Sheila E. and Friends Give Back

Elevate Oakland benefit concert takes place on Feb. 8

Oakland-born Sheila E. has a special beat in her life — healing troubled local youth through music.

The legendary percussionist, who first broke out internationally in the early Eighties with Prince with songs like "A Love Bizarre" and "Glamorous Life," is part of a multi-generational dynasty of musicians who came of age in Oakland and continue to record together decades later, the Escovedo family.

Sheila's 13-year-old foundation Elevate Hope funds programs that help disadvantaged and abused children to have therapeutic activities centered around music, including learning how to play instruments and use digital equipment.

She has partnered with 51Oakland to create a new nonprofit called Elevate Oakland, which is planning a first annual benefit concert in order to further the mission of providing music and arts therapy.

The show is set to star Michael Franti, Judith Hill, Ozomatli, Orianthi, and Goapele and will take place on February 8 at the Fox Theater in Oakland.

General admission tickets range from $75-125, while VIP packages start at $500.

Contact Us