Sheila E., Stevie Wonder unite for all-star benefit
OAKLAND >> Acclaimed Bay Area percussionist Sheila E. is partnering with Stevie Wonder, Jo Koy, Goapele, Ledisi, Mahershala Ali, George Lopez and others for an all-star online variety special Thursday in Oakland.
The We Stand Together benefit event, which is being performed at Yoshi’s in Jack London Square, will be streamed at 7 p.m. at on facebook.com/SheilaEDrummer, the Sheila E. YouTube page and elevateoakland.org/standtogether.
The proceeds from the concert benefit the Black Lives Matter Global Network as well as the local youth arts/media nonprofits YR Media and Elevate Oakland.
Watching the show is free but a fundraising campaign benefiting the three nonprofits can be found at the streaming websites as well as charity. gofundme. com/o/en/campaign/westand-together-fund.
“This event centers on our collective belief in the power of music and art to uplift and empower marginalized communities and act as a connection point to educate viewers on the intersection of art, culture and politics,” according to a news release. “This variety special will honor Black and non-Black POC creatives in communities everywhere by featuring music performances, speaker segments, nonprofit organization highlights and more interwoven to create an unforgettable experience for viewers across the globe.
“All proceeds raised through viewer contributions will go directly towards several national and local initiatives that center on youth services and direct support for the movement to fight for freedom, liberation and justice for Black lives across the globe.”
Among those scheduled to perform or appear at the event are Oscar-winning actor and Oakland native Mahershala Ali; Bay Area musician Michael Franti; ballet legend Misty Copeland; activists Dr. Angela Davis and Dolores Huerta; members of the East Bay R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!; Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews; Anita Pointer of the Pointer Sisters; Oakland actor and comedian Mark Curry; pastor and musician Freddie Stone; soul singer Avery Sunshine; and actors James Pickens Jr. and Damian Lillard.