEATS BUILD HOPE
At Miami’s Shore Club
During the 25th Annual Winter Music Conference
Friday, March 26, 2010

LOS ANGELES, CA – NextAid, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit harnessing the power of dance music to affect change in the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa, returns to the 25th annual Winter Music Conference (WMC) in Miami with a mega-benefit, “Beats Build Hope,” at the Shore Club on Friday, March 26, 2010. Partnering with LIFEbeat, The Loud Minority, CityDeep, Turntables on the Hudson, Dubspot, and Mixology, this official WMC event will run from 8:00pm Friday night to 6:00am Saturday morning and employ NextAid’s mantra of using the beats of our generation to provide hope for the next. Over twenty top international DJs have agreed to graciously donate their time and talent such as The Crystal Method (DJ Set), DJ Rap, and Mark Farina. Tickets for the fundraiser cost $15 pre-sale through Want Tickets or $20 at the door (FREE for WMC badge holders). The funds raised at Beats Build Hope will directly benefit NextAid, SOIL (Haiti), LIFEbeat and Green Wave. All four nonprofits are engaged in worthy causes, which help communities in need around the world (see additional details below). The Shore Club is located at 1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information please visit http://nextaid.org/beatsbuildhope and http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=299847426894&ref=ts. To purchase tickets: http://www.wantickets.com/EventDetail.aspx?e_id=103663.

A two-hour VIP Industry Mixer hosted by Mixology will precede the main event from 6:00 – 8:00pm in the Red Room of the Shore Club featuring Mark Lewis. Admission to the VIP Mixer will cost $40 (in advance or at the door). VIP attendees will gain early access to the whole event, as well as complimentary food, and a Love Fatigues canvas bag filled with t-shirts, CDs, and other goodies. The entire 12-hour benefit is an Official WMC event, as such, admission is FREE for those wearing a WMC badge. NextAid kindly requests that attendees consider making a minimum donation of $10, as this is a fundraiser and all talent have donated their time for free. Sponsors for this night of unforgettable beats include industry heavyweights Fusicology, Love Fatigues, M-Audio, and San Francisco lovEvolution .

Beats Build Hope will take over the Shore Club with 3 areas of music: on the Terrace, in the Red Room and Poolside. The musical styles will range from deep and tech house to Afro-Latin, broken beat, electro and drum-n-bass. The amazing lineup includes The Crystal Method (DJ Set), DJ Rap, Mark Farina, Heather, Colette, Ultra Naté, Andy Caldwell, Gene Farris, D:Fuse, Jazzanova, Anané, Chuck Love, Jay-J, Michael Anthony, Marissa Guzman (vocals), Adam Gibbons, Kervyn Mark, Brent Crampton, DJ Kamala and a very special appearance by the Queen of House Music, Barbara Tucker. The CityDeep Lounge – setting up shop in the Red Room – will feature Halo, Jamie Thinnes, and Luke McKeehan as well as South Africa’s Black Coffee and Culoe de Song. Out on the Terrace find Turntables on the Hudson with Nickodemus, DJ G OV, OBaH, Wiseacre, Jeremy Sole +Amon (percussion).

The evening is made possible with promotional support from AfrodesiaMP3, Agency Sounds, APT Entertainment, Electronic Music Alliance, Green Galactic, Groove Cruise, Morgan’s Hotel Group, The Melting Pot, The MML, Nitevibe, Outloud Agency Group, Roots Media, and suppperclub.

Dubspot will be conducting music and technology educational workshops from 12noon – 6:00pm with partners Native Instruments, M-Audio, Pioneer, Rane/Serato, Mono Cases and Ableton. Find more information at http://www.dubspot.com.

Beneficiaries:

NextAid
NextAid’s mission is to improve the lives of children and youth in Africa by promoting and implementing sustainable solutions. NextAid raises awareness for, and partners with, community-based projects and grassroots organizations in Africa and believes that an integrated approach is the best formula for establishing real and lasting change.

NextAid’s current priority project is the building of an ecological facility in Nairobi: The Kawangware Vision Center. NextAid has partnered with the inspiring community-based organization to build a “green” workshop and multipurpose facility for their youth programs and micro-business that strive to get youth off the streets by offering economic and performance activities, such as constructing gift bags to sell to the safari tourism industry. The profits enable the youth to support themselves, as well as, the vulnerable and orphaned children in the community. To learn more please visit www.nextaid.org.

