Los Angeles, CA (Top40 Charts/ 100gaymen offcial website) Drew
Mason and Diana Vanderbilt will world premiere a new rap anthem titled "The Power Between Us" on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the first 100 Gay Men conference: "The Gay Adult -
Calling Ourselves into Being - A Day of Intergenerational Dialog" at The Renberg Theater at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza in Los Angeles. 100 Gay Men is a nonprofit organization located in Los Angeles, California, consisting of gay men who have joined together to make a difference by building leadership in the gay community and supporting local service projects and grassroots community initiatives.
Written by Drew Mason and Diana Vanderbilt, "The Power Between Us" was conceived as a celebratory call to gay collaboration and action for this pioneering conference which will focus on reimagining the role of gay adults in the 21st century. Mason and Vanderbilt will perform the song live for the first time at this groundbreaking event in hopes of bridging the gap between gay elders, adults and youth through music. Inspired by the conference theme, Mason has written lyrics that communicate a universal message that all people have individual gifts to share with one another in community, to inspire and motivate personal and social transformation everywhere.
Mason and Vanderbilt will be delivering a dynamic, passionate performance with raw honesty that will capture imaginations and touch the community. Mason states, "the song is related to all genders, and it is all about sharing and healing in hopes of creating a power of community that will be great!" Mason also offered some heartfelt advice for gay youth trying to break into the music industry: "Be honest with yourself and with your passion-always follow your heart and do what you love."
Mason is a Texas native who has been composing and releasing albums independently for the past decade. Powered by a no-holds-barred release of intense words, expression and passion, he came out as a gay rapper in 2009 with "The Paradigm Shift" on Big Milo Records. His debut music video for the song "This Music's in My Soul" premiered on LOGO's "New Now Next". Mason has performed at the Rainbow Youth Festival, at the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, on the New York-based Sirius Radio show ("The Kay Show"), and in the prestigious "Rise Up and Shout!" showcase, a community partner with 100 Gay Men.
Diana Vanderbilt has been singing since the age of nine in her local gospel choir in Los Angeles. Vanderbilt's vocal expressions are gentle yet strong, part rhythm and blues, part gospel and soul-her exceptional voice powerfully captivates the attention and hearts of audiences. Most recently, Vanderbilt has auditioned for "American Idol" and "America's Got Talent."
The mission of 100 Gay Men is to harness the unique talents, resources and energies of adult gay men for the betterment and continuing evolution of diverse LGBT communities. 100 Gay Men's current community work involves providing support to a number of organizations, including Wellness Works (a nonprofit holistic health and education center that provides support and training programs for HIV-positive persons, veterans, and others in need), Rise Up & Shout! (a nonprofit gay youth mentoring program and performance showcase), and the Gay Adults Conference scheduled for February 26.
This project is funded in part by grants from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs, and the City of West Hollywood.
TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Tickets for "The Gay Adult: Calling Ourselves Into Being - A Day of Inter-generational Dialog" (which includes a catered lunch) may be purchased for $75 per person at:
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/146394 or visit: www.thegayadult.org
A scholarship program is available for those of any age; no one will be turned away for lack of ability to purchase a full-price ticket.
