The September 19th Benefit Concert was an incredible success! About 50 people showed up in support of the cause to watch me and 3 other singer songwriters rock our jams. Elana Brody opened up the show wailing out some meaty tunes while pounding the ivory keys. She was followed by the beautiful Trinidad native, Annya Li, who graced us with lovely acoustic melodies as well as a wicked Caribbean style rap. Then I along with my sister, Faith Gilmore, sang our songs for the remainder of the benefit. It was awesome to be able to back one another up with sisterly harmonies. Faith’s vivacious performance included songs from her latest album, Bold as Lions, and I sang about 7 of my own tunes, one of them being a newbie entitled “Traffic”, based on the issue at hand. Thanks to David Glickstein (guitar), Jason Arce (guitar), Johnny Wolf (cajon) and their hard work in playing both of our tunes the set went smoothly.

It was evident that the room was filled with a incredible energy and everyone seemed to have an enjoyable evening. Much thanks to the generous donations of the guests in attendance, a $100 donation from The Red Lion, and A-21 merchandise that was sold, together we raised nearly $600. I am so blessed to have had the help of everyone that made the idea of this show a reality, and now because of it women and men who have been trafficked will receive much needed aid and more people are aware. Approximately 27 million people are trafficked in order to generate $40 billion a year. I hope to continue raising  awareness of this terrible crime and ask that you take the time to see what you can do in your own community to bring about recognition of the harsh reality of what some people will do to make a dollar.

Also I am currently NYC Tastemakers’ Artist of the Month! Go here to see!

Thanks so much for your support!

Love

-Hope

I hope everyone enjoyed their Cinco de Mayo. The guys and I are looking forward to our upcoming performance at the National Underground (upstairs!!) at the end of the month. The more people the merrier, and we need as many people as we can get there to help us book even more popular venues in the coming months. Come out while there’s no cover. In the meantime happy Mother’s Day weekend to all of the beautiful mothers out there. I love you momszy!

Thursday, May 26th, 9:00 sharp!                                                                                                                                                                  National Underground (upstairs!)                                                                                                                                                                          159 East Houston, NY, NY                                                                                                                                                                                Closest to the F train

My thoughts on the current state of our country regarding Osama-

’tis better to share in the joy of our loved ones, rather than rejoice in the demise of our enemies.

Luke 6:27-28- check it out, it’s a goodun

Join us at Best Buy in Chelsea (23rd and 6th Ave)

we’ll be rockin’ out to most of our new songs, hope to see you there!

Jan 13th- Caffe Vivaldi (32 Jones St. NY, NY)- Brett Randal goes on at 8:00pm, Blessing Offor opens for me at 9:15.

Jan 21st- Apologetics Cafe (205 East 7th St btwn Aves B & C, nyc) -9:00pm

Feb 17th- Caffe Vivaldi (32 Jones St. NY, NY)-9:15- opening is “Rita Joo and Me” ()

So I hit up Rockwood Music Hall this past Sunday night, August 22nd, to go see some old friends perform in their newly formed band, Roam (which can be found here: www.facebook.com/Roamband). I have heard Jimmy (James Reeves) sing before, which is always pretty undeniably captivating, but this new ensemble is indeed something to make note of. There are 3 electric guitarists playing all at the same time, which creates an incredible euphoric experience, along with drums, in which the drummer, Joshua Brown, not only drums…but sings magical harmonies, backing up James. These rock songs aren’t your normal rock songs, they are lined with lyrics of love, longing and passion. They even switched gears at one point, from the edgy tunes, to do a folk song, in which one of the other guitarists, Paulo (I believe), revealed his amazing vocals as well. The talent in these dapper young rockstars is quite undeniable. I highly recommend you resist any silly urge not to check them out on Facebook…here: www.facebook.com/Roamband

My work here is done.

Benjamin, you went away
Benjamin, I never thought you’d stay
Cause you played your guitar like you didn’t love me
You held my hand like it wasn’t there
When you looked at me you were starin’ above me
I always knew it wasn’t there
Benjamin, you were never mine
Benjamin, it wasn’t wasted time
It’s water now under the bridge
Elementary, it all makes sense
How could I resent you, you were young
High school love was just for fun
With my heart now I easily see
Ben your love how it brings me ease

But you who are, yeah you know your name
Caught me off guard, said you felt the same
I took your word and now I’m scarred
A chance I took with love in your arms
Don’t always know what’s goin’ on
I can’t pretend to be so strong
I’m older now and what have I to show
A broken heart and where can I go
May never understand how it works
Perhaps one day it won’t hurt

You my after-youth heartache
I loved you with everything at stake
Benjamin, at least you told me straight
Benji Boy, you didn’t play with fate

Benjamin, I liked your name
Benjamin, you were a pretty face
But I found love after you
I found love after you
I knew deep down you weren’t for me
Benjamin, we knew it couldn’t be

Benjamin, ‘least losing you made sense

Lyrics and Melody by: Hope Gilmore
Guitar by: Christopher Ware