LIFEbeat
LIFEbeat is dedicated to reaching America’s youth with the message of HIV/AIDS prevention. LIFEbeat mobilizes the talents and resources of the music industry to raise awareness and to provide support to the AIDS community.

LIFEBeat’s Outreach Programs and PSAs connect with approximately 70,000 young people in New York each year to raise awareness. Its Hearts and Voices Program provides live music and entertainment to patients in HIV/AIDS treatment facilities throughout the New York metro area every week. To learn more please visit http://www.lifebeat.org.

Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihood (SOIL)
Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihood (SOIL) believes that the path to sustainability is through transformation, of both disempowered peoples and discarded materials, turning apathy and pollution into valuable resources. They are empowering communities, building the soil and nourishing the grassroots in Haiti. SOIL attempts to nurture collective creativity through developing collaborative relationships between community organizations in Haiti and international academics and activists. Funds will go towards earthquake rebuilding efforts in Haiti. To learn more please visit http://oursoil.org.

Green Wave
Green Wave is a dynamic, environmental nonprofit organization founded and run by “Green Girl” guru, Janine Johnson, dedicated to establishing precedents for change and redefining activism. Green Wave’s mission is to inspire waves of change by creating living examples focused on living consciously, peacefully and harmoniously with the environment and with each other for the well being of our planet. Green Wave has partnered with NextAid to raise funds for the Green Wave Sanctuary in Kawangware, Kenya.

The Green Wave Sanctuary will be an earth-friendly, safe and loving facility fulfilling early childhood development needs (day-care, enrichment activities and health and nutrition programs) for orphaned and vulnerable children in the Kawangware community. To learn more please visit http://www.greenwaveent.org.

Partners and Sponsors:

The Loud Minority
The Loud Minority is a Miami-based, music-related lifestyle marketing and event company. Drawing on extensive experience working with progressive companies, brands, artists and publications, The Loud Minority helps clients big and small impact the cultural landscape. The company is built on a rich network of adaptive resources and partnerships, and designs a personalized hands-on approach to actualizing concepts. They are constantly pursuing fresh ideas in the fields of art, music, design, food and fashion. To learn more please visit http://theloudminority.net.

Love Fatigues
Love Fatigues is a humanitarian organization determined to bring our world together through its love camouflage clothing. Love Fatigues seeks to revolutionize camouflage fashion with infused images of Love and Peace, as opposed to traditional military camouflage patterns. The company’s innovative line of eco-friendly love camouflage clothing gives people a choice of a camouflage that offers a positive message. Love Fatigues is driven to empower individuals to make a choice and give new meaning to camouflage and change what it represents. Love Fatigues is an active supporter of a number of charities that promote love, awareness and progress for humankind around the globe. To learn more please visit http://lovefatigues.com.

San Francisco lovEvolution
San Francisco LovEvolution exists to produce a celebration of the highest forms of electronic music culture and technology, in the belief that dance promotes peace, love, unity and respect. Dance music has always had a special ability to bring people together in the shared beauty of a universal vibe.

The purpose of this organization is to serve the electronic dance music community by organizing public events, presenting electronic art forms, generating funds to support artistic development, advancing music education and production, as well as the right to dance and educating the public regarding the rights and contributions of our community. To learn more please visit http://www.sflovevolution.org.

CityDeep Music
Since its debut in 2004, CityDeep Music has enlisted some of the finest events and producers that represent dance music today and into the future. CityDeep is a label dedicated to urban dance music that ranges anywhere from deep house to AfroBeat, and souland techy rhythms. Join Halo and guest DJs/producers from around the world for vinyl and digital releases, weekly radio shows/podcasts and events – Mature Music for the Deeply Minded. To learn more please visit http://citydeepmusic.com.

Dubspot
Dubspot is an innovative electronic music production and DJ institute in New York City. As one of the first Ableton Certified Training Centers in the world, Dubspot has become the premier music school for both experienced and aspiring artists alike. Most importantly, Dubspot is a growing community of musicians, DJs, visual artists, audio technology professionals, industry veteran producers, and enthusiasts of all genres who all have one thing in common — a passion for music. They partnered with NextAid in 2009 to release Funk Aid for Africa, a charitable compilation mixed and compiled by DJ OBaH, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting children in Africa. To learn more please visit https://www.dubspot.com.

