Broadway and Hollywood come together for Voices of Hope: Together, We Thrive Benefitting Desert AIDS Project
Palm Springs, CA May 22, 2020 Desert AIDS Project will present ‘Voices of Hope: Together, We Thrive’ - a star-studded live streaming event for the community on Friday, June 5 at 7:00 pm.
The event will be co-produced and hosted by TV Personality and OUT100 Honoree, Scott Nevins, and feature some of the biggest names from the entertainment industry. The one-hour entertainment special will broadcast across Desert AIDS Project’s social channels including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The event is free, but registration is encouraged, and proceeds support DAP’s COVID-19 response. Viewers are encouraged to enhance their viewing by ordering take-out or delivery before the show, a move to support local restaurants. Learn more at DesertAIDSProject.org/Hope
“We want to bring people together around a message of hope during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said David Brinkman, CEO. “We also want to support local restaurants with this entertainment experience. We thank our patrons who support them by ordering takeout or delivery on that day.”
DAP has provided continuous primary healthcare to its patients throughout this health crisis and embraced the new normal to open its doors wider. Telehealth is making everyone safer by giving patients the power to choose between an in-person doctor visit or a Virtual Visit. The technology rollout is also helping DAP clients access therapy more than ever, from California licensed clinical psychologists.
The fight to end HIV in the Coachella Valley hasn’t taken a break, either. DAP has made free HIV home-testing by mail available for anyone who can’t come to the DAP campus for testing. And counselors quickly turned to Virtual Visits when it became clear they could continue offering access to HIV and STI prevention, testing, and treatment in the face of a crisis.
A full list of restaurants providing take-out can be found at the DiningOutForLife/
Top Talent Will Dazzle
Performers scheduled to appear include; Emmy and TONY Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, TONY Award Winner Betty Buckley, EMMY, Golden Globe and Tony Award Nominee Matthew Morrison, Tony Award Nominee Megan Hilty & Brian Gallagher, TONY Award Nominee Ann Hampton Callaway, TONY Award Nominee Max von Essen, TONY Award Nominee Saycon Sengbloh, Television and Film stars Erich Bergen, Carla Jimenez, Emerson Collins, and Blake McIver, plus celebrity vocal impressionist and YouTube sensation, Christina Bianco.
Complete Star Bios
TONY® and EMMY® Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth’s career spans film, television, voiceover and stage. Stage, (“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, “Wicked”, “On the Twentieth Century”), film (“Rio 2”, “My Little Pony: The Movie”, “Four Christmases”) and television (“Trial & Error”, “The West Wing”, “Pushing Daisies”, “Glee”, “Descendants”, “Hairspray” and “American Gods”). Her latest album “For The Girls,” was released in September 2019 and was a heartfelt tribute to the great female singers throughout history. To celebrate the release of her new album “For The Girls,” Chenoweth returned to the Broadway stage this past November in an eight-performance concert engagement at the Nederlander Theatre.
Betty Buckley is known as a legendary, multi-award-winning Actress/Singer whose multi-faceted career spans theater, film, television, and concert halls around the world. She won a Tony Award for her performance in “Cats,” is a 2012 Theatre Hall of Fame inductee and the 2017 recipient of the Julie Harris Award for Artistic Achievement from The Actor’s Fund. She received her second Tony Nomination for “Triumph of Love.” Most recently she starred in the National Tour of the new Broadway production of “Hello, Dolly!” She co-starred with James McAvoy in M. Night Shyamalan’s International Box Office hit “Split” and guest-starred in Season 3 of the AMC hit show “Preacher”. She has been nominated for two Emmy Awards for her work in television. A two time Grammy Nominee, she has recorded 18 solo CDs. She has received two Honorary Doctorates and has been a teacher for over 40 years of Scene Study and Song Interpretation.
Matthew Morrison is a versatile actor who is recognized for his work on-stage and on-screen. He has been nominated for Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards.
Morrison studied musical theater, vocal performance and dance at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He made his debut on Broadway in “Footloose” but his big break came when he was cast as heartthrob Link Larkin in the hit “Hairspray.” Morrison was later nominated for a Tony Award for his role in “The Light in the Piazza,” and received a Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for “10 Million Miles.” He also starred in the Tony-winning revival of “South Pacific” at Lincoln Center Theater in New York.
