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Benefit News

Thank You for Supporting Girls Who Rock!

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

Nearly two weeks ago, Girls Who Rock took over New York’s Santos Party House. What started as an idea among three friends turned into a four-hour party with nearly 400 guests. Raising just under $5,000, the benefit concert partnership between She’s the First and AfricAid resulted in sponsoring three girl’s four-years of high school education.

The money raised will help sponsor the girls two-year program of the Kisa Project via AfricAid, which is one of the many partner programs that She’s the First supports worldwide by encouraging fun, affordable grassroots fundraising among young women and men. AfricAid was chosen as the beneficiary because the organization recently piloted The Kisa Project, an initiative that enrolls girls in leadership training and digital storytelling workshops, where they learn to share their lives with sponsors through rich, vivid videos.

Through the Kisa Project, young women in Tanzania will finish their schooling, go through a powerful 2-year leadership training program, start their own service and business projects, and build meaningful relationships with students and sponsors in the United States through kisaproject.org and shesthefirst.org.

The night was a success with impressive performances by Kat DeLuna, Shontelle, Lenka, MoZella, Vita Chambers, Cara Salimando, Kelli Pyle and DJ Kalkutta. Kat DeLuna even taught the audience the official “Push Push” dance.

Online donations can still be made here. The girls sponsored through Girls Who Rock will be communicating to all of their co-sponsors on the She’s the First blog throughout the year. Thanks so  much for all of your support and for helping promote the importance of girls education! Stay tuned for updates from Girls Who Rock and ways you can get involved in the future.

If you missed the show, you can still watch it on livestream here.

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Artist of the Week Benefit

Artist of the Week: Lenka

Australian singer-songwriter Lenka crafts catchy, upbeat pop songs that are bound to get stuck in your head after just one listen. The former actress got her start taking acting lessons with Cate Blanchett, but it wasn’t until a role in a play required  her to sing that she became passionate about music.

Since then, Lenka’s 2008 debut album has garnered rave reviews and many of her songs have been featured on commercials and hit TV shows including “Ugly Betty” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” While many of her songs deal with broken hearts and failed relationships, the music behind each track is uplifting.

Songs like “The Show” feature energetic horn and piano accompaniment. “I’m just a little bit caught in the middle/Life is a maze and love is a riddle/I don’t know where to go, can’t do it alone/I’ve tried, and I don’t know why,” she sings. If the song sounds familiar, you may remember it from an Old Navy advertisement. 

The beautifully delicate, “Don’t Let Me Fall” embodies her angelic vocals with a moving string arrangement. Conducted by composer/arranger David Campbell (Beck’s father), the track is light and airy, sounding reminiscent to a lullaby.

Lenka is currently working on her sophomore album, due out later this year. If you’re in New York this Thursday, you just might get to witness her debut a few songs live at Girls Who Rock! For more information, visit the Facebook invite here and be sure to give Lenka a listen on MySpace.

Watch the music video for “The Show” below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elsh3J5lJ6g]

Related Links:
Girls Who Rock: Meet Kat DeLuna
Girls Who Rock: Meet MoZella
Girls Who Rock: Meet Shontelle
Girls Who Rock: Meet Cara Salimando
Categories
Benefit Interviews

Vita Chambers

Vita Chambers is an artist to watch. The 16-year-old singer hails from Barbados and is making her mark in the music scene with infectious singles, “Like Boom” and “Young Money.” Be on the lookout for Chambers this summer on the Bamboozle Roadshow and Lilith Fair. But, before that, she’ll be performing next Thursday at Girls Who Rock, a benefit concert hosted by She’s the First. To learn more about Vita Chambers, read below and for all the details on Girls Who Rock, visit the Web site.

What first sparked your decision to pursue a career in music?
I knew it’s what I wanted since I was a very little girl. It started with all the school plays I was in. I never cared which character I played, as long as I was singing the entire time I was happy. The more plays I did, the more I fell in love with performing!

What inspires you?
My fans, always. From reading their tweets to seeing them in the audience, everything about my fans is inspiring to me. They keep me going!

What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced? How did you overcome them? 
Not being able to be in a normal high school setting has been difficult. I definitely miss being able to fool around in class with my friends. But my tutor is chill so he makes up for it! When I’m faced with an obstacle, I’m a glass half full kinda girl. I try to always have a positive outlook on life no matter what.

What’s your songwriting process?
Honestly, I don’t really have a formula! I carry around a little journal with me and when ideas pop into my head I jot them down. At the end of the day I review my notes and try to make sense of them through a song.

