Her method is music.

To that end, the 24-year-old Tran has organized two Rock for AIDS Awareness concerts in San Jose, sandwiched around World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.

The first concert is Nov. 30 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center at 938 The Alameda. The second is on Dec. 2 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Angels Ultra Lounge & Cabaret, 400 S. First St.

Tran points out that at least half of all new HIV infections are found in those aged 25 or under.

"Uniting musicians, the community and the young population is the most effective way to get the word out and make them aware of the resources for sexual health education we have in the community and to support those who are affected," she says.

Tran first started working on increasing awareness while a student at San José State University, where she worked in a Peer Health Education Outreach program.

In 2003, Tran organized a karaoke fundraiser for the Silicon Valley Walk for AIDS.

"I wanted to do more of an outreach, so I decided to do a live show," she says of her decision to expand it the following year.

For the 2005 concerts, Tran attracted bands through networking with friends and on Craigslist online classifieds. All performers and staff are working on a volunteer basis to keep costs down.

For the Nov. 30 event, the bands are Divided, Drunken Starfighter, Delta Activity and Day One Symphony. A minimum donation of $5 is asked for that concert.

The Dec. 2 concert features Minipop, Parting Glance, Julie Plug, Plush to Talk and The Evening Episode, with a suggested minimum donation of $7.

Asian Americans for Community Involvement, the DeFrank center and the Neil A. Christie Living Center will benefit from both concerts. Both the DeFrank and the Christie center are based in the Rose Garden area.

For additional information on Rock for AIDS Awareness 2005, visit www.rockforaids.com.