C.A.B Concerts presented its First Annual Youth Concert "The Mix '05" in the large theatre of the Pittsburg Creative Arts Building on June 5, and it was phenomenal! There were fourteen bands in all that performed that evening ranging from Rock, Pop, Alternative, Rap, Neo-Soul, and Gospel Rap.
All the artists there exhibited great showmanship and support for one another, and best of all the show was G-rated, this allowed for many of the youth from ages 5 and up to attend and hear music without explicit lyrics.
The Solomon Temple Youth Choir was up first donning blue and gold robes while standing on risers rocking and reeling to a soulful tune with a Hip Hop edge. The audience became so excited they bum-rushed the front of the stage dancing and singing along with the group, and just when you thought S. T. was done they brought out (pardon the pun) their most dangerous weapon the dynamic duo “Inferno.” These guys were awesome echoing back and forth with rhymes that soothed the soul and fed the spirit.
Of course, the night did not get by without some glitches. Mia Zuniga and her band were delayed by five minutes due to some technical difficulties, but all was well once she took the mic. The audience was in total submission as the Neo-Soul princess brought it with her rendition of “Seduceme,” a beautiful Spanish love song originally performed by Latin recording artist, La Andia.
The rock groups; Skanonymous; Embers of August; Time Worth Wasting; 3 p.m., and Razero were all a hit with the audience. It was shocking to see how the Hip Hop, Alternative, and even R&B crowd took to these bands. This proves that combining the different genres of music was a formidable idea.
“I never wanted to listen to rock before because it was too loud and I couldn’t understand the words, but I like this music, it’s cool,” said 8th grade student, Janea McDuffie who came all the way from Roseville to catch the show.
Whenever any of the rock groups took to the stage, audience members would yell, scream, and clamor to the front of the stage shouting “you rock!” These guys are all destined to MTV and Grammy awards!
The group Chozen Muzic captivated the audience with their Hip Hop style of Rap. Once again, the audience ascended to the stage where they formed groups who jumped and bobbed their heads to the music. It was definitely on and crackin.
The Rap artist Shauny B took the audience by storm with his one hit. “B” was amazing as he stepped out onto the stage delivering a hit you in the face; now take that song from his CD “Takin out the Garbage”. The audience clearly dug his style, and yelled for more when he turned to walk off the stage. “Shauny B, Shauny B,” the crowd yelled in hopes that he would give them an encore, but to no avail. The Rapper was a bit under the weather and had given all the energy he could spare.
Although it was unfortunate, that “B” was under the weather. The Rap group “True Star,” featuring Kennedy & Synsier were no fair weathered friends. They came in like a thief in the night delivering their knock out lyrics, and giving the crowd a T.K.O.
Gospel Rap artist, Marvin Miller, was on the scene to give his testimony on the challenges of life before breaking out into a lyrical rhyme where he barely stopped to take a breath. The song started hard and punchy with music accompaniment then tapered off into a smooth a Capella.
But, wait a minute! The show’s not over, the Rap group HardNox; featuring brothers Dan & Jim Kehoe and their sound and “do everything” guy, Naveed were true stars.These guys performed as if they were catering to an arena full of people. They exemplified positive showmanship.
I think it’s great performing with all the acts here, and that the radio stations don’t realize that people like more variety than they think,” said Dan.
HardNox will be working on collaboration with recording artist Keak the Sneak, and the Rapper Ghostt.
Rap Artist,” The Ghostt” was on demand that evening to perform from his current CD “Journey of a Lost Soul,” his performance was more than spectacular as the audience waited nervously, and anxiously for him to ascend to the stage by way of the Orchestra Pit. There were screams and gasps, and fans that ran to the front of the stage as he rose to deliver a blow to the audiences psyche by singing one of his hit songs nominated for a Music Award.
“The Ghostt,” is truly a star and he is one who believes in giving back to his community. You can find him on the school front-visiting students to give them words of encouragement, sign autographs, and perform for them.
“ I don’t care if I am on tour next year, I will find a way to come back and visit the schools. I love the kids,” said Ghostt.
Having said that, one can truly see that Ghostt has a heart, and that he isn’t too cool, or too afraid to show it.
Best wishes and come back to see us, Ghostt!
Everyone performed exceptionally well that evening, even the Rythmz Allstar Dancers, a group of young performers who strutted their stuff in-between acts, and causing a ruckus among the crowd.
If you missed the show this year, do not despair because most of the artists have CD’s in stores now, and you can catch CAB Concerts Second Annual Youth Concert "The Mix '06" scheduled for June of next year!
Story and photos by Linda Jai for pittsburgca.net
www.cabconcerts.com
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