In 2010, Morrison became a true household name when he was cast as a series regular in FOX’s musical comedy television series “Glee,” where he starred as the director of the glee club, “Mr. Schuester.” The show was created by Ryan Murphy and received the Golden Globe award for “Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical” in 2010 and 2011. The series wrapped in 2015 after six successful seasons.
Morrison’s most recent Broadway credit is starring as “J.M Barrie” in the musical “Finding Neverland” from March, 2015 through January, 2016. The Broadway production is an adaptation of the 2004 film written by David Magee. The story follows the relationship between Barrie and the Davies family, who became the author’s inspiration for the creation of Peter Pan. Morrison received two Drama Desk nominations for his role, and won the category of Favorite Actor in a Musical in the Broadway.com Audience Awards.
Morrison has teamed up with Disney Music Group to release a carefully curated album of Disney classics, set for release in March 2020. The album, whose songs were personally picked from Morrison’s fondest Disney memories, will cover several eras of classic films. The album is available for pre-order now. The first single, “Go The Distance” was released on January 10, along with its official music video.
Megan Hilty rose to prominence for her roles in Broadway musicals, including her performance as Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked, Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5 the Musical, and her Tony-nominated role as Brooke Ashton in Noises Off. She also received rave reviews for her portrayal of Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun as part of the Encores! staged concert series at City Center. Last year she fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. She's probably best known for starring as Ivy Lynn on the musical-drama series, Smash. Megan has released three full-length albums, It Happens All The Time, Megan Hilty: Live At The Cafe Carlyle, and A Merry Little Christmas. Megan's voice can be heard as KC the Koala on the Disney Jr series, T.O.T.S., the garden fairy, Rosetta, in the animated Tinkerbell series, the singing voice of Snow White in Shrek the Third, and on several other Disney, Nickelodeon, and DreamWorks series. She has performed with renowned symphonies all over the world including the New York Pops, the National Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Pops, and just recently headlined her own show at the Sydney Opera House.
Brian Gallagher is a singer/songwriter, musician, and occasional actor whose album All That's Ahead debuted at #1 on the iTunes blues charts to rave reviews. Just last year, he released his second LP, BROWNSTONE, a gritty, bluesy, horror-inspired concept record about a haunted, four "story" brownstone in Manhattan's East Village. He's co-written several songs that have been released over the last several years with partner, Matt Cusson, and is currently putting the finishing touches on his next two full-length concept records, The Grind Show and XIV. Recent theater credits include the Broadway revival of Jekyll & Hyde and the NYC premiere of the rock musical, Chix 6.
Ann Hampton Callaway is one of America’s most gifted artists in pop and jazz. A leading champion of the great American Songbook, she’s made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer. Voted by Broadwayworld.com as “Performer of the Year” and two years in a row as “Best Jazz Vocalist,” Ann is born entertainer. She is best known for Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical “Swing!” and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series “The Nanny.” She made her feature film debut opposite Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon in the Robert De Niro film “The Good Shepherd", performing the standard "Come Rain or Come Shine" and recorded "Isn't It Romantic?" and "The Nearness of You" for Wayne Wong's “Last Holiday", starring Queen Latifah. Ann also wrote songs for the upcoming movie musical “The Man Who Saved Paris" starring Stanley Tucci and can be heard singing her original song “Pourquoi” in the soundtrack of “Blind” starring Alec Baldwin and Demi Moore. Callaway is a Platinum Award-winning writer whose songs are featured on seven of Barbra Streisand's recent CD's. The only composer to have collaborated with Cole Porter, she has also written songs with Carole King, Rolf Lovland, Amanda McBroom and Shelby Lynn to name a few. Ann has recorded over 50 CDs as a soloist and guest and her new CD Jazz Goes to the Movies debuted at #12 on the Billboard Jazz Chart and has been in high rotation on Siriusly Sinatra. Callaway’s performances and recordings have garnered her The Theater World Award, 15 MAC Awards, several Bistro Awards, The Mabel Mercer Award, The Johnny Mercer Award for Songwriting and The Blanton Peale Award for Positive Thinking.
