Too cold to chill outside? Tonight, members of the Jane and Finch community will be bringing the heat inside with Rise and Shine, a community-based talent show taking place at The Underground restaurant, Keele campus.
Experience the power of words to evoke emotion or tackle political issues as spoken word artists, poets, rappers and musicians bring their talent to Rise and Shine. This free event runs from 6:30 to 8:30pm and is presented in conjunction with the Art Gallery of York University’s winter program.
Billed as a showcase for some of the community’s best MCs, singers and spoken word artists, Rise and Shine gives young artists a chance to show their stuff. It is coordinated by Lola Lawson, a second-year sociology student in York’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.
Tonight’s event is hosted by Ryerson criminology student and community activist Femi Lawson, and features music by DJ OHSO and performances by spoken word poet David Delisca, R& B singer Domanique Grant, rapper Rian Hamilton, hip hop artist Heavy Steve, dub poet Nancy Kamalanathan, Lola Lawson, community theatre group Nomanzland, and artists R.O.S., Rushie Raw, Star Dat Prince and TK.
| Above: Toronto-based Haitian poet David Delisca will perform tonight as part of Rise and Shine |
Lawson is a 2010 youth research intern with Assets Coming Together for Youth (ACT for Youth) program affiliated with the York-TD Community Engagement Centre. She also established the first Jane and Finch club at York University as a way of ensuring that the talents and strengths of the community remain in the spotlight.
Rise and Shine: A Community-Based Talent Showcase is supported by the York United Black Student Alliance, the Creative Arts Student Association and the Jane and Finch at York Student Club.
For more information on tonight’s event, contact Allyson Adley, AGYU collections & education assistant, 416-736-2100 ext. 88608.