December 1st marks the annual observance of World AIDS Day–a day of remembrance, a day to raise awareness, a day to sound the alarm about the continuing spread of this disease.
Since 2007 leading arts organizations throughout Hampton Roads have joined forces to celebrate ARTS for LIFE, an evening of dance, theater, and song to benefit local AIDS organizations. Ricardo Melendez, founding director of Actor’s Workshop of Virginia, is the producer of ARTS for LIFE, which takes place this year on Monday, December 5 at the TRDance Center in Norfolk.
“It is our responsibility as artists, as individuals, to lend our talents and support to benefit those organizations helping to ease the struggle caused by this worldwide epidemic,” he says. “I believe that charity begins at home. AIDS is affecting all sectors of our community, including our youth. So we have gathered local artists and offered our talents to benefit those locally affected.”
From its inception, ARTS for LIFE has brought together internationally recognized local artists like Narissa Bond, Julie Clark, Mindy Brown, and groups like Todd Rosenlieb Dance, The Hampton Roads Men’s Chorus, Virginia Ballet Theatre, Virginia Stage Company, Actor’s Workshop of Virginia and The Governor’s School for the Arts, amongst others, in a benefit concert that raises awareness and grants support to ACCESS AIDS CARE.
In addition, local visual artists such as Avery Shaffer and Nickolai Walko and businesses donate their work and services for a silent auction and raffle.
The evening begins with a pre-event reception at Gershwin’s Restaurant at 6:30 PM where raffle tickets and the silent auction will commence. Performances will take place from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at TRDance across the street, followed by raffles and silent auctions being announced from 8:30 – 9:00 PM back at Gershwin’s.
WANT TO GO?
What: ARTS for LIFE, 10th Annual World AIDS Day Benefit
When: Monday, December 5th at 7:00 PM
Where: Benjack Studio Theatre @ TRDance Center, 325 Granby Street, Norfolk
Tickets: $25 adults/ $ 15 students to benefit ACCESS AIDS CARE. Available online.
