(Urban Voices Project
Photo by Timothy Norris
for The Music Center)
by Noella Noelophile®
“When you do fall into homelessness, it’s a pretty fractured system,” says Urban Voices Project Founder and Artistic Director Leeav Sofer.
“A service is almost innately something that says…this is what’s broken about you.
“The power of music, and the power of the arts, is when someone walks into an artistic space…the narrative is, ‘hey, you already have (a beautiful voice and innate creativity. …you are not broken because you can make art with us.”
(Royalty-free image by Ri Butoy from Pizabay.)
With that difference in perspective, nonprofit Urban Voices Project is now celebrating ten years of using music to transform lives.
While their most visible program is their choir, who will be performing in the L.A County Holiday Celebration on Christmas Eve, the Urban Voices Project also offers the residents of Skid Row opportunities including music workshops, showcases like their annual “C’mon, Sing!” event and their “Coffeehouse” talent showcases.
And they have TWO Christmas invitations for you.
(Royalty-free image by Mariya Muschard from pixabay.)
This Saturday, December 21st (I know, short notice, but this is worth attending!), they’re hosting “A Holiday Called Home”, a free winter crafts and arts showcase in Little Tokyo. “A Holiday Called Home” runs from noon to 4 pm, at 249 South Los Angeles Street, near Third.
(Royalty-free image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay.)
AND, on Tuesday, December 24th, they’ll be onstage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. performing in the 65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration!
As mentioned in my earlier post, this is a highly eclectic and festive concert, showcasing the talents of various communities and cultures of Los Angeles. Among the other performers who will be sharing their talents are Filipino vocalist Anji Tan, mariachi group Mariachi Linda Mexicanas, and community-based praise ministry the Victory Praise Dancers.
Advance reservations are required for the L.A. County Holiday Celebration, and their website mentions that due to high demand, advance reservations are full. BUT, they add, you can sign up to be notified if additional reservations become available in advance–and they have a stand-by line, the day of the concert! Here’s the link for information.