• By Mabel Pais

JET BLACK ROSES, the country rock band, releases their new song, ‘Carolina Blue,’ which was written and recorded within the first two weeks following Hurricane Helene’s devastation of the North Carolina mountains. This project is in partnership with OPERATION AIRDROP.

This song aims to raise awareness and encourage support for ongoing relief efforts and the rebuilding process in the region. To help, consider purchasing a Carolina Blue T-shirt, 100% will go to Operation Air Drop or donate directly to Operation Airdrop at operarationairdrop.betterworld.org.

All proceeds from ‘Carolina Blue’ song sales and related merchandise will be donated to Operation Airdrop, an organization that provides relief in areas affected by natural disasters. The band’s hearts are with the people of Western North Carolina, and they want to ensure that these communities are not forgotten.

‘Jet Black Roses’ has partnered with ‘Operation AirDrop’ for relief efforts to help those affected by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. The country rock band, which features North Carolina native Tyler Cates on lead guitar, is running a donation drive in cooperation with ‘Operation AirDrop,’ a non-profit that organizes aviation and ground transportation assets after a natural disaster.

DONATION SUPPORT

‘Jet Black Roses’ is asking the public to visit their website and purchase a Carolina Blue T-shirt where 100% of the funds go to ‘Operation Air Drop’ or for those in Georgia to donate essential supplies. The requested items are non-perishable food, baby needs, flashlights, batteries, paper towels, first aid kits, new socks and underwear, cleaning supplies, buckets, cooling towels, granola bars, and energy bars. The donations will significantly help the battered areas of North Carolina, which Hurricane Helene hardest hit.

Goods can be dropped off at area businesses in Atlanta and Calhoun, GA. The immediate mission is to fill a semi-truck that ‘Operation Airdrop’ will deliver to on-the-ground organizations in North Carolina as soon as possible.

Drop-off locations include Bellwood Coffee (Riverside location and East Atlanta Village (EAV) locations) Frazie’s Meat & Market in Atlanta, and the Voluntary Action Center in Calhoun, GA. In addition there will be ongoing missions. Follow @jetblackrosesoffical for dates.

Band member Tyler Cates is from North Carolina and spent the better part of the 2000s in the mountains while in college. Western NC holds an extraordinary place in his heart: he met my wife there, along with many dear friends, and had many experiences that helped form who he is and set him on the path of music.

He’s devastated by what transpired with Helene and its aftermath; for this reason, his bandmates Trey and Andrew Bentley decided to figure out a unique way to contribute to the relief effort.

Tyler Cates explains, “I am excited that we partnered with Operation AirDrop to provide support and much-needed supplies for the hardest hit areas in western  North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Our donation drive launches this week, and we will gather goods in Atlanta and Calhoun, GA, to send directly to Operation AirDrop’s NC base in Spruce Pine via transfer truck. We’re also personally loading planes with generators, first aid kits, and other things that will help the people in affected communities.”

‘Jet Black Roses’ hearts and minds are with everyone affected. ‘Jet Black Roses’ are deeply grateful for the support. Those who are unable to drop off items can still make a significant difference by making a monetary donation at operarationairdrop.betterworld.org

Operation Air Drop:

Operation Airdrop is a Texas-based non-profit that organizes general aviation assets in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Founded in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, they specialize in post-Atlantic hurricane flooding recovery. Visit operarationairdrop.betterworld.org.

Jet Black Roses:

‘Jet Black Roses’ is gaining attention in the music industry with their distinct blend of rock and roll with country soul. Known for their dynamic live performances and strong work ethic, they have shared the stage with renowned acts such as Styx, Cheap Trick, and Sammy Hagar. Audiences across the country are captivated by the band’s impressive vocal harmonies, electrifying guitars, and authentic Southern rock style. Jet Black Roses’ tight-knit camaraderie and musical synergy infuse their music with palpable energy. Their skillful musicianship and thoughtful songwriting set them apart from many contemporary bands. Their latest single, ‘King of Fools,’ is now available on all major streaming platforms. Learn more at jetblackroses.com @jetblackrosesofficial

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INTERFAITH ALLYSHIP

• By Mabel Pais

December’s ‘Standing in Solidarity’ on December 17, 2024 illustrates the possibility of weaving a fabric of humanity from tattered and broken threads. The series has a powerful story to share about how kindness foiled one person’s violent scheme.

PROGRAM

The PSEG True Diversity film is ‘Stranger at the Gate,’ an Academy Award-nominated film executive produced by Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. The short documentary is about Richard “Mac” McKinney, a retired U.S. Marine who planned to bomb the Muncie Islamic Center in Indiana. But something changes when he enters the Center and is greeted by love and kindness.

The film screening is followed by a panel conversation featuring McKinney, a member of the Muncie Islamic Center and the film’s director. The panelists will discuss the importance of interfaith allyship and the unifying power of discovering shared humanity with people who are different from us.

PANELISTS & MODERATOR

BIBI BAHRAMI, member of the Muncie Islamic Center and founder of AWAKEN, an organization aiding women and families in Afghanistan.

RICHARD “MAC” MCKINNEY, retired U.S. Marine, president of the Muncie Islamic Center and founder of “From Hate to Understanding”

JOSHUA SEFTEL, an Oscar®-nominated and Emmy-winning film director who tells underdog stories to createsocial impact

Dr. LAURA QUIROS, associate professor at Montclair State University and author of ‘Incorporating Diversity and Inclusion into Trauma-Informed Social Work’ will moderate the panel.

REGISTRATION

Registration is required at njpac.org/event/jazz-in-the-stacks

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JAZZ IN THE STACKS

• By Mabel Pais

Enjoy a performance by TD Jazz for Teens at local Newark Public Libraries! The ensemble will perform at various locations where you can peruse the books while enjoying these talented young artists. Schedule is below:

December 14, 2024 – 3pm -4pm – Main Library Branch (5 Washington Street)

January 22, 2025 – 5pm – 6pm – Van Buren Library Branch (140 Van Buren Street)

February 19, 2025 – 5pm – 6pm – Branch Brook Library Branch (235 Clinton Street)

March 19, 2025 – 5pm – 6pm – Vailsburg Library Branch (75 Alexander Street)

April 30, 2025 – 5pm – 6pm – North End Library Branch (722 Summer Avenue)

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JAZZ SESSIONS

• By Mabel Pais

Join NJPAC’s monthly Jazz Jam Sessions, featuring top-flight NJ musicians directed by pianist and bandleader, James Austin, Jr. This series is co-presented by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers Institute for Jazz Studies. Immerse yourself in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the player’s and listeners’ minds. All novice and seasoned jazz musicians and singers are welcome to jam and improv with the professional band throughout the night.

Co-Producers: Wayne Winborne, Executive Director, IFJS and Eyesha Marable, AVP, Comm Engagement, NJPAC.

PROGRAM

WHEN: Thursday, December 19 @ 7:30PM

WHERE: Clement’s Place

REGISTRATION

Registration is required at njpac.org/event/jazz-jams-12-24/#register

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Business, Social Issues, Spirituality, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Education)