This year’s CARE Impact Awards are right around the corner. The event takes place on Wednesday, November 8 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. Legendary percussionist Sheila E. will perform.
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CARE is a humanitarian organization that has been fighting global poverty since 1945. The organization focuses heavily on working with women and girls. The Impact Awards celebrate those who embody the spirit of the organization. Additionally, it is an event to raise awareness and funds.
Sheila E. won’t be the only famous face at the Impact Awards. Al Roker will co-host the event with his wife and fellow broadcast journalist Deborah Roberts, per Billboard.
Michelle Nunn, president and CEO of CARE USA spoke about the upcoming event in a statement. “Even through all the changes and crises we face as a global community, our team remains steadfast in our mission to ensure people around the world live with dignity, security, and prosperity,” she said. Nunn added, “The Impact Awards is an evening to celebrate the hope we see in our work every day and will continue to see as we help families seek a better life for themselves and their communities.”
The organization’s website states, “At the 2023 Impact Awards, we want to celebrate our drumbeat of life, creating excitement, and an unforgettable night.” With that in mind, there are few musical guests who would fit the bill as well as Sheila E.
In July, Shelia E made history when she became the first female solo percussionist to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “I am honored, humbled, and blessed to receive this prestigious award. This is a forever moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” she said of having her name on the Walk of Fame.
Sheila E. grew up in a musical household. As a result, she can’t remember the first time she picked up a set of drumsticks. However, she revealed in a recent interview with American Songwriter that she can remember the night of her first gig. More specifically, she recalls with clarity getting ready for the show. She was only five years old at the time.
“I got a new dress,” she recalled. “I remember my mom putting on black patent leather shoes with the white, frilly socks at my ankles,” the percussionist continued. Then, they headed to the venue. One of her final memories from that night was the crowd inside the venue parting to allow her and her mother access to the stage. “To me, being five years old, it seemed like there were thousands and thousands of people there,” she said.
She didn’t remember finally playing to the seemingly huge crowd. However, she remembers her father telling her she did a great job afterward.
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Sergio Hudson