What was your favorite subject to learn in school, besides music?
My favorite subject in school has always been biology! I can’t explain why, it’s just all cool to me.

What were you the first to do or what will you be the first to do?
I will be the first 16 year old musician to use my music to stress the importance of educating girls all over the world.

What the next big thing happening in your career?
I’ll be touring on the Bamboozle Roadshow. I’ve already done some shows and its been so much fun! I’m one of the only girl acts so I’ve been hanging out with all guys the entire time, its great!

What’s your favorite “girl power” song?

“Just a Girl” by No Doubt.

Why did you decide to get involved with She’s the First?
There are three things that have always been very important to me; Giving back, education and girl power. These are the exact three things that define She’s the First. It’s an amazing campaign with a message that I will always back up. Every girl in the world deserves an education.

Related Links:
Girls Who Rock: Meet Kat DeLuna
Girls Who Rock: Meet MoZella
Girls Who Rock: Meet Shontelle
Girls Who Rock: Meet Cara Salimando
Categories
Benefit Interviews

Kat DeLuna

Pop sensation Kat DeLuna has been making waves since first single, “Whine Up” was released in 2007. The track made its way onto the Billboard Hot 100 and the Pop 100, an impressive debut for any singer. Additionally, the versatile artist has collaborated with notable acts including everyone from Busta Rhymes to Lil Wayne and Elephant Man.

Three years later, DeLuna is back with current club jam, “Push Push.” Featuring Akon, the track is sure to be another summer hit. Gearing up for the release of her sophomore album, Inside Out, in the upcoming months, DeLuna will be making a stop at Santos Party House June 10th in New York for Girls Who Rock, a benefit concert for She’s the First.

To find out more on DeLuna and why she decided to get involved with Girls Who Rock, read below. To purchase tickets to Girls Who Rock, click here.

What first sparked your decision to pursue a career in music?
I’ve been singing ever since I was a little girl. When I was three years old, I took a microphone for the first time and sang in front of hundreds of people. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted a career in the music industry.

What inspires you?
Everything around me serves as inspiration for me. Whether it’s the people that surround me or the environment that I am in, it is all capable of inspiring me.

What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced?
I have faced quite a few obstacles in my life including poverty and not having enough positive role models, other than my mother. People say that obstacles are suppose to limit what you can do in life, but I’ve always been about trying to prove people wrong, to go further than their expectations. This drive has given me the strength to overcome.

What’s your songwriting process?
I don’t really have a songwriting process. When I begin to write a song, I look and reflect on my inspirations from that day and just begin. It is really a freeing, stream of consciousness type of thing.

What was your favorite subject to learn in school, besides music?
Besides music, my favorite subject in school was literature. This class quickly became my favorite because not only would we read plays out loud but we would also act them out. It was a chance to perform, and I gained a lot of my confidence from this class.

What were you the first to do or what will you be the first to do?
I want to be the first ever international, crossover Pop star of Dominican descent to make it big in the music scene.

What’s the next big thing happening in your career?
I just finished shooting the music video for my new single “Push Push” in Atlanta with Akon. “Push Push” is the lead single off my upcoming album, Inside Out, which is due out later this year on GBM/Universal Motown.

What’s your favorite ‘girl power’ song?
“I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan. Oh, and “Unstoppable” by me.

Why did you decide to get involved with She’s the First?
I decided to get involved with She’s the First because I’m a strong woman who had to go through many obstacles to get to where I am today. As a survivor of poverty, I consider myself to be a fighter and I have been put into many positions in my life that I feel I wouldn’t have able to survive if I wasn’t one! I want to show women all around the world that anything is possible as long as you stay strong and persevere. You can be any woman you want to be, just do it and don’t be afraid to go against whatever stands in your way! Try and loose your sensitivity so no one and nothing can hurt you, and go hard!

Related Links:
Girls Who Rock: Meet MoZella
Meet the Artist Who Inspired Girls Who Rock
Girls Who Rock: Meet Shontelle
Girls Who Rock: Meet Cara Salimando
Categories
Benefit News

GIRLS WHO ROCK: June 10 Benefit Concert for She’s the First

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been featuring interviews with many of the performers who will be showcased June 10th in New York at Santos Party House for GIRLS WHO ROCK, a benefit concert hosted by She’s the First. Artists include Kat DeLuna, Lenka, MoZella, Shontelle, Cara Salimando, Kelli Pyle and some surprise guests yet to be announced.

