7.19.11:  "Tito Tours Tokyo" as Legendary Jackson 5 Superstar Hits Exclusive Concert Dates in Japan... along with Alex!

Fresh off the launch of her new CD, #BurnItDown, Alex jumped on a plane for a whirlwind tour of Japan... singing with the great Tito Jackson!

The entire ensemble performed July 14-15 at the Cotton Club in Tokyo, and again July 17-19 at the Blue Note Jazz Club in Nagoya. Stay tuned for stories and photos from this wonderful trip!

6.18.11:  CD Release Party and Benefit Concert for #BurnItDown Raises $10K for American Cancer Society

On Saturday, June 18, Alex and friends performed at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood in a benefit concert celebrating the release of her highly-anticipated second album, #BurnItDown, and her 10th year of being cancer-free.

The benefit, which drew almost 300 fans, raised $10,000 for the American Cancer Society and the Marcelle Erian Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing financial assistance to cancer patients who find themselves unable to afford proper treatment.

Nester — who has opened for such acts as Earth Wind & Fire and Chicago, and is currently touring with Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson — expressed her delight in reaching her goal of raising $10,000 through ticket sales, merchandise, donations, and an auction of special items and "gift baskets" from such luminaries as Tito Jackson, TV talk show host Conan O'Brien's Basic Cable Band, comedian Cedric the Entertainer, jazz drummer Alphonse Mouzon, actress Dyan Cannon, and many more.

Fundraising and milestones aside, the concert held an even larger meaning for Alex.

Let's go back to the year 2000. At just 16 years of age, Alex had already tracked hundreds of studio hours and was set to begin recording her debut solo release with veteran producer, Robby Robinson (Frankie Valli, Martha Reeves), when it all came to a screeching halt with an unexpected visit to the emergency room.

From Recording Sessions to Chemo Sessions

In the months that followed, instead of attending recording sessions Nester found herself attending chemotherapy sessions. The diagnosis: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

"When I heard the word 'cancer' I equated that to 'death-sentence'. I had no idea what to expect," says Nester reflecting on the ordeal. "But now I know that wasn’t the case. In fact, I seem to run into more and more survivors thanks to the advances in medicine and research; much of it funded by organizations like the American Cancer Society. That's why I feel compelled to give back — I owe them everything."

The night also marked the release of Nester's sophomore album, "#BurnItDown," which was given away to all in attendance. Also performing at the benefit were Stiff and Nehemiah & the Scholars.

All proceeds from the Troubadour benefit were donated to the American Cancer Society and the Marcelle Erian Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing financial assistance to cancer patients who find themselves unable to afford proper treatment.

Hey Kids! We've Got Way-Cool #BurnItDown Goodies Still Available!

T-shirts, wristbands and more from Alex's benefit concert and CD release party are still available for purchase online!

Make an über-hip fashion statement with swanky, stylish #BurnItDown t-shirts and wristbands... and help support the fight against cancer!

Proceeds from all #BurnItDown merchandise sold online will be donated to the Marcelle Erian Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing financial assistance to cancer patients who find themselves unable to afford proper treatment.

So don't just sit there... check out all this cool stuff while supplies last!