Are you a Luther fan?

The Luther Vandross Family and Divabetic proudly present Fandross Festival 2018 from Thursday, May 10 to Sunday, May 13, 2018 in New York City!

Join us for a dazzling array of events celebrating the musical legacy of R & B Legend Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes.

The Fandross Festival 2018 Calendar of Events features a Kick-Off Party (Sugar Bar on 5/10/18), Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton (at the Blue Note on 5/11/18), Busy Body Step Aerobics Workout (Equinox on 5/12/18), Fandross Fest Film Presentation & Panel Discussion (at SVA Theater on 5/12/18), and ’80’s House Of Style Fashion Brunch (at Yotel on 5/13/18). All Fandross Festival events are sold separately and available on a first come basis. 

Our goal is to bring Luther fans together to raise awareness for the risk factors associated with diabetes, encourage them to be screened for diabetes and seek professional support for managing diabetes.

“Far too few people know they’re living with diabetes, and that is why we’re  joining forces with many of Luther’s celebrity friends, former band members and singers and launching this initiative,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.

One third of Americans may be on their way to developing full-blown type 2 diabetes, and most of them don’t even know it.

A recent report from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) shows that more than 84 million Americans, or roughly one-third of the population, have pre-diabetes, a condition marked by higher-than-normal blood sugar. Of that group, 90 percent aren’t aware they have the condition.

The primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes are genetics and lifestyle — excess weight, obesity and lack of exercise contribute to this alarming medical trend.

As diabetes worsens over time, hearth disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and lower-limb amputation are major health risks. Diabetes was the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States in 2015, according to the CDC. This population of diabetes “ticking time bombs” is particularly alarming, because in many cases type 2 diabetes can be avoided, simply by leading a healthy lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes is often progressive, and within 10 years of diagnosis, 50 percent of individuals need to use insulin to control their blood glucose levels, according to the ADA.

With larger-than-life talents and a persona to match, Luther Vandross was surrounded by publicists, producers, handlers and assistants.  Yet he suffered alone with his diabetes. He had an incredible drive for perfection and an even bigger passion for performing, entertaining, and making his audiences happy whether through a concert, television, movie, or even Sesame Street.  Yet he did not pause for himself. It led to his stroke and eventually complications caused his death, a heartbreaking day for his family, friends and millions of fans.

Divabetic urges you to ‘Keep your House a Home’ and get screened for diabetes and learn how to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring.

Join us for the inaugural Fandross Festival (Thursday, May 10 – Sunday, May13, 2018) in New York City and enjoy a dazzling array of live performances, panel discussions, fitness classes, fashion shows, video screenings and diabetes outreach.

This year Fandross  Festival 2018 spotlights the 35 Anniversary of the release of  Luther Vandross’ Busy Body album. Busy Body is the third studio album by American R&B singer Luther Vandross, released on November 25, 1983. It was certified platinum by the RIAA in January 1985.

On ‘Busy Body’, Luther Vandross’ third album features the silky, Boz Scaggs-like title cut spells out every aspect of his woman’s unfaithfulness; then, on the jaunty “I’ll Let You Slide,” he becomes testy in a jovial way. “If we do it twice in the mornin’,” he bargains, “I’ll let you slide tonight.” Rolling Stones magazine’s review mentions Luther’s brilliant rendition of Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett’s “Superstar,” which closes the album.

Here’s a list of performers: Dionne Warwick – vocals on “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye”, Doc Powell, Georg Wadenius – guitar, Marcus Miller – bass, synthesizer, Nat Adderley, Jr. – keyboards, string and horn arrangements, John “Skip” Anderson – synthesizer, Yogi Horton – drums, Michael White, Paulinho da Costa – percussion, Steve Kroon – bongos, congas, Brenda White King, Fonzi Thornton, Phillip Ballou, Robin Clark, Tawatha Agee, Alfa Anderson, Cissy Houston, Cheryl Lynn, Darlene Love, David Lasley, Paulette McWilliams, Michelle Cobbs, Yvonne Lewis, Patti Austin – backing vocals and Jimmy Webb – string and horn arrangement on “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye”.

Fandross Festival 2018 Hotel Accommodations:

Divabetic has secured a discounted room rate ($239.00) per night at the New York Marriott East Side located at 525 Lexington Avenue at 49th Street, New York, NY 10017.

Call: (212) 755-4000 mentioned ‘Luther Vandross Fan Club’. Hotel’s room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes.

ROOM RESERVATIONS

The Vandross Family Estate and the national diabetes nonprofit organization, Divabetic (divabetic.org), proudly present Fandross Festival. “Keep your House a Home” and learn how to prevent diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) from occurring.

We invite Luther fans of all ages to attend and celebrate Luther’s “so amazing” contributions to music, arts, and culture.