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Photos courtesy of Aid for AIDS of Nevada
Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) will kick off the holiday season with ‘Blue Christmas,’ a celebration of holiday carols & cuisine, hosted at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. Guests will enjoy performances from American Idol finalist David Hernandez, as well as local talent Brett Pruneau, Cierra Bliss, and Estevan Velasco. Hosted by the infamous Edie, the afternoon will blend holiday music, food, and community while advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness and support.
“Blue Christmas is a celebration of the holiday spirit and of our community,” shared Antioco Carrillo, Executive Director of AFAN. “This event reflects the unity and resilience of those affected by HIV/AIDS as we work to ensure that everyone receives the support and care they need.”
Blue Christmas aligns with World AIDS Day (Dec. 1) and emphasizes AFAN’s ongoing dedication to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and U=U, or “undetectable equals untransmittable.” U=U means that people living with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load through consistent treatment cannot transmit the virus. This is a key focus in AFAN’s mission to foster a well-informed, stigma-free community.
Headliner David Hernandez rose to fame as a Top 12 finalist on American Idol, captivating audiences with his soulful vocals and dynamic stage presence. A versatile performer, David has since toured globally, released chart-topping singles, and even performed alongside stars like John Legend and Maroon 5.
Founded in 1992, the 11 House of Blues are located throughout the United States and form the country’s pre-eminent group of intimate music venues. Each features state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology in one-of-a-kind custom-designed environments aimed to bring fans as close as possible to the artists. Every location’s restaurant and bar is adorned with signature original folk art – part of the world’s largest collection – combined with the House of Blues legendary hospitality and tantalizing cuisine.
Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) was founded in 1984 and is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. 2024 marks AFAN’s 40th anniversary of practicing its unyielding commitment to the community by providing unparalleled health expertise, support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada. Over the years, AFAN has created various programs that offer consistent and comprehensive assistance, including HIV testing, medical case management, medical transportation, housing assistance, medication referral, food programs, prevention and education, and community outreach. As part of AFAN’s mission, these client service programs assist in enhancing the physical health and psychosocial wellness of the individuals they serve, while promoting dignity and improving the quality of their lives. For more information, please visit afanlv.org. Keep up with AFAN events and news on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Tickets for Blue Christmas are available at afanlv.org. Proceeds from the event will support AFAN’s ongoing services for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. ‘Blue Christmas; is presented in collaboration with Clark County’s Love! Live! U=U campaign, supporting AFAN’s commitment to both education and compassionate advocacy. To learn more about U=U and available resources, visit uequalsulas.com.
