Timothea Beckerman, New Orleans rhythms and blues singer, has had an eventful life full of the real life drama and sorrow that is so often depicted in novels set in Louisiana. She started singing in public at age 6, professionally at the age of 10 and cut her first single at 14. She has toured and "done" New York. In between those, she played a street walker named Julie in the movie "Down by Law."
Returning to New Orleans several years ago, she started how own record label, Blue Soul Records. "No Nonsense" is her latest CD with most of the compositions being her own.
Hepatitis C Awareness
Timothea was recently diagnosed as a Hepatitis C victim and is undertaking a campaign to increase awareness of this disease and the needs for testing, research and patient support.
Based on population estimates as many as 80,000 persons in Louisiana may be infected with Hepatitis C. Of those, as many as 24,000 probably do not have health insurance. The toll that this disease takes can be tremendous as it effects a person's health, productivity, mental functions, and, eventually, relationships. Twenty percent of Hepatitis C victims will eventually develop cirrhosis and liver failure. Some can be saved by liver transplants. Others die waiting for a suitable donor.
Projects
Designating herself "A Siren to Wail," Timothea is devoting herself to creating awareness about Hepatitis C.
- She has recorded and broadcast a series of Hepatitis C Awareness public service announcements on local radio stations.
- Her No Nonsense CD pagckage includes information about Hepatitis C.
- On April 7, 2000, she produced a benefit concert and auction with a number of New Orleans singers and musicians.
This Hep-C ALERT benefit show, held at the Howlin' Wolf club in New Orleans, included Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Eddie Bo, Cyril Neville, Luther Kent, Les Getrex, Leslie Smith, Nancy Buchan & Cindy Chen, Bamboula 2000, the Deacon John orchestra and Timothea.
The event included a group of local doctors who are committed to fighting the Hepatitis-C epidemic. They explained what Hepatitis C is, its treatment and current research. Then they strapped on saxophone and guitar and took the stage in front of the Deacon John band to the delight of the capacity crowd.
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