Hip-hop, music and one big after-party: The second annual “Hip Hop Has Heart” performance will blend the roots of hip-hop with original dance routines and showcase Eugene and Portland-based hip-hop dance troupes at 7 p.m. Sunday in Silva Concert Hall at the Hult Center.
“Hip Hop Has Heart” is also the name of the nine-member Eugene dance group organizing the event. The group has rehearsed with 150 volunteer performers for 18 hours per week since October.
“The dancers have put their hearts and souls into this performance,” choreographer and director Lindsey McMahon said. “‘Hip Hop Has Heart’ is truly an appropriate title.”
Program Manager Jeremy McMillon said he hopes the show will help change common misconceptions of hip-hop that have formed through mainstream performers such as Eminem.
“It’s a high-energy, positive look at hip-hop,” McMillon said.
Last year, the show, which was held at South Eugene High School, drew an audience of about 800 people.
The “Timeline” scene will kick off the show with hip-hop performances that incorporate music from “The Beastie Boys” and “Run-DMC.”
Dancers from the Edge Dance Studio, ZAPP and Ta-Da Productions Dance Studio, which consists primarily of elementary and high school students, will perform. The Portland-based group Urban Shock and University and Lane Community College dance teams will also make appearances.
“A lot of different age groups and different backgrounds dance,” choreographer and University senior Tara Hadley said. “It is a fun way to get involved and meet people.” The show will also feature deejays from California and a vocal performance by artist and vocalist CJ Mickens.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ACT-SO program, which recognizes artistically and academically gifted minority high school students.
“By donating proceeds, we hope to provide students with the knowledge, confidence and support they need to realize their full potential,” McMillon said.
Tickets are $15 to $17, and are available at the Hult Center Ticket Office, 682-5000, and the University Ticket Office, 346-4363. The show will be followed by a $3 nonalcoholic after-party at The Annex, located at 23 W. Sixth Ave., at 9 p.m. Additional information can be found at www.hiphophasheart.org.