Shesthefirst.org leverages young women’s powerful platforms and social media networks to promote the idea that education gives every girl a chance to break barriers and become “the first” to achieve something. Proceeds of the concert will go toward sponsoring a girl in Tanzania via AfricAid.

For those of you not in New York June 10th, we’ll be broadcasting the concert live on You Sing I Write thanks to Livestream, so be sure to check back for more details. To purchase tickets click here and to learn more about GIRLS WHO ROCK, visit the Web site. You can read my interviews with MoZella, Shontelle, Cara Salimando and Kelli Pyle below and look for interviews with Kat DeLuna and Lenka in the upcoming weeks.

Related Links:
Girls Who Rock: Meet MoZella
Meet the Artist Who Inspired Girls Who Rock
Girls Who Rock: Meet Shontelle
Girls Who Rock: Meet Cara Salimando
Categories
Benefit Interviews

MoZella

Detroit-bred singer-songwriter MoZella has been making waves in the music scene over the past few years. Her tale is one of hard work and determination. Moving to the West Coast after graduating high school to pursue music, when things didn’t develop as quickly as she hoped, MoZella found herself decorating cakes by day and performing in coffee shops at night. All her hard work eventually paid off, as she was signed to Madonna’s Maverick Records in 2004.

Since then, MoZella toured with notable acts including Dave Matthews Band, Lifehouse, Michelle Branch and Colbie Caillat and has had songs featured in numerous television series and commercials. Her most recent release, Belle Isle has received much praise for it’s infectious vocals and catchy beats. Additionally, MoZella combines her love of older classics with a blend of pop, soul, and jazz for a truly unique sound.

To find out what inspires MoZella as well as her songwriting process, read below. Be sure to catch her June 10th at Santos Party House for Girls Who Rock, a benefit concert for She’s the First.

What first sparked your decision to pursue a career in music?
I think my love of music is hereditary. My mom loved music. My grandfather (her father) was a great singer and would play me Stevie Wonder, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Roberta Flack records when I was little. I was obsessed with music at a really young age. I had a pretty mature CD collection by the 5th grade filled with Nirvana, Snoop & Dr. Dre, Pearl Jam, Counting Crows, Metallica, and Sheryl Crow.

By the time I was 13 I was going to shows regularly. I breathed music. Then I started playing the guitar in high school and playing at local coffeehouses once a week. After writing a few songs and playing them for an audience, I knew that is what I was meant to do. So, I guess it was a series of tiny sparks that created this burning desire to make music the rest of my life.

What inspires you?
In life, my mom inspires me. She just got her masters online while working a full time job in traveling medical sales. What woman in her 50’s has the courage or the desire to even do something like that? (She put herself through nursing school then anesthesia school as a single mom when I was a kid as well)! She’s always looking for ways to better herself. I really admire her. If she can do all that, then I can also ride the waves of my career with courage and optimism.

Creatively, I’m inspired by everything I come into contact with on a daily basis. Movies, books, children who make me laugh, photographs, art in a gallery, sunshine, good food, my friends funny stories, etc. They all fuel my songwriting process in different ways.

What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced? How did you overcome them?
I’ve faced quite a few obstacles (being dropped from my first label was one of the hardest) but I try to be thankful for those lessons every day. They’ve made me a more compassionate person and a more heartfelt songwriter. After moving to LA at age 18, I was alone and scared. I prayed for courage and kept moving forward. This is what I do every day. At times when things don’t go my way, I tell myself to never quit and stay determined to have a victory. I turn the poison of mean people, harsh critics, and self doubt into medicine that helps me grow.

What’s your songwriting process?
Every song is different. Sometimes I hum a melody and then grab the guitar. Sometimes it’s the other way around. Sometimes a title comes to me and I have to save it in my notebook. Sometimes I get with a fellow songwriter and we just start playing the piano and singing and 30 minutes later a song is born.

What was your favorite class, besides music?
I loved physics. I had a great teacher my senior year who let me teach the class an entire lesson on how objects fall at the same rate. I’ll never forget that. He really believed in my knowledge and ability to explain things. It gave me a big boost of confidence.

I also loved Spanish class. I’m bilingual now thanks to taking four years of Spanish in high school! I feel bad that I gave my teacher such a hard time. Sorry Mrs. Powlakowski!!!

What were you the first to do or what will you be the first to do?
I think I might be one of the first Buddhist female pop singers.