Turntables on the Hudson
When Nickodemus and Mariano started the Turntables on the Hudson (TOTH) parties in 1998 it was one of the first late night outdoor events in NYC. With the addition of Groove Collective founding member Nappy G on percussion, the party became an adventurous, young, free-spirited community known for its eclectic musical blend.

In the past ten years TOTH took its beats from parking garages, lofts and boats to residencies at renowned NYC clubs and venues like The Frying Pan, Opaline, Shelter, The Brooklyn Loft, Cielo, Element, Hiro Ballroom, SOB’s, and Spiegelworld. After ten years, the TOTH parties are now taking place Fridays at the Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City overlooking Manhattan and the East River. To learn more please visit http://turntablesonthehudson.com.

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For more information, photos or interviews, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn@greengalactic.com.

event details:

Friday March 26, 2010
6:00pm – Sat. 6:00am

BEATS BUILD HOPE
A Benefit for NextAid, LIFEBeat, SOIL (Haiti), and Green Wave
Presented by NextAid, LIFEbeat, The Loud Minority, Dubspot, Turntables on the Hudson, CityDeep, and Mixology

The Shore Club
1901 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Over twenty top international DJs have graciously donated their time and talent to raise funds for communities in need around the world!

Poolside Entertainment:
The Crystal Method (DJ Set), DJ Rap, Mark Farina, Heather, Colette, Ultra Naté, Andy Caldwell, Gene Farris, D:Fuse, Jazzanova, Anané, Chuck Love, Jay-J, Michael Anthony, Marissa Guzman, Adam Gibbons, Kervyn Mark, Brent Crampton, DJ Kamala
Special Appearance by The Queen of House Music – Barbara Tucker

in the Red Room:
The CityDeep Lounge with Halo, Jamie Thinnes, and Luke McKeehan as well as South Africa’s Black Coffee and Culoe de Song

on the Terrace:
Turntables on the Hudson with Nickodemus, DJ G OV, OBaH, Wiseacre, Jeremy Sole +Amon (percussion)

Main event – 8:00pm – 6:00am
$15 pre-sale / $20 door
Free with WMC Badge

VIP mixer – 6:00 – 8:00pm
Mixology VIP Mixer in the Red Room with Mark Lewis
$40 pre-sale & at door
Free with WMC Badge

Purchase Tickets: http://www.wantickets.com/EventDetail.aspx?e_id=103663

Beats Build Hope is an OFFICIAL WMC EVENT
NextAid kindly requests that attendees consider making a minimum donation of $10, as this is a fundraiser and all talent have donated their time for free

SPONSORS:
Love Fatigues / Fusicology / M-Audio / San Francisco lovEvolution

PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT:
APT Entertainment, AfrodesiaMP3.com, Agency Sounds, Nitevibe, Nordic Trax, Rootz Media, Supperclub, The Groove Cruise, The Melting Pot Global, The Outloud Agency Group, Green Galactic, The MML, Traxsource, Wantickets.com, Morgans Hotel Group, and Winter Music Conference

event page – http://nextaid.org/beatsbuildhope
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=299847426894&ref=ts

NextAid and Make-Up Designory
With Help from DJ Rap, Colette, Samantha James and Eve Falcon
Launch New Promo Campaign For
MUD Cares Palette of Eye Colors
To Fund Construction & Education for Red Rhino Orphanage Project in Kenya

LOS ANGELES, CA – Believing that everyone deserves a beautiful future, the nation’s leading make-up educational institute, Make-Up Designory (MUD), created the MUD Cares Palette of Eye Colors to benefit NextAid and one of its partners in Africa, the Red Rhino Orphanage Project (RROP). 100% of the sales from the limited-edition four-color eye shadow palette are being generously donated to NextAid to help RROP build a foundation for a better tomorrow. Once the specially commissioned palettes sell out the funds will provide construction of orphans’ homes in a poverty-stricken town 25 miles southeast of Nairobi, Kenya. Each of these eco-friendly structures will provide long-term shelter, food and medical needs for some of the most vulnerable orphans in the area. NextAid has increased efforts to sell the remaining palettes with the launch of an extensive online promotional campaign with the help of lovely superstars Colette, DJ Rap, Eve Falcon, and Samantha James. To help spread beauty from the inside out, purchase the palette online at http://shop.mudshop.com/mud-cares-palette or MUD retail stores located in Burbank and SoHo.

