Hello Friends and Family,

I'm reaching out to you during a very difficult and challenging time for those of us living in the Los Angeles area. As you know, we have been overwhelmed by the destructive fires that have changed this area in ways we're only beginning to comprehend. The loss of lives, homes, and livelihood will take decades to rebuild, and some of the loss will never be replaced. The immediate needs of those families who have lost their homes are under assessment currently. Basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter are now necessities due to the unforeseen circumstances of having to evacuate quickly. Many had to evacuate with just the clothes on their backs.

This is the case with my good friend and musical colleague Cheryl Conley. Unfortunately, her home that she purchased in 1997 and possessions including clothes, memorabilia, baby grand piano, acoustic guitar, music charts, lead sheets, microphones, stereo sound systems, and other musical equipment and materials that she had collected for decades are gone forever due to the Eaton Canyon fires. Despite this tragedy and the loss of her belongings, she continues to remain positive and hopeful for the future. Fortunately, she is safe.

Cheryl is a jazz vocalist who has devoted her life to music. As a gifted vocalist, she started her career singing with Ike and Tina Turner as one of the first "Ikettes." Additionally, she performed with "Free Movement," who had a hit record "I Found Someone of My Own." When she wasn't touring, she was singing with various jazz musicians in the surrounding Pasadena, Altadena, Los Angeles area while simultaneously working towards completion of her degree in music and taking care of her family. Cheryl became the first Black woman (actually first woman also) to earn a Bachelor of Music with a Jazz Studies Option from California State University, Los Angeles. Additionally, Cheryl recorded three albums: Lemon Twist, Tender Moments, and Cheryl Conley Santa Baby.

Cheryl and I have been playing music together for 48 years. We first met at Pasadena City College Music Department in 1976 under the direction of Professor Bobby Bradford. Cheryl is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister - she is family! Additionally, she has impacted the lives of thousands of children, families, and communities having worked as a professional musician and music teacher in Los Angeles Unified School District and the Saint Philip the Apostle Catholic School in Pasadena. Additionally, Cheryl has directed the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Gospel Choir in Altadena for 25 years.

I acknowledge that we are being asked to donate or do what we can to help the thousands of people who need our help right now. As you consider how to help, I hope you will consider donating to help my friend, and jazz gem of Altadena, get back on her feet and back on stage so that she can begin rebuilding her life and using her instrument to bring a bit of light to a community that desperately needs it!

When I spoke with Cheryl yesterday, she said laughingly, "Newell, I need to sing but I don't have any clothes to wear." As a fellow musician, I know how music heals the soul for us and our listeners. Please contribute whatever amount you can!