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After 30 years of performing on stages across the tri-state area and the northeast, singer-songwriter Jody Joseph [Bongiovi] is embarking on a new venture.

First cousin to the famous rocker by the alternate last name, Joseph [below right] has launched Heartstrings, a nonprofit aimed at administering music workshops in collaboration with local organizations.

“Music is a universal language that sheds the tears, then soothes the soul to open the heart to the amazing power of healing, one heart string at a time,” said Joseph, who dropped the famous Bongiovi last name years ago.

Next week the performer, who is also a vocal instructor, will host a benefit concert in support of Heartstrings at the Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Avenue. The event features the debut of Eliza Arnone’s new EP and a late show performance by the Ferns of Foe.

Heartstrings, which will work with individuals and groups, has launched a program tailored to adolescent victims of addiction in conjunction with New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care in Marlboro.

“I have been mentoring students in their vocal and artist development for over twenty years,” she said in a written statement. “Currently the youngest student I teach is 7 years old and the oldest is 75. The one thing I believe in very strongly is that it is never too late or that someone is too old to live a dream.”

Joseph is a Monmouth County resident who heads Jody Joseph Music and the lead singer of the Jody Joseph Band [shown in feature photo].

The Live Nation benefit concert event will include a gift auction featuring rock ‘n roll memorabilia, a one-week timeshare in St Martin, and six months of vocal lessons at Jody Joseph Music. Doors to the benefit concert open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $20, available via www.stoneponyonline.com.  

[Photos courtesy of Joseph]

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