I wanted to let all you Giant Steppers out there know about a very important benefit that we're helping to put together at Canal Room in NYC on September 11th. It is for a very good friend, Tom Terrell. Now "who is this gentleman?" you might ask... Tom was a regular at Giant Step events "back in the day," - an early supporter when all we had going for us was a dream and not much else. At the time, Tom was working as a publicist at Gee Street Records. I always remembered his true love of jazz (plus a great record collection) and really understanding what we at Giant Step were trying to accomplish, with the melding of jazz and hip hop. (Remember, this was 1991). As time went on, Tom worked at other labels such as Verve and then moved onto journalism; he did a piece on Giant Step for our 5th anniversary for Jazziz Magazine and always gave our artists and music "love" whenever and whereever he could.

Tom recently discovered he had prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Additionally he is without health insurance which makes the situation he finds himself in even more challenging. It is a great tribute to Tom that all theses artists have rallied together to make this event so special and strong, however we can't just depend on friends of Tom to make this night a success. For this reason, I am reaching out to the Giant Step community to come and make this an evening to remember for Tom and everyone involved.

Thank you for the support!

Maurice Bernstein
Co Founder and CEO of Giant Step

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Join Giant Step family and friends in a benefit concert for longtime friend and supporter, Tom Terrell on Monday, September 11th at Canal Room.

A DC native and Ft. Greene veteran Tom Terrell has been in the music industry mix since the early 80s. Among many contributions, Tom has served Publicity Manager for Verve Records, NPR Commentator, liner note writer and contributor to Global Rhythms, Jazziz, Vibe, Trace and Essence, DJ at DC’s 9:30 Club and Alt Rock Champions WHFS-FM.

This past summer Tom was diagnosed with cancer, and is without health insurance. As a result, artists whom Tom has influenced over the years and vice versa including, Meshell Ndegeocello, Angelique Kidjo, Joaquin “Joe” Claussell, Marc Anthony Thompson, Vernon Reid + many more with special unannounced guests, have gathered together to bring this worthy fundraiser to fruition. Encompassing the myriad of sounds that Tom Terrell embraces, this one-of-a-kind event is a loving shout-out to a creative catalyst, tireless fan and resident of Planet Rock.

Appearances include: Angelique Kidjo, Alfredo "Catfish" Alias, Butch Morris, Coati Mundi, DJ Funmi Ononaiye, Greg Osby, Harriet Tubman, James Hurt, DJ Joaquin "Joe" Claussell, Craig Street (Musical Director), Kenny Barron, Liberty Ellman, Marc Anthony Thompson, Marc Cary, Meshell NDegeocello, Morley, Nora York, Oren Bloedow, Randy Weston's African Rhythms, Stephanie McKay, Vernon Reid, + Special Surprise Guests!!

For those that can not attend, but would still like to donate,
Checks and Money Orders (NO CASH) can be sent to:

The Tom Terrell Benefit Fund
c/o Dr. Bevadine Z. Terrell
1839 Otis Street NE
Washington, DC 20018

PHOTOS (Click Thumbnail For More Photos)