— Maitri (www.maitrisf.org) is the only AIDS-specific residential care facility in California focusing on the underserved community of those dying of or severely debilitated by AIDS. —
Oakland jazz vocalist Branice McKenzie and guitarist Andrew Morgan
San Francisco, CA — Maitri, a San Francisco-based AIDS-specific residential care facility focusing on those dying of or severely debilitated by AIDS, will be hosting their Bliss 2016 Signature Gala and Auction to raise funds for AIDS victims. The event will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2016, at the Mission Bay Conference Center-UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) beginning at 4pm.
About Leslie Jordan
Host/MC Leslie Jordan is the prestigious Emmy Award winner in 2006 for “Will & Grace”. He has enjoyed rapturous reviews for his original stage plays (“My Trip down the Pink Carpet”, “Stories I can’t tell Mama”, “Fruit Fly”), and supporting presence in one of Hollywood’s most prestigious, message-minded films of the last decade (“The Help”, 2012). He’s been singled out with great notices for his off-Broadway musical theatre debut in 2011 (“The Lucky Guy”). His defining role as “Brother Boy” in the cult film sensation “Sordid Lives” evolved into a well received prequel on the Logo Channel.
About Man Dance Company
Man Dance Company is the first company of its kind in America, and it prides itself on bringing audiences more than just the experience of great male dancing! Founded in 2009, Founder Bryon Heinrich designed MDC for dancers who can express their athleticism, sensuality and compassion free of restraint.
About Branice McKenzie
Oakland Jazz Vocalist Branice McKenzie sings with a sensitivity, intonation and eloquence that mark her as a fine proponent of jazz in song”. With her four-octave range, this artist has partnered with greats from Belafonte to Masekela touring the world, composing songs for a time such as this, a teaching artist with our children and ministering via music every Sundaymorn. Harry Belafonte, Roberta Flack, Gregory Hines, Carly Simon, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and Ledisi are some of the artists with whom she has toured and shared the stage. She is a vocal alchemist and a voice for our time. The New Standard is Branice McKenzie.
About Andre Morgan
Guitarist Andre Morgan will be playing at the VIP reception. Based in Northern California, his music features a blend of soul, folk, and jazz. Andre’s soft, soothing sound is uniquely original. His music comes from his heart. His compositions include jazz, soul, rock, funk, blues, folk, and country. His DreamForward CD was described by a Bay Area magazine, as “a sentimental journey through time and space.”
How to attend or sponsor the event:
Maitri will be celebrating 29 years of service at their Bliss 2016 Gala. To be a sponsor or buy a ticket, please reach out to Toni Newman, Maitri’s Development Manager, tnewman@maitrisf.org or 415-558-3003. To purchase tickets, visit www.maitrisf.org
About Maitri
Based in San Francisco, Maitri is the only AIDS-specific residential care facility in California focusing on the underserved community of those dying of or severely debilitated by AIDS. The facility is managed by Executive Director Michael Smithwick and the Board of Directors. For more information, visit www.maitrisf.org
PRESS CONTACT:
Toni Newman
tnewman@maitrisf.org
415-558-3003