The MUD Cares Palette, retailing for $25.00, is a quad of eye shadows developed and created by Make-Up Designory. The four colors were hand-selected by members of NextAid to bring out the natural beauty of every skin tone. Stay grounded with Spanish Gold and Dulce de Leche, create a warm glow with Cashmere, or visualize a better world with vibrant Moss. The powders are soft and finely milled with just a touch of sheen. The shades work for most skin tones and complexions.

By selling only 1,000 palettes, MUD will raise $25,000 to fund the final construction and initial operations of two homes expected to house 16 children at Red Rhino Orphanage Project. Each of the timber-framed sustainable structures will provide basic necessities including medical supplies for rescued children, children at risk, and orphans in a safe, encouraging and healthy environment. The project also funds the children’s educational pursuits, from elementary school through secondary and university or trade school.

NextAid co-founder and director, Lauren Segal-Avenna explains, “The children Red Rhino Orphanage Project is caring for are some of the saddest cases in the region. These are kids that have absolutely nowhere else to go. These were once babies who were literally left on door steps, trash heaps… totally abandoned.”

In late 2009, four incredible talents from DJ culture came together for a MUD makeover and photo shoot at MUD’s Burbank studio to help NextAid spread the word to their combined global fan-bases. Los Angeles-based DJs and artists Colette, DJ Rap, Eve Falcon, and Samantha James, all generous supporters of NextAid, freed up their busy schedules and volunteered their time. Look for the NextAid/MUD web-banners featuring the four DJ beauties splashed around the internet this spring. Visit MUD’s blog to see the behind-the-scenes photo shoot http://www.mudblog.net/blog/make-up_designory_nextaid_building_a_foundation_for_a_better_tomorrow.

About RROP:
The Red Rhino Orphanage Project’s mission is to house and educate some of the most unfortunate children in Kenya, enabling them to become contributing members of society and leaders of the next generation. RROP is committed to providing the children it serves with a sanctuary from the immediate and pressing dangers of life, housing, food and medical needs. The orphanage will work in partnership with the surrounding community in ways that foster local commerce and positively impact the environment. The project also funds the children’s educational pursuits, from elementary school through secondary and university or trade school. Additionally, RROP sponsors the locally run rescued baby home Springs of Hope in the nearby town of Machakos. The completion of the homes will allow the overflow of older children from Springs of Hope to move to the newer RROP facilities. For more information on RROP please visit http://www.rrop.org.

About Colette:
With her disarming doe eyes and a heartwarming demeanor, Om Records’ Colette possesses the unmistakable voice of post-millennial house music. Her sweet-but-sultry, classically trained voice highlights any beat that flows behind it, making the former choirgirl-cum-Chicago-house-siren a mainstay in the global dance music scene. In the late 90s, Colette started the SuperJane troupe with fellow Chicagoan DJs Dayhota, Lady D and Heather, paving the way for women seeking equal time behind the decks as their male counterparts. In 2007, Colette released Push, the highly anticipated follow up album to her critically acclaimed Billboard Magazine No. 1 charting debut album Hypnotized. Inspired by her house music upbringing in the birth place of the beat, Push harks back to the days where electro, house, hip hop and freestyle music ruled the airwaves and does something few seem to do these days: create a complete album of hits that will grab anyone with a love for good music. Despite international acclaim, Colette continues to stay grounded in the Windy City with her monthly residency at the Metro/Smart Bar. For more on Colette please visit http://www.djcolette.com.

