S.O.U.L.S. Reviews

Urban Voices Collective and S.O.U.L.S. Alameda County Juvenile Hall November 18, 2008 Host: Carolyn Gauthier   Essence Story by Carolyn Gauthier Bread & Roses was fortunate to be able to collaborate with Urban Voices Collective for this show at Alameda County Juvenile Hall. Urban Voices Collective or UVC is a non-profit corporation that was founded to have professional hip hop and spoken word artists share their craft with people in San Francisco Bay Area communities—particularly youth in disadvantaged communities.  Through UVC, a diverse group of artists give free performances and interactive workshops to inspire, uplift, educate, and edify community residents. It is a natural match with what Bread & Roses does, bringing the healing power of live entertainment to those most in need.   There were ten performers, two female and eight male, who came to share their talents and their message with fifty-five teens. Big Dan began with a poem exploring the question “What is peace?” Audience members responded afterwards with their answers: “Be yourself,” “Let it shine,” “Take care of family.” Dan shared that he had been in juvenile hall six times growing up, and now he has his own band, a group of Chicano artists called Brown Buffalo or BRWN BFLO who tour across the country and beyond.   Next up was D. Labrie the EOG (East Oakland’s Greatest), a recording artist and member of S.O.U.L.S. He told how his art has taken him to Japan, a long way from his "hood". After performing, he encouraged all the kids by saying, “express your inner voice.” The message he left them with was that searching inside to find your true self can lead to great creativity and satisfaction.   Bill Jackson, owner of True Vibe Records led a Q and A and introduced Sounds of Urban Life Soldiers. He advised the kids, “Don’t get suckered into negative thinking. You can control that.”  S.O.U.L.S., featuring Keldamuzik, Sandy Tili, Keith Thompson, Lingo Starr, and D-Brock, performed “On the Street,” a song about the reality of life in most these kids’ neighborhoods and their anti-violence anthem “Squash it!”  True Vibe Records uses its powerful performance artists to influence troubled youth to pursue more productive and wholesome lives. It was indeed a Bread & Roses show which made a big impact.   Lisa Starbird Bread & Roses Program Assistant 415-945-7120 ext.104 Lstarbird@breadandroses.org www.breadandroses.org "Hope and Healing Through Live Music"

S.O.U.L.S. at Camp Wilmont Sweeney June 18, 2008 Host: Carolyn Gauthier   Report by: Carolyn Gauthier: Eight representatives from Sounds of Urban Life Soldiers brought their powerful messages to seventy young men serving out detention sentences at Camp Wilmont Sweeney. The songs and spoken word pieces told stories about the challenges of living in today's world as a black person, a woman, a child in a broken family, a teenager on the streets, a person trying to stay clean and sober, a peacemaker in a violent neighborhood.   The positive response form the audience was overwhelming. Several young men came up towards the end of the performance and did their own spoken word or "flow." They were rewarded with CD's from the group and rousing applause and shouts from their peers. This was a great opportunity for them to express their creativity and be a part of a professional performance.   Thank you S.O.U.L.S for sharing your Jazz Funk Hip Hop Poetry and shining your light where it is needed most.   Lisa Starbird Bread & Roses Program Assistant 415-945-7120 ext.104 www.breadandroses.org "Hope and Healing Through Live Music"

S.O.U.L.S. at New Bridge Date: June 15, 2008 Host: Kurt Huget   Report by Kurt Huget: Seven voices, hip-hop rhythms, and a positive message. That is what "Sounds Of Urban Life Soldiers" presented at their debut performance for Bread & Roses. These fine voices blended together harmoniously in spreading their music and message to a very appreciative audience. The themes covered overcoming addiction, taking responsibility, and fatherhood (fitting for this Father's Day show), among others. They performed with heart and soul, and were justly rewarded with an exuberant response. Lisa Starbird Bread & Roses Program Assistant 415-945-7120 ext.104 www.breadandroses.org "Hope and Healing Through Live Music"

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