Oakland Music Festival Rocks Sunday at Dunsmuir
Post in The Oakland Tribune
on Wednesday, July 23
Written by Chauncey Bailey, Staff Writer
Raising Funds for Local Music Programs
Oakland ~ Major recording artists are coming to Oakland to raise money for local music programs, hit hard by budget cuts over the years. Erykah Badu, Jonathan Butler, Floetry and Jon B will be performing at the second annual Oakland Music Festival Sunday noon to 6:00 p.m. at the Dunsmuir Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court.
"We are concerned about the recent major cuts in educational programs, particularly in Oakland," said Lance Hyde, co-founder of the festival.
Despite limited resources, organizers have been able to reach artists and get support from community leaders and businesses.
"Oakland needs more positive and inspiring events," Hyde said. "And we want to make a contribution. This is Oakland's festival. Now, we are hoping the community comes out." Four-time Grammy winner Badu is best known for her album Baduizm which reached Number 1 on Billboard's R&B chart. She's viewed as a leader in neo-soul or a resurgence of classic rhythm and blues.
Floetry (Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart) was nominated for three Grammy Awards and won two Soul Train awards. Their song "Say Yes" is No. 1 on the Airplay Monitor's R&B adult chart. Butler, a vocalist and guitarist born in South Africa, has several Grammy nominations. During his 25 year career he has earned a Sarie Award -- South Africa's equivalent to the Grammys.
Jon B mixes soul and hip-hop beats with lyrics that talk about love or relationships and he's worked with artists such as Babyface, Nas and Faith Evans. His album "Cool Relax" was a big hit. The festival is sponsored by Sausalito-based The Jazz Institute, a nonprofit formed several years ago to support music education in schools and provide scholarships for students, instruments, workshops and tutoring for children, according to Lin Hall, a musician and founder of the institute.
"You have a lot of talented young people who can't afford music lessons or even instruments," said Hyde.
"The institute is working to get young people interested in music.
"We are pleased to have so many talented artists who want to come to Oakland and give back to the community."
This year, there will be food vendors and the Castleers, the choir at Castlemont High School, also will perform.
"We want to make Oakland a venue for good music," said Hyde.
"The city has a long musical tradition and we want to put this festival on the same level as other festivals around the world."
For more information about tickets, call (510) 412-0335.
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