Downbeat 720

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What is Downbeat 720?

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DOWNBEAT 720 is at the Miles Memorial Playhouse every second and fourth tuesday of the month.
1130 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA. 90403

START TIME -- 7:20pm

BACKGROUND
Downbeat 720 is LA's premier open stage for high school performers. The program was created by Justin Yoffe, Ameenah Kaplan, Joe Hernandez-Kolski and DJ Jedi several years ago. Sponsored by the City of Santa Monica, twice a month, high school students from around the city make their way by bus, by car, by board, by bike to the Miles Playhouse. They sign up (usually near the bottom of the list if they're nervous) and they perform. We've created a very safe space where students from all different backgrounds can develop their skills as artists. We offer advice and direction with each individual. In addition, a special guest (a professional artist) is invited to perform for the students. In the past we've had Akil the MC (Jurassic 5), poet/actress Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia), musician Tom Freund, MAD TV cast members and a slew of nationally-ranked HBO Def Poets.

Downbeat 720 has grown to become one of the centerpoints for high school performers developing their talent as poets, singers, musicians, dancers, bands, etc. In fact, the television version, Downbeat Showdown, won the 2005 LA EMMY for "Outstanding Youth Programming."

The event is always FREE and adults are allowed but we encourage them to bring a high school student to either watch or participate. We try to keep adult presence to a minimum.
To be added to the mailing list or to volunteer, please drop a line to joe@pochojoe.com.





THE DOWNBEAT COMMANDMENTS:
1. Respect yourself, the other artists and the space.
2. All styles and skill levels are embraced.
3. Feel free to fall on your face.
4. Leave your food at the door.
5. Please take your conversations outside.
6. No. Really. Not the lobby (we can still hear it).
7. If you can stay 'til the end that would be great.
8. Put your cell phones on vibrate.
9. Bring a new friend every time.
10. In two weeks, we'll see you again. .. downbeat720 promo ..

Member Since:

September 13, 2005

Members:

..Listen to DJ JEDI (Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Tour and Digable Planets DJ) spin between each act, keeping the energy high as our host Joe Hernandez-Kolski introduces each act and our special guests that appear each time to help mentor and inspire. Check out Joe's website ->www.pochojoe.com..> for more info.

Influences:

Artists who have performed at Downbeat 720: Akil The MC (Jurassic Five), Amber Tamblyn (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants), Nicole Parker (Mad TV/Disaster Movie), Busdriver, Dez Hope, In-Q, Kim Hill, Tom Freund, and tons of HBO Def Poets!