Max von Essen recently starred on Broadway as Gleb Vaganov in Anastasia and then toured the country as Marvin in the Lincoln Center production of Falsettos. His debut album, Call Me Old Fashioned: The Broadway Standard, was released on April 5th, 2019.
In 2016, Max completed his run in An American in Paris at The Palace Theater as Henri Baurel, a performance which earned him a nomination for the 2015 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award. He also performed in the revival of Evita, playing the role of Agustin Magaldi and frequently stepping in for Ricky Martin in the role of Che. Other broadway appearances include Enjolras in the first revival of Les Misérables, Alfred in the ill-fated Dance of the Vampires, starring alongside Michael Crawford, Jean Prouvaire in the closing company of the original Les Misérables, and as a disciple in the 2000 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar. In that production, Max understudied the role of Jesus and performed it many times.
Among his numerous New York appearances are Yours Unfaithfully at The Mint Theater, Alfred Dreyfus in The Dreyfus Affair at BAM, Maury Yeston’s Death Takes a Holiday at the Roundabout Theatre Company, The Transport Group’s revival of Michael John LaChiusa’s Hello Again (Drama League nomination), Jerry Springer: The Opera at Carnegie Hall, Finian’s Rainbow at the Irish Repertory Theatre, and The Fantasticks at the Sullivan Street Playhouse. Max has also found himself roller skating across the country in the first national tour of Xanadu as Sonny Malone, as Mary Sunshine in the national tour of Chicago, as Tony in West Side Story throughout Europe and as a backup singer for the legendary Liza Minnelli.
Tony-nominated actress, Saycon Sengbloh can be currently seen as Jules, a tough, no-nonsense homicide detective in the CW series, “In the Dark.”She recurred on ABC/Shonda Rhimes’ drama “Scandal” as FBI Director Angela Webster. And co-stars in the Upcoming Aretha Franklin Biopic, RESPECT! Recent Drama Desk award nominee for The Secret Life of Bees musical and fave Broadway credits include Eclipsed (Drama Desk Award, Tony Award nomination), Holler If Ya Hear Me, Motown: The Musical, FELA!; Wicked and more! Saycon is the Host of podcast SayconTalks podcast AND YouTube channel!
Actor, Singer, Writer, and Producer, Erich Bergen is best known as the trusty assistant Blake Moran on the hit television show Madam Secretary, which recently completed 6 seasons on CBS. He is also well known for his critically acclaimed performance as Bob Gaudio in the film Jersey Boys, a role he previously played on stage in the National Tour and Las Vegas casts of the Tony Award-winning musical.
In 2018, Erich made his Broadway debut playing Dr. Pomatter in the hit musical Waitress, written by Sara Bareilles.
In concert, Erich has performed everywhere from Shreveport to Singapore. His original music is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, and all other major digital music outlets. Follow Erich on Instagram/Twitter: @erichbergen
Carla Jimenez was a series regular on THE MICK, playing Alba. Her recent credits include recurring roles on “Single Parents”, “Life in Pieces”, and lending her voice to the newly released Animated Feature Film “Spies In Disguise” starring Will Smith. Upcoming projects include the feature film “Friendsgiving”. Her additional television credits include recurring roles on the comedies “Raising Hope” “Last Man Standing,” “Growing Up Fisher,” “Better Off Ted” and “Desperate Housewives,” as well as guest-starring roles on BONES, “The Mindy Project,” “My Name Is Earl” and “Little Britain USA.”
Christina Bianco’s singular voice and comedic charm have brought audiences around the world to their feet. Bianco captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her ‘diva’ impression videos, gaining over 25 million views. Dubbed ’The Girl Of A Thousand Voices,’ she’s performed on major television programs including, The Ellen Degeneres Show and The Today Show in the US, and The Paul O’Grady Show and This Morning, in the UK.
A Two-Time Drama Desk Award nominee, Christina made her West End debut in Forbidden Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre. Most recently, Christina played the iconic role of Fanny Brice at the Theatre Marigny’s celebrated production of Funny Girl in Paris, earning unanimous rave reviews.
