Contact person:
Charnedra Jasmine Moore
773-272-5220
wry This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Staceyann Chin and “Boots”Riley of the Coup come together with Chicago Artists to reclaim Hip Hop

Chicago, IL -- May 7, 2007  -- In the mist of all of the controversy surrounding rap music, an event was created to showcase the often ignored positive aspects of hip hop culture.  On Saturday May 26th W.R.Y. Productions presents “Rhythm and Tongue (Bringing the Mike Back Home) Spoken Word Concert”.

The concert features HBO Def Poet Staceyann Chin and  L. A. based revolutionary hip hop artist "Boots" Riley of the Coup, along with Chicago's own Still Black See (spoken word artists Orron, Dread and 720), soul/jazz music of U:Kno:HU (Khari Lemuel, Motep, Yaw) and the powerful poetry of Divinity. Two shows are booked at Kenwood Academy Auditorium, 5015 S. Blackstone, 6pm and 9pm.

 

This show combines many aspects of hip hop and spoken word to give a unique show that Chicago needs to experience. Women Rising Young (W.R.Y.)  Productions is trying to create a positive outlet for today’s youth, bring something new to Chicago and its spoken word community while exposing Chicagoans not only to artists across the United States but especially local talent. Staceyann Chin has been featured everywhere from Def Poetry Jam, 60 Minutes, to BET. Local artists like Still Black See, Divinity and U;Kno:HU can be seen throughout Chicago at many open mics, universities, jazz clubs, Hothouse and even House of Blues. This is not just a spoken word concert it is a movement.

“We want to draw more attention to artists who’s self expressions reveal broader and deeper reflection on issues affecting our lives and who want to use their insight to inspire positive progress in our communities”, says Katrina Phelps, program coordinator of W.R.Y. Productions. W.R.Y. Productions has been hosting “Rhythm and Tongue Open Mic @ Munchies” every other week since October 2006. The group is a collaboration of three students Charnedra Jasmine Moore, Katrina Phelps and Kimberly Phelps from different universities, who came together after the Hurricane Katrina tragedy to create positive events to uplift their community.

For additional information contact wry This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . For tickets to “Rhythm and Tongue Spoken Word Concert” which are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, call 312-239-0287 or purchase tickets online at www.ticketmaster.com ,

W.R.Y. Productions       
P.O. Box 4538,        
Chicago, IL 60680       
phone: 312-239-0287    
wry This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
www.myspace.com/wry_productions

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