MEDIA RELEASE

Performing and Fine Artists for World Peace and Amnesty International will present the ‘Earth Patriot Hip Hop Music and Dance Concert’ 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Palace Theater in Hilo. 

The concert is a project of PFAWP’s ‘Artists in Action for Human Rights’ program, which brings awareness of local and international human rights issues to classrooms in Hawaii through discussions and presentations by guest artists, resource educators, Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and community outreach staff.

The format has changed from information previously released – competition will not be part of the event.

Youth dance teams will perform using ‘positive conscious rap’ music by artists such as NAS, Common, Sudden Rush, I. A.and Kumanu for their performances.

“The language of music, dance and the hip hop culture speaks to young people positively and powerfully,” said Howard Shapiro, executive director of PFAWP. “Using the medium of hip hop music and dance we want to share how important it is to protect our human rights at home and around the world.”

Hip hop artist I. A. from Oahu will be the emcee for the concert and will perform some of his award-winning music.  

Other featured artists include Ace Espejo and ‘Bolo’.  

Footage from the movie ‘Rize’ will be shown. The movie tells the story of how dancers in Los Angeles overcame gang violence to become world class hip hop dancers.

The Earth Patriot Hip Hop Music and Dance Concert celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

It also incorporates the theme of President Obama’s inauguration “Renewing America’s Promise” by promoting The National Day of Service. Those attending the event are encouraged to commit to a service project in their community and to help those less fortunate by bringing canned goods and other non-perishable items for The Food Basket.

Co-sponsors for the concert are Recycle Hawaii, The Big Island Dance Council, KHBC Radio, Peck Tunes, Perryscope Records, Kumanu Music and the Palace Theater. The Earth Patriot Hip Hop Music and Dance Concert is an alcohol and drug free event and is funded in part by a Healing Our Island Community Fund grant, administered by the Hawaii County Resource Center

— Find out more:

Performing and Fine Artists for World Peace: 985-8725, artpeace@hawaiiantel.net, www.artistsandpeace.org