About DJ Rap:
Over her 15-year career, DJ Rap has moved effortlessly between genres, staking her claim on various styles within the electronic spectrum, while simultaneously pushing the limits of rock and pop. The First Lady of Drum ʻnʼ Bass and the undisputed Queen of the Turntables, her music has infiltrated club systems and car stereos worldwide, and her numerous forays into video game and motion picture soundtracks have solidified her pedigree as one of dance musicʼs most successful and prolific artists. In February 2010, DJ Rap will release Synthesis (Ministry of Sound), a brand new studio album that weaves together a full compliment of synthetic textures and organic moods, and paints a lucid picture of her journey as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Also, check out Metasyn, the spankin’ new by-product of DJ Rap and fresh up ‘n’ comer Chemical Hero dishing out a brand new drum&bass sound that is unlike anything this side of the moon. Learn more about DJ Rap here http://www.djrap.com.

About Eve Falcon:
Anyone watching E! Entertainment Television over the past year has no doubt seen internationally renowned DJ, producer and vocalist Eve Falcon heating up the decks on the channel’s “12 Sexiest Hollywood Jobs.” Known for her impeccably programmed DJ sets that transcend genre pigeonholing, Eve Falcon has once again brought her flair for music on a fresh new production with renowned DJ and producer DJ Rap. The result is the banging progressive house tune “Good Times,” a peak time floor-filler with uplifting vocals courtesy of Eve herself. The tune is slated for release on DJ Rap’s Impropa Talent imprint in the coming months. Also, Eve’s newest mix, “Bloom,” continues to raise eyebrows and garner accolades as another flawless audio journey. A perfect example of Eve’s unique signature style and energy, the mix has been described as “…sweet beats and smooth transitions make Falcon’s mixes long lived pleasures” – http://www.evefalcon.com.

About Samantha James:
Songwriter and performer Samantha James has spent the past seven years honing her estimable skills as a modern-day singer/songwriter within the dance/electronic/soul genre. Her sultry style, vocal cadences, and international rhythms are largely influenced by such artists as Sade, Basia, Amel Larrieux, Bebel Gilberto and Morcheeba. On her debut album Rise for San Francisco based indie label Om Records, Samantha teamed up with producer and co-writer Sebastian Arocha Morton (ROCAsound) who states, “talented, beautiful, passionate, and dedicated… Samantha James is the real thing – as both recording artist and stage performer. She is a welcome and beautiful new face in the world of dance-electronic music.” The soulful songstress, much to the pleasure of her adoring fans, is in the process of completing her highly-anticipated second album, with the first single due to be released in February – myspace.com/sammyjmusic.

About Make-Up Designory:
Founded in 1997, Make-Up Designory (MUD) is a private, post-secondary institution that provides rigorous training in the field of make-up artistry for film, television, fashion, and retail. At their two thriving campuses in Los Angeles and New York, students from around the world gain expertise in beauty make-up artistry, hairstyling, character make-up, special make-up effects, portfolio development and more. In addition, MUD develops and markets a line of professional-quality make-up products and precision tools, which are supported by expert tips and tested in challenging, real-life situations. MUD products are available through select retailers in the United States, Asia, and Europe, as well as online. For more information about MUD products, please visit: www.mudshop.com, or to learn more about the school, please visit www.mud.edu.

About NextAid:
NextAid’s mission is to improve the lives of children and youth in Africa by promoting and implementing sustainable solutions. NextAid raises awareness for, and partners with, community-based projects and grassroots organizations in Africa and believes that an integrated approach is the best formula for establishing real and lasting change. Through music events and public education initiatives, NextAid provides empowering opportunities for concerned individuals to make a difference – learn more at www.nextaid.org.

# # #

For more information, photos or interviews, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn[at]greengalactic.com.

Proceeds from all three gifts support NextAid’s work to create sustainable solutions for African children orphaned by AIDS. For more information on NextAid, please visit http://www.nextaid.org.For Immediate Release: December 1, 2009

Los Angeles Humanitarian Organization NextAid
Offers Three Green, Philanthropic Holiday Gift Giving Options
Benefitting African Children in Need

Funk Aid for Africa CD • MUD Cares Eye Shadow • “Send a Child to School”

LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles-based humanitarian organization NextAid offers three “green” holiday giving options that benefit African children in need. All three philanthropic gifts are perfect for those who want their holiday giving to mean a bit more:
1.) Funk Aid for Africa, a critically acclaimed CD mix of funky goodness released by Dubspot
2.) MUD Cares Palette of Eye Colors – earthy eye shadows by Make-Up Designory (MUD)
3.) NextAid’s “Send a Child to School” program

Proceeds from all three gifts support NextAid’s work to create sustainable solutions for African children orphaned by AIDS. For more information on NextAid, please visit http://www.nextaid.org.