Television credits include iTV’s The Imitation Game, the POPtv’s Impress Me, Hallmark’s Signed Sealed, Delivered, and frequent voice work for RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Christina has performed her critically acclaimed concerts across the U.S. and abroad, including two UK tours and extended runs in London, Scotland, South Africa and Australia at the Sydney Opera House. Christina frequently performs with US and Canadian symphonies. Her live album, Life Of The Party was released last year.
Emerson Collins is an actor/producer/director known for four seasons of BRAVO’s “The People’s Couch” and “RENT” on FOX. He produced and starred in the films “A Very Sordid Wedding” and “Southern Baptist Sissies.” He produced and starred in the national tour of Sissies and Sordid Lives. Emerson won the Desert Theatre League Award for Best Actor in a Comedy for the regional premiere of the one-man show Buyer & Cellar with Coyote Stageworks. Collins co-produced and recurred in LOGO’s “Sordid Lives: The Series” and produced “Blues For Willadean.” He directed Del Shores’ one-man play “Six Characters In Search Of a Play” on stage and for film.
Blake McIver has been performing since the age of six when he won Star Search as Junior Vocalist Champion and he has been working as a professional singer, actor and entertainer ever since in film, television and theatre. His film work began with a breakout performance as “Waldo” in The Little Rascals. In television, he starred as a series regular for three seasons as “Derek” on Full House opposite Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and went on to guest star on The Drew Carey Show, Clueless, Home Improvement, and The Nanny.
Blake played “Edgar” in the United States Premiere of the musical Ragtime with the original production team including composer Steven Flaherty, lyricist Lynn Ahrens and librettist Terrence McNally. He was the youngest person to ever be nominated for a Los Angeles Stage Alliance Ovation Award for his performance. Other theatre highlights include Freddie in Chess, Fabrizio in The Light In The Piazza, Radames in AIDA and Link in Hairspray.
Blake has also worked extensively in voiceover and animation including Tarzan, The Little Mermaid II, Anastasia, Recess, and as the beloved “Eugene” on Hey Arnold. Blake has also worked extensively as a session vocalist, backup singer and featured soloist for recording artists such as Michael Jackson, David Foster, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, and Barry Manilow.
Blake recently starred on 4 seasons of BRAVO’s hit social series The People’s Couch, toured nationally as director and choreographer for recording artist Ariana Savalas, and made his Off-Broadway debut with his critically acclaimed one-man show, Blake Sings Barbra: The 1994 Concert.
Scott Nevins is an award-winning TV/Radio personality, host, producer, writer, comedian, news pundit, and LGBTQ/HIV awareness activist. Best known for being one of the breakout stars and original cast members of Bravo TV’s series “The People’s Couch”, and formally from truTV’s hit show “truTV Presents: World’s Dumbest…”, he has hosted hundreds of live events, performed his acclaimed solo shows to sold-out audience around the country, and has worked with some of the industries biggest names, both on stage and on camera. He has appeared on national TV on NBC, FOX, Bravo, CNN, CNN International, HLN, truTV, The Style Network, Fuse TV, LOGO, and MNN Television. He has hosted several red carpet events for TVLand.com, received high praise for his work as the co-host of “The Ann Walker Show with Scott Nevins” (Universal Broadcasting Network), as a fill-in host on Sirius Satellite Radio and KNews Radio, and most recently as a regular contributor for NewNowNext.com. By the age of 24, Scott headlined his own shows at the famed Carolines on Broadway in NYC, and went on to win critical and audience raves for his solo comedy tours. Scott also Produces and Hosts the hugely successful yearly fundraiser “SPARKLE: An All-Star Holiday Concert”, benefiting The Actors Fund. In addition, Scott has proudly donated his talents to numerous organizations like HRC; PFLAG; God’s Love We Deliver; Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids; The Matthew Shepard Foundation; Desert AIDS Project and many more. Scott was chosen as an honoree for OUT Magazine's prestigious OUT100 list and is the recipient of the Out There Award and the Silver ADDY Award (from the American Advertising Federation) for his work as an LGBTQ and HIV Awareness Activist. He was chosen by New York Magazine in their ‘Best of New York’ issue and has appeared as the cover story for INSTINCT magazine.
About Desert AIDS Project
Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is a humanitarian healthcare organization in Palm Springs, CA offering– a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. DAP’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STI testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. DAP earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the twelfth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency.
Visit www.desertaidsproject.