LATINO MUSICIANS JOIN FORCES TO HELP WIN THE WAR AGAINST DRUGS AND DRUG ADDICTION WITH FUNDRAISING CONCERT

Alfredo De La Fe, considered to be the top violinist in Salsa music, announced the organization of Latino Musicians Against Drugs" (LMAD). Its first project has brought together some of the most talented Latin American musicians including José Alberto El Canario", Giovanni Hidalgo, Dave Valentín, Jimmy Bosch, Larry Harlow, and Alfredo De La Fé with his orchestra, to do the 2002 holiday Concert".

New York, NY - November 18, 2002- Alfredo De La Fe, considered to be the top violinist in Salsa music, announced the organization of Latino Musicians Against Drugs" (LMAD). Its first project has brought together some of the most talented Latin American musicians including José Alberto El Canario", Giovanni Hidalgo, Dave Valentín, Jimmy Bosch, Larry Harlow, and Alfredo De La Fé with his orchestra, to do the 2002 holiday Concert".

The first concert will be held at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, in the Bronx, on December 19th, 2002 at 8:00 P.M. Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, and Johnny Pacheco.

This concert is sponsored, in part, by New York Senator Efrain Gonzales. Senator Gonzales recognizes the needs for these kind of events and because of this, he is one of the co-sponsors of Latino Musicians Against Drugs" (LMAD).

Cuban born and New York raised, Alfredo De La Fe, himself a rehabilitated drug addict, stated: Our community has been infected, our children and families have become victims of this terrible and devastating illness. I myself almost lost my life and family to drugs. While detoxification and treatment programs are important starting points, this is only a small part of the solution. Education and community based organizations (CBO) are key to the true rehabilitation of the addict."

Alfredo, whos considered to be the top violinist in Salsa Music, has created Latino Musicians Against Drugs which will raise new funding for
community based organizations (CBO) that provide services in drug abuse prevention, rehabilitation, and aid to families with members who have problems with substance abuse through a series of concerts and fundraising events.

The proceeds of this concert will benefit the Therapeutic Communities Association of New York (TCA).

For more information about Latino Musicians Against Drugs, the 2002 Holiday Concert, purchasing tickets or to pledge your support, please call, Yolanda Santiago Kelly (718/299-1100, ext. 3064) or Alfredo De La Fé Jr.
(212-763-1110).

Press Contact: Yolanda Santiago Kelly
(718) 299-1100 ext. 3067 ysantiago@promesa.org