Listen to DJ JEDI (Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Tour and Digable Planets DJ) spin between each act, keeping the energy high as our host Joe Hernandez-Kolski introduces each act and our special guests that appear each time to help mentor and inspire. Check out Joe's website ->www.pochojoe.com..> for more info.
Influences
The Mighty Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Blackstar, Jurassic 5, DJ Shadow, and more...
DOWNBEAT 720 is at the Miles Memorial Playhouse every second and fourth tuesday of the month.
1130 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA. 90403
START TIME -- 7:20pm
BACKGROUND
Downbeat 720 is LA's premier open stage for high school performers. The program was created by Justin Yoffe, Ameenah Kaplan, Joe Hernandez-Kolski and DJ Jedi several years ago. Sponsored by the City of Santa Monica, twice a month, high school students from around the city make their way by bus, by car, by board, by bike to the Miles Playhouse. They sign up (usually near the bottom of the list if they're nervous) and they perform. We've created a very safe space where students from all different backgrounds can develop their skills as artists. We offer advice and direction with each individual. In addition, a special guest (a professional artist) is invited to perform for the students. In the past we've had Akil the MC (Jurassic 5), poet/actress Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia), musician Tom Freund, MAD TV cast members and a slew of nationally-ranked HBO Def Poets.
Downbeat 720 has grown to become one of the centerpoints for high school performers developing their talent as poets, singers, musicians, dancers, bands, etc. In fact, the television version, Downbeat Showdown, won the 2005 LA EMMY for "Outstanding Youth Programming."
The event is always FREE and adults are allowed but we encourage them to bring a high school student to either watch or participate. We try to keep adult presence to a minimum.
To be added to the mailing list or to volunteer, please drop a line to joe@pochojoe.com.
THE DOWNBEAT COMMANDMENTS:
1. Respect yourself, the other artists and the space.
2. All styles and skill levels are embraced.
3. Feel free to fall on your face.
4. Leave your food at the door.
5. Please take your conversations outside.
6. No. Really. Not the lobby (we can still hear it).
7. If you can stay 'til the end that would be great.
8. Put your cell phones on vibrate.
9. Bring a new friend every time.
10. In two weeks, we'll see you again.
downbeat720 promo
HEY GUYS WERE LOCATED NEAR MAGIC MOUNTAIN AND WE NEED TO GET SIGNED. ADD US IF YOU ENJOY MUSIC THAT SOUNDS SIMILAR TO BREAKING BENJAMIN, NIRVANA, OUR LADY PEACE, JOHNNY CASH, THE CURE ETC. ADD US ADD US ADD US AND CHECK OUT THE LYRICS. MORE SONGS TO COME. ADD US.
Hi... We're writing this message to you only to tell you that A) We have two new tracks up and B) We're now selling a full LP (it's pretty cheap which is nice). We just wanted to tell you what's new with us (if you even cared to know that is) but if you're actually intrigued or just laughing and rolling your eyes at us... either way, have a most lovely day
maaaaaan, im bummed cuz im gonna be out of town for the last downbeat!!!! :( i'll be in vegas thinking of you all. good luck to all of you, you're all amazing and i love you! miss you! hope to see ya around this summer! peace
Iight I know Ive been slakin but i been gettin caught up but trust i will be at DownBeat Tonite. i got some stuff that i need to get off my chest that might not make any sence to anyone else but DB is the place i need to be to say it... I heard it was kookoo krazy packed lst week so i hope to experience the madness
Thanks for giving me a place to come and express myself. I find it hard to write everyday like i should, but i always have somethin written by the time I get to downbeat. Plus, feeding off of everyones energy is inspiring and helps me in my goals to become a better writer, poet, and artist. Once Again, thanks. And I will see everyone on tuesday. PEACE EASY!!!
Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your amazing night! I truly enjoyed being your featured artist and I'm glad to have talked to and met some amazingly talented people!!! I have hope for the future...keep in touch!
Peace, Love, Rock & Soul
Denise Vasquez
hey guys. if you're going to our show tonight, which duh you are..the info on the flier we sent a couple days ago was wrong. here's the flier with the right info.
yooo wats goin on witchoo....we got 2 new tracks on our page from our mixtape "Kings Done Come" [on sale now]....check em out if you havent heard em already! let us know what you think! thanks in advance...we appreciate the support
