August 14, 2002 — Musician and songwriter, Meshell Ndegeocello, will perform at "You Rock My Soul," a star-studded gala event at Carnegie Hall on November 11th, benefiting Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC). Ndegeocello will also serve as the event's musical director. The celebrity-hosted fundraiser will feature performances by many of today's leading recording artists in unique and unprecedented collaborations.

Ndegeocello's funk-laced music has garnered her Grammy nominations for several albums, including Plantation Lullabies, Peace Beyond Passion, and the 1999 release Bitter, which was recognized as Album of the Year by Vibe and Newsweek. Her most recent release, Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape confirms her reputation as a groundbreaking singer, musician, and songwriter.

"I could not be more thrilled to perform with my friends and peers at Carnegie Hall for this life-and-death issue. We're gonna bring down the house!" said Ndegeocello.

"Like good music, GMHC has found community in tragedy, survival in the face of terror, and power through struggle. At 'You Rock My Soul' many kinds of music will combine to provide the perfect soundtrack for our time, to celebrate our victories, and affirm our refusal to rest until there's a world without AIDS." said Ana Oliveira, Executive Director of GMHC. "We are delighted to have an artist of Meshell's talent and reputation as a collaborator on such an exciting event. Her involvement both as performer and musical director will no doubt be an irresistible draw for other artists to participate."

For over twenty years GMHC has provided a wide range of services to thousands of New Yorkers regardless of gender, sexual orientation, income, race, or age. In addition to HIV testing and counseling, legal services, crisis intervention, prevention and treatment education, and a meals program, GMHC continues to advocate for change in HIV and AIDS policy at all levels of government.

New York City remains the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic in the United States, with rates of infection increasing most rapidly among young people and in communities of color. GMHC serves one of every four New Yorkers with AIDS. Of the more than 11,000 clients GMHC serves every year, two-thirds are Black and Latino; 30% are heterosexual; and one-fifth are female.

"We all have the power to make a difference in the fight against HIV and AIDS. No matter who we are, who we sleep with, or where we live," said Ndegeocello. "AIDS does not discriminate. That's one of the reasons why I support this work and am participating in this event."