To an inaugural benefit rock concert on December 15 for The Ali Forney Center, a non-profit organization that provides emergency housing to homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youths.

The band, 45 High, featuring lead guitarist Andreas Altmann, a Woodside resident, will present their sonic songs with catchy hooks at Arlene's Grocery in Manhattan.

In the spirit of the season, 45 High will donate 100 percent of proceeds from their concert and After-Party benefit. They will also donate their new CD "My Addiction" to the center's residents along with 50 percent of proceeds from merchandise sales.

Altmann, along with Rik Cavazos, rhythm guitar, Pete Giambalvo lead singer, and Donovan Pyle, drummer, will perform at Arlene's Grocery, 95 Stanton St. between Orchard & Ludlow Streets at 10 p.m. on December 15.

Tickets are $10 per person, cash at the door, for ages 21+. The benefit After-Party tickets are $5 per person, which include hors d'oeuvres. Arlene's Grocery will donate their percentage from the door to the Ali Forney Center as well.

Altmann got his BFA (bachelor of fine arts) at The New School in Manhattan graduating with honors in 2002, That same year he formed the Andreas Altmann Quintet and released a full-length debut album, "382 Central Park West". In 2003 Altmann bumped into Giambalvo. They formed the band two years later, and since then have written over 100 songs together.

When Kenneth Egbert of Jazz Now heard Altmann's first album he said,"This sounds good. Real good. Frankly, I can't praise 382 Central Park West enough".

Carl Siciliano, executive director at the center said, "The Holiday Season is often a very difficult time for our youth. At the Ali Forney Center, we try to make the season as warm and joyous for our kids as possible. We appreciate the community's support to help warm the lives of homeless LGBT youth during this time of great need."

In the spirit of love, peace and gratitude that Christmas symbolizes, go to Arlene's Grocery on December 15 and help 45 High help homeless kids.

For more information, call 917- 693-7539 or e-mail fortyfivehigh@ yahoo.com.- Cleary