Rad Benefit for the Homeless Prenatal Program with Jazz Violinist Regina Carter

photo by David Katzenstein

Guest Post by Mirriam Rafiq Braden

On February 27, 2016, jazz violinist and former Resident Director at SFJAZZ Regina Carter will dedicate an evening of community and celebration to the Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP). HPP is thrilled to host Carter at the Nourse Auditorium in San Francisco. Over the course of her nine album career, Carter has garnered various awards including two Grammy nominations. Carter blends Appalachian and Cajun fiddle tunes, folk songs, blues, country, and gospel. She has been lauded by critics across the globe, with the LA Times describing her as “a talented, charismatic player who is almost single-handedly reviving interest in the violin as a jazz instrument.”

Regina Carter is a regular performer in the Bay Area and recipient of a MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Fellowship. In addition to her deep San Francisco connections, it is Carter’s extensive musical tributes to her mother, family and heritage that offer synergies between her creative efforts and HPP’s organizational mission to empower families. HPP is both honored and humbled by her willingness to perform in support of the organization. 

“I hope that by sharing my music to benefit the Homeless Prenatal Program, I can help bring attention and critical resources to the issue of family poverty and inequity. It’s an honor to play on behalf of HPP’s families.” —Regina Carter

Carter embodies a strong sense of purpose and believes that we are all connected through music, and that music has healing properties. This benefit concert is HPP’s first foray into using music to spread awareness and raise critical funds.

Music is very powerful. In many cultures, it is used to help build people up and is used in every facet of their lives and their community.—Regina Carter

For the past 26 years, HPP has been guided by its mission to, in partnership with families, break the cycle of childhood poverty. HPP empowers homeless and low-income families, particularly mothers motivated by pregnancy and parenthood, to find within themselves the strength and confidence they need to transform their lives. A vibrant family resources center, the agency offers case management services, prenatal and parenting support, housing assistance, child welfare services (including parent/child reunification), domestic violence prevention, mental health services and emergency support of basic needs.

All proceeds will go towards poverty-ending support services to more than 4,000 families in the coming year.

Get your tickets here.