AS “GENERATIONEXT!” SPOTLIGHTS MUSIC & DANCE FROM
TODAY’S RISING STARS
(Los Angeles, CA.) The dynamic worlds of hip hop dance and contemporary urban music come together at the historic Ford Amphitheatre on Sunday, August 7 as PAE Live! presents “generatioNext!”, a concert featuring the next wave of sensational YouTube musicians, singers, comedians and dancers together for the first time. A portion of the net proceeds will benefit ongoing Japan rebuilding efforts. “generatioNext!” will be hosted by America’s Best Dance Crew Season 3 champions “Quest Crew”. Accomplished dancers, each with their own specialty and style, Quest Crew brings to the stage a great mix of humor, musicality, eye-popping tricks and innovative choreography.
Leading the music charge are two very distinct performers, although the roots of their influences lie in soul and R&B. Dawen, a sing-songwriter based in Los Angeles with a lyrical style, a smooth baritone voice and a sensual falsetto (a la Maxwell), has what MTV Iggy called “an eclectically soulful style reminiscent of artists as quirky as Nellie McKay and as sensual as Seal”. His exploration of the American life through song fuses soul and R&B with funk and jazz.
San Diego based singer/songwriter/performer J-Ricz brings a new wave of vision and creativity to the R&B/Pop genre. The ex-Next Phaze member who is making a name for himself not only in the U.S. but in Japan as well says, “It’s the passion for music and the drive to inspire others that really matters in the end.” J-Ricz’s performance will be a tribute to “old school” R&B including a song influenced by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
American Idol Finalist Andrew Garcia will make a special appearance. The singer from Moreno Valley placed ninth in the Fox reality competition series on Season 9 but is noted for his unique take on Paula Abdul’s number 1 smash, “Straight Up. Official sponsor Akufuncture brings its family of artists to “generatioNext!”. Established in 2009, Akufuncture continues to pioneer Chinese inspired fashion, riding the fine dichotomy of high fashion and street-wear and fueling the inspiration in global fashion for generations. In addition to Dawen, Akufuncture is sponsoring several up-and-coming talents, including afterschoolspecial, the San Diego-based band who describe themselves as “a musical hurricane on a collision course with awesome”. Since their conception in 2007, what started out as performances in local bars has grown to playing alongside national acts and touring nationwide. Influenced by artists like Linkin Park, Atmosphere and the Beastie Boys, afterschoolspecial has created a unique blend of rock, rap, folk and soul that continues to break down musical barriers. Akufuncture will also present The Fung Brothers, David and Andrew, who infuse hip hop music with their unique brand of comedy and singer/songwriter and YouTube hit Kevin Lien.
Two other performing artists round out the evening’s lineup. San Francisco bay native trio Innerlude – James, Eric and Cyrus – will serve up a toxic blend of R&B/Pop tunes that showcase remarkable vocal prowess and Mahi Crabbe, a Polynesian singer/songwriter based in Las Vegas, will take the stage with his brand of acoustic guitar pop music. Mahi is a finalist is the first ever Pacific Island Talent Contest. His music is a fusion of island rhythms, reggae and Polynesian pop. Additional artists will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Artist lineup is subject to change.
With “generatioNext!”, PAE Live! will be donating a portion of the net proceeds directly to the Japan Red Cross in support of the continuing rebuilding efforts the country has been doing since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March. “generatioNext!” is sponsored by Akufuncture, BakitWhy.com, KPFK 90.7 and KSCI Channel 18.
“generatioNext!” takes place at the Ford Amphitheatre, located at 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard East, Hollywood, CA. 90068, just off the 101 Hollywood Freeway across from the Hollywood Bowl and south of Universal Studios. The grounds open two hours before show time for picnicking. The Ford offers a number of dining options: a variety of food and beverages is available on site and box dinners for evening events may be ordered in advance. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink.
The Ford is disabled accessible. Portable wireless listening devices are available upon request. On-site, stacked parking costs $5 per vehicle for evening shows and $1 per vehicle for morning family shows. For evening shows only, FREE non-stacked parking serviced by a FREE shuttle to the Ford, for evening amphitheatre performances only, is available at the Universal City Metro Station lot at Lankershim Blvd. and Campo de Cahuenga. The shuttle, which cycles every 15 – 20 minutes, stops in the “kiss and ride” area.
Tickets, priced at $45 and $30 and are available at www.FordTheatres.org or at 323-461-3673 (for non-visual media 323 GO 1-FORD). Through the Ford’s early buyer incentive, patrons who buy tickets on or before July 31 pay only $40 and $25. Special $75 VIP tickets allow for premium seating, a souvenir, specially designed T-shirt and a private meet and greet with the artists prior to showtime. This event is part of the Ford Amphitheatre 2011 Season, a multi-disciplinary arts series produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission in cooperation with Los Angeles County-based arts organizations. For a complete season schedule, directions to the theater and parking information, please visit www.FordTheatres.org.