Details on NextAid’s three philanthropic/green gift giving options …

Funk Aid For Africa CD:
Funk Aid for Africa is a compilation created to raise funds for African children affected by AIDS by harnessing the positive power of music. It’s a funky soul vitamin for your body, mind and spirit – seamlessly blended into a super tight and tasty collage of dubbed out dancehall, reggae, funk, and afro-beat by DJ OBaH. All those involved, from DJ OBaH to the artists (like J Boogie and The Pimps of Joytown) who wrote the tracks, and Dubspot Records who generously produced/released the CD, have donated their time, skill and compositions. All proceeds from the sale of this compilation are going towards the construction of a “green” sports facility at NextAid’s environmental community center in Dennilton, South Africa. The complex serves as a beacon of hope in a community devastated by AIDS and poverty. The CD is priced between $10 – 12 (depending on site purchased from.)
http://www.funkaid.com/ (info/buy)
http://www.dancetracksdigital.com/search/release.php?x=release_info&release_id=46108 (preview/buy)
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=312426116&s=143441 (buy)
http://www.amazon.com/Funk-Aid-For-Africa/dp/B002BLA9PW (buy)

MUD Cares Palette Eye Shadow:
MUD Cares Palette ($25.00) is a quad of eye shadows developed and created by Make-Up Designory (MUD). Shades included are Spanish Gold, Cashmere, Dulce de Leche, and Moss. 100% of the proceeds go towards building homes for children in Africa who have been orphaned by AIDS. Each color is soft and finely milled with just a touch of sheen and the palette works for most skin tones and complexions. The sales of this specially-commissioned eye shadow will fund the final construction and initial operations of two children’s homes in a poverty-stricken town located 25 miles southeast of Nairobi. Each of these eco-friendly homes will provide long-term shelter, food and medical needs for 16 local orphans. The project also funds the children’s educational pursuits, from elementary school through secondary and university or trade school.
http://shop.mudshop.com/mud-cares-palette (info/buy)
http://www.mudblog.net/blog/make-up_designory_nextaid_building_a_foundation_for_a_better_tomorrow

NextAid’s “Send a Child to School” with goGogetters campaign:
A $75 donation to NextAid will assist in sending a child to school for a year. NextAid is working with a well-respected South African organization, loveLife, to be the beneficiary of NextAid’s “Send a Child to School” (aka goGogetters) campaign. goGogetters is a loveLife program that supports the many grandmothers (gogos) who have been dedicating their senior years to the wellbeing of orphans and vulnerable children. NextAid is raising funds for the schooling needs of some of the most vulnerable children who participate in the goGogetters program. All it takes is $75 to enable one child’s education for a year. This donation will ensure that a child is equipped with a school uniform, shoes and school supplies – all critical to a child’s education, especially as many children drop out of school due to embarrassment when they do not have these items. We all know that education is the ticket to a better future and this program presents an affordable and tangible way to make a difference.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=328589150284 (details)
http://www.nextaid.org/donation.htm (donate)

About NextAid -
NextAid’s mission is to improve the lives of youth in Africa by implementing and advancing sustainable solutions. Through music events and public education initiatives, this Los Angeles-based humanitarian organization raises awareness for and partners with community-based projects and grassroots organizations in Africa. NextAid adheres to a holistic and integrated approach in addressing the spectrum of challenges associated with establishing lasting change. http://www.nextaid.org

NextAid images from the field: http://www.nextaid.org/photogallery.htm

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For more information, photos, or to arrange interviews, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn (at) greengalactic.com.

graphic design by Rafael Picco - http://rfpgraphics.com

Humanitarian organization NextAid presents its second annual World AIDS Day 2009 benefit event in Los Angeles on Tue. Dec. 1, 2009. The L.A. event is part of NextAid’s multi-date/multi-city fundraising campaign that kicks off in San Francisco on Wed. Nov. 25th and continues across the land until Dec. 31st. The swanky affair will take place at film director Chris Paine’s Marrakesh House located on a scenic hillside in Culver City. Entertainment for the big LA benefit will include Louie Vega, DJ Rap, Turntables on the Hudson with DJ Nickodemus and Nappy G with a Brazilian drum troupe plus Todd Simon on trumpet, Marques Wyatt, and Raul Campos along with comedians Ben Morrison, Ben Gleib, and Whitney Cummings.For Immediate Release: November 10, 2009

