FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Nov 19th, 2003


Who:      element 5 / The Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force
What:     Red Hot + Momentum
When:    Saturday, December 6th, 2003 from 8pm to 1am
Where:   The Mattress Factory


PITTSBURGH (Nov 19th, 2003) - Element 5 presents "Red Hot + Momentum", a fundraising benefit event for the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force (PATF) and their AIDS awareness and prevention programs.  This unique evening of live music, art, dance performance, and multimedia will be taking place on Saturday December 6th, 2003 at the Mattress Factory. Artists performing for the evening include 3 Generations Walking, Ouve, Soma Mestizo, Technoir-Audio, The Hardgroove Project, The Bridgespotters, Vema Sam'i, Davu Ayomi, Tarish Pipkins, Gene Stovall, Hutch Simon Project, Derek Fuchs Trio, Anthony Fugate, Xpressions Dance Co, Lab Type Zero, RebbyRo, The Incredibly Thin Stock Pile, Chris Ivey, and the DJs of element 5.

All proceeds from 'Red Hot + Momentum' benefit the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force.

The evening fuses the 'Red Hot' concept with 'Momentum', Element 5's signature series of live music and performance art. Since its inception in 2002, 'Momentum' events have become a forum for creative multicultural explorations of diverse artistic mediums. Past events have been radical performance fusions with sounds ranging from jazz to Indian classical to funk, rock and hip hop with performers ranging from singers to poets and dancers as well as visual, film and video artists. In addition to showcasing the artistic talent of Pittsburgh, 'Momentum' has also been a model of a diverse creative community making positive differences beyond the city's cultural landscape.

"We had always wanted to make 'Momentum' more than just a performance night," said Ed Bucholtz, a program coordinator for the Andy Warhol Museum's 'Good Fridays' series. "Some of the past 'Momentum' performers have also been very active in the local fight against HIV and AIDS, a cause that's been near and dear to many in Pittsburgh's cultural community. It was just a matter of time before the chain reaction manifested itself into a really unique commemoration of World AIDS day."

The 'Red Hot' concept originates from the Red Hot Organization, the leading international group dedicated to fighting AIDS through popular culture. Over the past ten years, Red Hot has produced groundbreaking albums and related television programs, incorporating the talents of leading performers, producers, directors and visual artists to raise funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS. To date, these efforts have donated millions for AIDS relief, making the company the largest and most successful AIDS organization in the entertainment industry.

"We wanted to take this unique multimedia effort in the fight against HIV/AIDS and bring it home to Pittsburgh where it's greatly needed," said Staycee Walters, dance instructor and choreographer for Xpressions Dance Company. "The support of such a large and caring community in helping put together 'Red Hot + Momentum' has been truly remarkable. The local cultural community has really rallied itself around the PATF. "

Support for 'Red Hot + Momentum' comes from the many artists who have graciously donated their performances in addition to the generous sponsorship of City Paper, WYEP 91.3 FM, Whole Foods Market, The Andy Warhol Museum, and the Mattress Factory.

With no cure or vaccine, The Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force is right on the front lines of AIDS prevention in Southwestern, PA. As the premier community-based HIV/AIDS service organization in southwestern Pennsylvania, they are dedicated to saving, sustaining, and empowering the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS and preventing the spread of infection. The PATF provides seamless, integrated services to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, through supportive case management services, a housing program, employment coordination, legal services, and food, transportation and emergency fund assistance. Additionally, the PATF delivers targeted outreach and education programs to those most at risk of infection, particularly the African-American and gay communities. The PATF offers the only free, anonymous, community-based HIV testing in southwestern PA. The organization administers a number of community-based testing sites throughout southwestern Pennsylvania among the most at-risk and under-served communities, including their home offices in Wilkinsburg. PATF also offers a number of volunteer programs, including the speaker’s bureau and the buddy program. The PATF's services are available to anyone over the age of 18 with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis. Their free, anonymous testing is available to everyone.

"HIV is a global epidemic, but it is local action that is at the heart of AIDS awareness and prevention," said Christiane D, local artist and singer for music ensembles 3 Generations Walking and Soma Mestizo. "It is only with the support of local communities that those fighting HIV and AIDS on the front lines can continue the struggle."

Red Hot + Momentum will be taking place on Saturday December 6th, 2003 from 8pm-1am. Cost for the event will be $10 with all proceeds benefiting the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force in commemoration of World AIDS day. This evening is made possible through the generous sponsorship of City Paper, WYEP 91.3 FM, Whole Foods Market, The Andy Warhol Museum, and The Mattress Factory.



Media Enquires:

Ashwin Tumne (element 5)
412-624-5772 / 412-681-5886
ashwin@technoiraudio.com

Davu Flint (Outreach Collaborative Care, PATF)
412-242-2500 ext. 118
davuayomi@netscape.net

Gina Focareta (Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force)
412-242-2500 ext. 123
commdir@city-net.com



Websites:

Momentum / Element 5 - http://www.elementfive.info
The Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force - http://www.patf.org
The Red Hot Organization - http://www.redhot.org



Event Sponsors:

City Paper - http://www.pghcitypaper.com
WYEP 91.3 FM - http://www.wyep.org
Whole Foods Market - http://www.wholefoods.com
The Andy Warhol Museum - http://www.warhol.org
The Mattress Factory - http://www.mattress.org