What’s the next big thing happening in your career?
I’m writing for a new record, writing for other artists, and playing lots of shows including my first show in Paris in June.

What’s your favorite ‘girl power’ song?
“Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett.

Why did you decide to get involved with She’s The First?
It’s the right thing to do. I’m the woman I am because people believed in me, gave me a chance, and encouraged me to follow my dreams. It’s only right to pass that on to other girls.

Related Links:
Save the Date: June 10 Benefit Concert for She’s the First
Meet the Artist Who Inspired Girls Who Rock
Girls Who Rock: Meet Shontelle
Girls Who Rock: Meet Cara Salimando
Categories
Benefit Interviews

Shontelle

With her soulful voice and catchy beats, Bajan singer-songwriter Shontelle is making a name for herself in the music scene. The 23-year-old has toured with big name artists including Beyonce and New Kids on the Block. Additionally, she recorded “Stuck With Each Other” with Akon while Rihanna, Alison Hinds and J-Status have performed Shontelle’s song, “Roll.”

Gearing up for her second album release later this summer and a performance at June 10th’s Girls Who Rock benefit concert for She’s the First, Shontelle shows no signs of slowing down. To find out more on Shontelle, read below and visit her Web site.

What first sparked your decision to pursue a career in music?
I always wanted to make music. It was the only thing I never got bored of. Still is. I made the final decision to pursue mainstream music professionally when SRP Records contacted me and offered me an opportunity to sign a production deal with them. I couldn’t turn it down.

What inspires you?
Life in general for the most part. I’m obsessed with life.

What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced? How did you overcome them?
The biggest obstacle I’ve faced in music is proving that I have something beautiful and enjoyable to offer. In the beginning I felt a crippling resistance. I wasn’t sure why. But it felt like climbing the steepest, tallest mountain, with no tools, forever. Like struggling to breathe every day. It’s not easy trying to get complete strangers to believe in you. I still have a lot to overcome but I feel like I have come really far. I just try to stay focused on my goals and aspirations. When I look back on my life, I think to myself, “Why on Earth would I start walking backwards now?” So I guess I’m simply determined.

What’s your songwriting process?
It’s random actually. There really is no specific procedure I have. It varies. I just write when something comes to me.

What was your favorite subject to learn in school, besides music?
I love Spanish, Geography, Art and Biology. Hated Math. Still do! Numbers….not my thing. I’m logical yes, so I’m good with Semantics. I guess that’s why I also enjoyed studying Philosophy, but figures and numerals and formulas just make me short circuit!

What were you the first to do?
I was the first person in my family to be enrolled in the highest ranking high school in Barbados. I was pretty proud of that. I was even prouder when all two of my younger sisters also followed me to be accepted there. My parents are pretty proud too. I don’t really want to tell anyone what I want to be the first to do just yet. I’ve found lately, that whenever I share my ideas, they end up getting stolen…or at least so it seems. Remember, the animals told Cinderella to keep her dreams a secret. Do not tell…just do…

What’s the next big thing happening in your career?
Who knows? I just want to keep moving forward. I’m really looking forward to the release of my second album, No Gravity this summer.

What’s your favorite ‘girl power’ song?
I’m going to be biased and say, “Roll,” a song I wrote, performed first by Alison Hinds and later by myself, J-Status and Rihanna. I’m all about girl power. My song “Superwoman,” produced by Stargate on my first album, Shontelligence, is also a huge “women anthem.” But if you really want a song that’s not mine, then I’d have to say, “I’m Every Woman” naturally.

Why did you decide to get involved with She’s The First?
I’m always so excited to be a part of anything that supports, celebrates and uplifts females. After all, I’m one!

Related Links:
Save the Date: June 10 Benefit Concert for She’s the First
Meet the Artist Who Inspired Girls Who Rock
Girls Who Rock: Meet Cara Salimando
Q&A; with Orianthi
Categories
Benefit Interviews

Cara Salimando

Last week, I introduced you to Kelli Pyle, the artist who inspired our Girls Who Rock benefit concert for She’s the First.We’re thrilled to welcome Jersey girl Cara Salimando to the lineup! Having recently toured with Ingrid Michaelson and Mat Kearney and performed at Bamboozle, things are going well for the 18-year-old singer-songwriter. Salimando is set to play at Lilith Fair later this summer as well as Girls Who Rock June 10th!

While she’s been compared to Regina Spektor and Ingrid Michaelson, Salimando’s descriptive songwriting and distinct vocals make her stand out. Read below to find out more on Cara and be sure to give her a listen on MySpace.