NextAid Presents Its Second Annual
“World AIDS Day 2009 Events”
Uniting the Dance Music Community With Fundraisers Across the U.S.
LA’s Kick-Off Event at Marrakesh House in Culver City
Featuring DJs, Comedians, Spirits, Food & Silent Auction
Tuesday, December 1, 2009

LOS ANGELES, CA – Humanitarian organization NextAid presents its second annual World AIDS Day 2009 Events (WAD2009), a multi-date fundraising campaign in cities across the U.S. starting on November 25, 2009 in San Francisco and continuing throughout the entire month of December. Tied into World AIDS Day (WAD), a globally recognized day, which takes place every year on December 1st, NextAid activates the international dance music community to raise funds and awareness for AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children in Africa. The first WAD, established in 1988 by the World Health Organization, was about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education, goals that are as relevant as ever in 2009. A portion of the proceeds from each of NextAid’s WAD2009 events will go towards two of its current projects on the ground: the Kawangware Street Children & Youth Project (KSCYP) in Nairobi, Kenya, and the loveLife GoGogetters program in South Africa. For more information on NextAid and all the WAD2009 events please visit http://www.nextaid.org/wad2009.

From its home base of Los Angeles, NextAid will throw a swanky affair on December 1st at film director Chris Paine’s Marrakesh House located on a scenic hillside in Culver City (private address, not to be posted, revealed upon ticket purchase). Entertainment for the big LA benefit will include Louie Vega, DJ Rap, Turntables on the Hudson with DJ Nickodemus and Nappy G with a Brazilian drum troupe plus Todd Simon on trumpet, Marques Wyatt, and Raul Campos along with comedians Ben Morrison, Ben Gleib, and Whitney Cummings. Enjoy ArcheDream For HUMANKIND dancers, an international blacklight mask theater company that communicates universal ideas and emotions to promote understanding and compassion. Honored guests in attendance will include Augustine “Agasto” Githaiga, the co-founder of KSCYP (his first trip to the States!) and Stephan McGuire (founder of Coalition for a Sustainable Africa and a producer on Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The 11th HOUR), who will speak briefly. The evening will also include a silent auction featuring ecological and fair trade products and services, photography of Africa, and work from artists of African descent.

Tickets for NextAid’s LA benefit cost $75 if purchased by 11/20/09, and $100 afterwards and at the door. An open bar featuring cocktails and mixers, plus light food provided by organic and/or local restaurants will be available. Food and beverage sponsors include JETT Vodka, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Kim Crawford Wines, organic juices and functional drinks by Purity Organic, AKBAR cuisine of India, Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss, Tia’s Bakery, and The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea & Cocoa. Several NextAid partner organizations will have booths set up on-site including MUD cosmetics [http://shop.mudshop.com/mud-cares-palette], and handmade Kawangware bags from the KSCYP kids [www.africabags.com]. This special NextAid-produced fundraiser will be streamed live on the web thanks to In Soul We Trust. For more information and tickets please visit: http://www.nextaid.org/wad2009/dec01.html.

Additional L.A. event partners include Grace Kim Consulting, Homemade LA, Jeromy Robert Photography, Motion Audio, Space:Loft:Six, and Viceroy Hotel.

Similar fundraisers are happening around the country, starting with San Francisco on November 25th at supperclub with headliners D:FUSE and Sen-Sei. The East Coast kick-off takes place two days later on Friday, November 27th at New York City’s Sullivan Room thanks to Giant Step and Turntables on the Hudson featuring DJ Nickodemus and Nappy G. Additional WAD2009 event/promoter partners include DEEP, Insomniac, Tropical, and Uniting Souls/Free Thinking (all based in LA), as well as loom (Omaha), OM Records (S.F.), Playloop (Philadelphia), Uhuru Afrika (Boston), and House Music Society (Charlotte). The dance music scenes of other cities have also responded to this call for action, totaling over a dozen events confirmed so far throughout the month of December with additional promoters, artists and DJs still joining the effort.

