February 20, 2014
"Queer as Folk" Singer Pepper MaShay Does Charity Concert for Life Group LA
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Recording artist Pepper MaShay of "Queer as Folk" dance music fame is staging her one-woman show, "Both Sides Now," in Los Angeles on February to benefit The Life Group LA, an education and support group for people living with HIV/AIDS. MaShay's alter-ego, Sista Jean, will also be on hand to sing the blues.
"The 'Both Sides Now' concert will have legendary dance music diva MaShay performing her biggest dance songs, and she will also rock the house with her soulful blues side!" said PR agent Mike Pingel.
In 2000, Pepper MaShay exploded on the music scene with her it "Dive In The Pool" which became the unofficial song for Showtime's "Queer as Folk." In 2006, her release "Lost Yo Mind" went #1 on Billboard's Dance Club Play Chart. "Does Your Mamma Know" was released on her own label "Freckle Bandit Records" and won the best dance/electronica category for "The USA Songwriting Competition" in 2008.
Before breaking out on her own, MaShay has worked in the studio with artists such as Tina Turner, Cher, Mick Jagger, Keb Mo, Celine Dion, Taylor Dayne, Jennifer Holiday and Christina Aguilera.
Most recently she released a dance mix single "Freeway of Love" and her blues side released "Back To The Root" and "All Wrapped Up for Christmas" singles with artist C.B.
MaShay will now lend her considerable talents to help raise funds for The Life Group LA, a coalition of people dedicated to the education, empowerment and emotional support of persons both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS so that they may make informed choices and decisions regarding their healthcare and personal well being.
Founded in 2005 The Life Group LA provides, free, much needed information and emotional support through medical forums, emotional support groups and the POZ Life Weekend Seminar. All services are offered in a non-judgmental and safe environment with compassion and understanding.
"In a time when the HIV epidemic has surpassed its 30th year, and new HIV infections continue to occur on a daily basis, now more than ever we must strengthen the struggle against HIV/AIDS," writes The Life Group LA.
Concert event contributors to the silent auction include The Abbey, Trader Joe's, Bristol Farms, French Quarter Restaurant, The Melting Pot and The Red Onion.
The charity concert and silent auction will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. Tickets for "Both Sides Now" are $23, and available at 310-541-0633 or at http://www.itsmyseat.com//events/131409.html
For more information on The Life Group LA, visit www.TheLifeGroupLA.org
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
