More than 60 local dance, music and media artists are participating in today’s third annual Down 4 It hip-hop variety concert to benefit FOOD for Lane County, an event the dancers promise to be engaging and full of energy from the time the doors open to the last performance.
“In this (performance) we’re really close to the audience. We’re more connected with the crowd, which helps with the energy,” said Jasmine DuVall, a University junior who has been dancing on and off since she was a child and with Dance Northwest, the show’s sponsor, for three years.
The show, which begins at 8 p.m., is held at the McDonald Theatre, a location DuVall said makes the performance feel more interactive and exciting.
“I think it’s fun because I can feed off the crowd and see how they’re interacting,” she said.
Sitting on the stairs of the Eugene School of Ballet a week before the performance with young girls running by, giggling in their black leotards, DuVall, Anita Sanford, the director of Dance Northwest, and other dance students talk about their personal interests in this year’s cause.
“From a personal standpoint, I have benefited from FOOD for Lane County,” said Tamarra White, who has been dancing with the company for four years.
The performance, which raised $1,500 for the Women’s Center last year, hopes to meet or exceed that amount for their donations to FOOD for Lane County this year.
“Nearly one in three children (in Lane county) eat from those boxes,” Sanford said. “I had a fire and lost everything and got some of those boxes.”
FOOD for Lane County, the second largest food bank in Oregon, annually distributes more than six million pounds of food and has served 76,000 adults and 30,000 children since 1984, according to the organization’s Web site.
This year’s show will feature eight dances, all hip-hop and breakdancing, including Sanford’s Dance Northwest group. Sanford founded the group in 2000 with the goal of enriching lives through dance and creating a positive outlet for expression.
“We want everybody to express themselves creatively,” said Kimberly Ely, a University senior and show producer and dancer. “I would say it’s a very expressive show.” Ely has been dancing with Dance Northwest for four years.
Zapp, a group of young Eugene dancers, will also perform at the show. The group’s eclectic style ranges from jazz to hip-hop to swing. They were named one of the top five swing groups in the U.S. and abroad by the BBC, according to a press release.
Other dance groups performing at Down 4 It include Animal Farm, voted best local hip-hop ensemble in the Eugene Weekly Voters Poll 2006, The Bomb Squad, Urban Pulse, The Edge Breakers, The Foundation and more.
In addition to dancing, musical and DJ performances will be featured at the show, including Marv Ellis, an emcee who performs original, self-written music ranging from rapping to singing. He is known for bringing positive messages through his creative and inspirational performances.
“I’m excited to see what Marv Ellis brings to the table,” Sanford said, adding she thinks every artist will bring something special to the show.
Tickets for the performance are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Purchase tickets online at www.mcdonaldtheatre.com or go to TicketsWest outlets. For more information check out the performance’s MySpace.com page at www.myspace.com/down4it2007.
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