Lupe Fiasco, Poets, Spoken Word Artists Convene in Dayton

Grammy-nominated, national recording artist Lupe Fiasco is the keynote speaker at the second annual Regional Academic and Cultural Collaborative (RACC) – an urban arts and entertainment showcase and networking event -Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Dayton Convention Center.

The Chicago native, who has recorded with hip-hop heavyweights Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and Snoop Dogg, will present “Being a Hip Hop Artist in the 21st Century: What Does Hip-Hop Mean to You?”, a examination of the hip-hop movement, the state of music industry and the responsibilities of the hip-hop artist today.

The 28-year old, one of the brightest, wittiest and lyrically gifted artist in rap, tackles a broad range of topics in his rhymes.  He skillfully avoids traveling down the well-worn formula of  “sex, drugs and money” by remaining true to the core values of hip-hop music and crafting songs that inspire, educate and entertain.  Since the release of his debut album, 2006’s Lupe Fiasco’s Food and Liquor, the outspoken activist has addressed social issues like terrorism, poverty and religious intolerance in his music.

“When the music cuts off, you have to go home and live with what you say.”

Preceding the keynote presentation Saturday is a music seminar featuring local and national music and entertainment industry executives.  Aspiring artists or anyone interested in breaking into the music industry will find the Business of Entertainment/Music Seminar informative and well worth the price of admission.

“We are examining numerous areas of music so everyone will find the seminar informative and beneficial,” said Andrew Bryce Hudson, event co-organizer. “We hope everyone who loves music, Hip Hop, business entertainment and more will support this collaborative effort from greater Dayton’s colleges and universities.”

After Lupe Fiasco’s keynote presentation, RACC continues with “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show,” a spoken word and poetry showcase with headliners Lemon Andersen, who has appeared in Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway, and author, actress and musician Jessica Care Moore.  Local poetry and spoken word artists will also be featured.

Tickets to the events are available through Ticket Center Stage by calling 937-228-3630 or visiting www.ticketcenterstage.com. Prices are:
• Business of Entertainment/Music Seminar, $15
• Lupe Fiasco’s keynote presentation, $10
• The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show, $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Regional Academic and Cultural Collaborative
Schedule of Events

Friday, Oct. 1

Hop Hop Tribute: The Cipher
8 p.m. to midnight: c{space, 20 N. Jefferson St.
$5 donation
Philly Phill Entertainment and Wright State University present DAS EFX, along with opening acts Yeti Master; world champion beat boxer Amotions; Ohio Hip Hop Award winners Status Flo, Money Baby and JR 150; and the Skratchmatik DJ Crew featuring Many Styles and Bah Daddy Shabazz. 18 and older.

Saturday, Oct. 2

The Business of Entertainment/Music Seminar
presented by the International College of Broadcasting
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St.
$15

• 10:30-11 a.m.: registration

• 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: workshops

• 12:30-12:45 p.m.: business card exchange session

• 12:45-2 p.m.: celebrity panel discussion

• 2-3 p.m.: workshop action session

Learn more about the entertainment/music industry during this seminar, which will offer two workshop tracks: one for independent artists and the other for aspiring executives. The seminar will include small workshop sessions and a panel discussion with national and local entertainment executives and artists. Workshop presenters and panelists include:

• Byron Wright, director of writer/publisher relations for Broadcast Music Inc.
• Luther Adamson, A & R and special events for Disturbing The Peace
• Dr. Ebony Utley, hip hop expert
• Rockey Love from Urban Radio 95.7, The WMIX in Toledo, Ohio
• Keith Harrison, a Grammy Award winner, producer and singer
• Scott Sharp, WDHT-FM 102.9
• Lee L. Croxx, CEO of Tripple Croxx Entertainment
• Jay, CEO of JManagement “Pretty Boy Swag Production Rep”
• Lemon Andersen, actor and spoken word artist
• representatives from the International College of Broadcasting, studio engineering and TV broadcasting

Dear Dr. Hip Hop Keynote Presentation by Lupe Fiasco
“Being a Hip-Hop Artist in the 21st Century: What Does Hip-Hop Mean to You? In its Realist and Essence … Is Hip Hop Dead?”
5 to 7 p.m.: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St.
$10*

Grammy award-winning hip hop artist, community activist and actor Lupe Fiasco will give a presentation on the basic elements of hip hop, the core culture of hip hop as a movement and what it means to be a hip hop artist in the 21st century. Also a producer and the CEO of 1st and 15th Entertainment, Lupe Fiasco hit the scene in 2006 with his album Food & Liquor. He also has made music with such well-known artists as Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, Jay Z and others. Lupe Fiasco recently finished his third album, rumored to be titled Lasers and set to be released by the end of the year.

This event also will include live music and performances by the Stivers School for the Arts Dance Ensemble and the Street Style Hip Hop Dancers: 20/Twenty Cru and Mighty Zulu Kingz .

The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show featuring Lemon Andersen and Jessica Care Moore
9 to 11 p.m.: Dayton Convention Center
$15 in advance, $20 at the door

RACC /Oral Funk Poetry Productions presents The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show. This monthly showcase features a vibrant production that includes local and national poets, musicians, actors, vocalist, dancers and visual arts. This month’s theme is “flowing lava.”

Lemon Andersen is an original member of the Tony Award-winning Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway who will be on tour in South Africa this fall performing his staged memoir, Country of Kings. Andersen also has appeared in several films, including Inside Man, Sucker Free City, The Soloist and the upcoming Son of No One, starring Al Pacino and Channing Tatum.

Jessica Care Moore is an internationally known award-winning poet and author of three books, including God is Not an American. In addition, she had a lead role in the film Love Never Gets Lost and currently is recording the rock music album Black Tea. Moore also is the CEO of Moore Black Press and executive producer for Spoken TV.

In addition, El Coats and The Funk Point will perform a melting pot of R&B and jazz with a neo-soul twist. This month’s host will be spoken word artist Cola Rum, a poetic icon in the South. This two-hour production also will include a variety of local poets and singers, and Lupe Fiasco will make a special guest appearance