To help bring awareness to the plight facing our Black and Brown youths, Bruce Kelly, R. Kelly’s Brother and George Ivey are hosting a musical showcase today at Daley Center (50 W. Washington).
According to the producer George Ivey, the free event which kicks off at 12 pm noon will feature local acts paying tribute to those that have been been victims of violent crimes as well those who have lost someone all too early to senseless gun fire.
When asked why our youth were attracted to the violence; Ivey told the Defender in a phone interview “In Chicago there is a thug mentality and it’s territorial. I wouldn’t necessarily blame it on rap but everybody wants to be a thug or a gangster,” he stated as a possible reason.
Ivey shared that all the artist included on the roster from Lady The Voice to R&B artist John Renissance from the West Side of Chicago to R & B artist Mon Aerie has been impacted by violence.
Bruce Kelly the brain child of the event responded to the Chicago Defender’s question: What alternatives did his organization have for the young people caught up in the cycle of violence that may want to get out?
He shared one possible solution; his vision of the new recording studio called “Demo Factory” set to open in Chicago in about 6 weeks. Kelly said “A lot of these teenager have talent. They sing, rap, draw and they have talent. We are going to help them put together demos and bring their dreams to life.”
Kelly didn’t want to reveal the yet undisclosed location but hinted that it’s by the lake. The Chicago Defender applauds their attempts to not only bring awareness to this situation, but a solution as well. Now you have a reason to go shopping downtown. Free music and lot’s of love. Show starts at 12 sharp.
The theme for this event is “putting down the guns and making peace.” Check out some of the talent here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd0Fgv-iI2w
For more stories affecting Chicago’s youth go to https://www.facebook.com/ken.hare
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