What first sparked your decision to pursue a career in music?
I’ve always loved music. I can’t exactly pinpoint one exact moment or instance. I think taking voice and piano lessons from a young age helped me realize this was the only thing I could be doing with my life. I had two very inspirational teachers; Stacy Smith of Red Bank, NJ was my first voice teacher and Gregg Zubowics of Woodbridge, NJ was my fourth piano teacher. They both encouraged me to write my own songs and learn how to write on an instrument. I never thought I would even make it as far as I have so quickly. Without their guidance and assistance, I have no idea what I’d be doing right now.

What inspires you?
I’m mostly inspired by relationships between people. My friends, my family, myself. Romantic or platonic. I write a lot about people, and from other peoples point of view. I guess you could say that I’m inspired by the people in my life.

What’s your songwriting process?
It’s always different. But I can’t lie. I come up with my best ideas in the shower. I pretty much wrote “Cigarette Smoke” in the shower. Maybe it’s because I have so much time to think in there. I have no idea. I just came up with a pretty cool riff the other day that I’m excited to develop. Honestly, I think I just need a piano and an empty house to write. Lyrics, for me, come first. Usually the vocal melody comes with the lyrics simultaneously. I mostly do chord changes and piano very last. But like I said, it’s always different.

What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced?
In high school I had a music teacher that wasn’t very supportive of my “budding career.” He was very discouraging to work with. I wasn’t a “favorite” so very little attention was paid to me. I liked popular music, which isn’t a part of the curriculum in a high school music program, only classical and jazz were [so] I dropped the music program. But, it turned out to be a good thing. I think if he had given me his approval and given me opportunities he gave other kids, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. I think it’s a bad thing when too many people believe in you. You get a big head. I think a little adversity is great fuel for your own fire. Believing in yourself is what really counts.

What was your favorite class in school, besides music?
English, hands down. I love to write and read. I read so many books. I’m a nerd.

What were you the first to do or what will you be the first to do?
I don’t know if I’m the first to do anything! There’s a lot of people in the world, how can you be sure? I’m the first to be Cara Salimando. And I’m okay with that! I suppose it could be said that I’m the first girl from Little Silver, New Jersey to get a record deal at the age of 17.

What’s the next big thing happening in your career?
I’ll be playing at the Lilith Fair festival this July in Indianapolis! I’m really excited. Sarah McLachlan is a huge influence of mine, so it’s a completely mindblowing opportunity to be involved in something she’s so passionate about.

What’s your favorite ‘girl power’ song?
I don’t know if this counts as a girl power song, but probably “Sleep to Dream” by Fiona Apple. It’s empowering in it’s own way.

Why did you decide to get involved with She’s The First?
Education is important. I’m lucky. I grew up in a small town, in a pretty house, and went to great schools ever since Pre K. I’m aware that other girls aren’t so lucky. No one should be denied a good education for any reason. The fact that there are so many girls that don’t have the advantages I did growing up is upsetting, because something CAN be done about it, unlike so many other issues that are out of our hands. I’d love to be a part of anything that helps other girls get the education they need to be successful, well spoken adults and professionals.

Dust 
Categories
Benefit Interviews

Kelli Pyle

A few weeks ago, I told you about the benefit concert for She’s the First I’ll be helping with. She’s the First is a media campaign that promotes the importance of educating girls who would otherwise not have the opportunity to go to school. In the upcoming weeks I’ll be announcing each artist performing at the June 10th show in NYC. Stay tuned!

This week, I chatted with Kelli Pyle, the singer who inspired the Girls Who Rock concert. With her sultry singing style and seductive dance moves, Pyle sings everything from R&B; to blues, jazz and pop. Not to mention, she has shared the stage with Usher, Alicia Keys and John Legend. The Missouri born and bred singer now calls New York her home where you can catch her performing live. Read on to find out more on Kelli and what She’s the First means to her.

What first sparked your decision to pursue a career in music?
I’ve always loved to entertain ever since I can remember. Music has always meant so much to me. When I was little I used to always ask my dad to turn the radio to the station that played 1930s and 1940s music and I would dance to it and feel so inspired. My mom said she used to play “P.Y.T.” by Michael Jackson for me while I was in her tummy. I think it was something that I was born with. A natural love for music and to perform.

What inspires you?
This is a deep question because so many things inspire me. Something as simple as a flower, a poem, seeing the sunrise, nature, seeing others do good deeds. There are so many inspiring things around us everyday and I think sometimes we overlook them because we get so caught up in the hectic lives we live.