NextAid has partnered with organizations and media partners with deep electronic music and DJ culture roots such as Fusicology, Green Galactic, ReEvolution Marketing, Rhythmism, The MML, URB Magazine, and Wantickets to help with the massive promotional efforts for NextAid’s growing number of WAD2009 events.

The funds raised from the World AIDS Day 2009 campaign of events will go towards two of NextAid’s current projects:
- The Kawangware Street Children & Youth Project (KSCYP) in Nairobi, Kenya – http://www.nextaid.org/kawangware.htm
- The loveLife’s goGogetters program and NextAid’s “Send A Child to School” campaign in South Africa

Locally created and managed, KSCYP strives to get youth off the streets of Kawangware, a slum bordering Nairobi, by providing opportunities for performance activities and economic development. The profits generated for KSCYP help support the youth workers’ basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care and education, while also taking care of the community’s orphaned and vulnerable children. NextAid has joined forces with KSCYP by committing to raise funds for the construction of an eco-friendly, multipurpose facility for the project’s micro-business.

NextAid is also working with the well-respected South African organization, loveLife, to be the beneficiary of NextAid’s “Send a Child to School” campaign. goGogetters is a loveLife program to support the many grandmothers (gogos) who dedicate their old-age years to the wellbeing of orphans and vulnerable children. NextAid is raising funds for the schooling needs of some of the most helpless children who participate in the goGogetters program. All it takes is $75 to fund one child’s education for an entire year. This donation will ensure that school fees are paid and the child is equipped with a school uniform, shoes and school supplies.

NextAid represents the dance music community’s response to AIDS in Africa…

NextAid receives support from a wide range of entertainment industry leaders including some of the most internationally recognized names in dance music, such as Louie Vega, DJ Dan, Miguel Migs, Nickodemus, DJ Rap, OM Records, Dubspot, and URB Magazine. From mega-events like Miami’s annual Winter Music Conference to small clubs and through benefits and other music-related activities, NextAid channels the positive energy on the dance floor across the globe to children in Africa, thus providing an opportunity for this niche demographic to Using the Beats of Our Generation to Provide Hope for the Next. Check out NextAid’s Artists & DJs PSA to learn more: http://www.kyte.tv/ch/335172-nextaid/530357-artistsanddjsfornextaid

About Marrakesh House -
Located on a hillside adjacent to California’s newest State Park, the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City, Marrakesh House is one of the most environmentally friendly remodels in Southern California. Documentary filmmaker Chris Paine, director of the acclaimed film Who Killed the Electric Car? purchased the home in 2007 with the aim to transform the original Mid 20th Century Modern home into a model for sustainable living in the 21st century. In the process, Paine has also created a private residence that doubles as venue for art, music and culture in the surrounding community – http://marrakeshhouse.com.

About NextAid -
NextAid’s mission is to improve the lives of youth in Africa by implementing and advancing sustainable solutions. Through music events and public education initiatives, this Los Angeles-based humanitarian organization raises awareness for and partners with community-based projects and grassroots organizations in Africa. NextAid adheres to a holistic and integrated approach in addressing the spectrum of challenges associated with establishing lasting change. NextAid provides empowering opportunities for concerned individuals to make a tangible difference.

The UN estimated that every 14 seconds, an African child loses a parent to AIDS, and every day, more than 6,000 young Africans aged 15 – 24 acquire the HIV virus. After more than two decades of AIDS devastating the continent where life began, only 10% of the 15 million AIDS orphans are receiving any kind of public support. The enormity of the AIDS pandemic demands a response from every corner of society. NextAid believes that focusing on children is the most effective way to impact this crisis and uses the collective energy generated on the dance floor to make a difference.

About World AIDS Day -
World AIDS Day is a day when individuals and organizations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. This year marks the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day with the theme of “Universal Access and Human Rights.” The human rights approach is comprehensive, tying directly into the response needed for universal access to treatment, prevention, care and support. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done. More information can be found at www.worldaidscampaign.org.

According to UNAIDS 2008 estimates, there are 33.2 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2007 some 2.5 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. Around 95% of people with HIV and AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world

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For more information, photos or interviews, please contact Green Galactic’s
Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn@greengalactic.com.