What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced?
I’ve had a blessed life, with good parents and a solid upbringing so that really set a foundation for my life, but I think I face the same challenges a lot of girls my age face. At some point in our lives as girls we face issues with self doubt hoping we can live up to the standard society has set for us. In the music industry the media paints a picture of “perfect women” and there is no such thing. So sometimes you find yourself comparing yourself to others and that’s never good. I’ve learned that I’m exactly who I am for a reason I love every part of me! I’m 100% confident in who I am.

How did you overcome them?
I’m confident in what I do and the decision I make in life. I make sure that when I wake up in the morning I start off positive and I’m thankful for everything I do have. And with that I feel I can overcome anything.

What’s your songwriting process? 
Sometimes it starts off as a poem, sometimes a melody, sometimes a good lyric, sometimes it’s getting in the studio with talented people and feeding off their creative energy. It’s all those wrapped into one big bundle that makes a good song.

What was your favorite subject to learn in school, besides music?
Anything to do with animals. I loved when we were able to study animals and nature and how the world works. I also really enjoyed nutrition and how it applies to the body. I’m passionate about eating organically and taking good care of my body so that was always interesting to me. I also really liked English, especially when we were challenged to write a story. Writing always came very natural to me and was very therapeutic. As a kid I remember writing many poems under a big white birch tree we had my yard.

What were you the first to do or what will you be the first to do?
I want to inspire people with my music. I know I won’t be the first person to ever inspire someone with music, but I want to be the first to inspire someone in a way they’ve never felt. I want girls to feel empowered by what I stand for which is giving back, loving yourself, respecting this world we live in. This is why I’m so honored to be a part of “She’s the First” because it represent the same things I do.

What’s the next big thing happening in your career?
I’m working hard on promoting my Kelli Pyle album which is available and out now on itunes. I will be performing for “She’s the First” benefit so I’m really excited about that. I’m taking steps everyday to climb this ladder of success and reach the top and I always want to make sure I enjoy the journey. I never want to lose sight of why I started in the beginning.

What’s your favorite ‘girl power’ song?
I love the song “Video” by India Arie. I’ve listened to that song so many times to feel empowered. India Arie isn’t your typical artist she is outside of the box and she is truly beautiful for that. That song allows women to really sing a song that says “Hey I’m beautiful no matter what.” And I love that. It’s a great thing to leave women with empowerment instead of degrading them like so many songs do in this day and age! I love it when she says “Go on and love yourself, everything is gonna be just fine.” Girls need to love themselves so they can give back and love the world.

Why did you decide to get involved with She’s the First?
It’s an amazing cause. Girls are the future. If we can shape and mold them into strong women then the world will be a better place. Girls become mothers who set the foundations for our children. So if we start with putting girls first and giving them the love, education, and direction they need then we are securing a bright future!

Kelli Pyle’s impressive debut self-titled album is available now on iTunes. For more on Kelli be sure to give her a listen on MySpace. You can catch Kelli live at Crash Mansion May 6. To find out more about She’s the First, visit shesthefirst.org.

Categories
Benefit News

Save the Date: June 10 Benefit Concert for She’s the First

My friend and colleague Tammy Tibbetts is the founder of She’s the First, a global education campaign. She’s the First leverages the young women’s powerful platforms and networks on social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube) to promote the idea that education gives every girl a chance to be “the First.”

I met with Tammy and Cynthia Hellen two weeks ago to discuss planning a benefit and quickly fell in love with the cause. The three of us are working together to host a benefit concert for She’s the First on Thursday, June 10 in NYC. We’re currently in the process of booking four to five female artists to perform, so if you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know in the comments!

Proceeds of the concert will  go toward sponsoring a girl in Tanzania via AfricAid. Recently, AfricAid piloted The Kisa Project, an initiative that gives a Tanzanian teen a scholarship and enrolls her in a two-year leadership training program. The girls take digital storytelling workshops and learn to share their lives with their sponsors through videos. Everyone who attends GIRLS WHO ROCK will be co-sponsors for a girl in The Kisa Project and be able to connect with her via shesthefirst.org throughout the year!

For more information on She’s the First, be sure to visit their Web site and watch the video below. Tune into You Sing I Write for the latest updates and artist announcements. You can follow the makings of our benefit concert on Twitter here. Can’t wait to see you all June 10!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwrYyTl0YNI]