Reveling in Rhythms: Blu Jazz Masterclass and Free Black! Concert Unite Akron's Youth and Music
Floco Torres (foreground) and HR3 (background) of the hip-hop duo Free Black! provide a hands-on experience with youth from Akron Urban League Summer Enrichment Camp
Akron, OH – July 12, 2023 — A crescendo of creativity and harmony swept through Akron as the Highland Universal Gathering Place (HÜG Place) played host to a day of transformative music education and an electrifying evening concert. On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the Urban League's summer camp participants embarked on an unforgettable journey, indulging in the rhythms of a Blu Jazz Masterclass led by the esteemed director Bobby Salvaggio of the Kent State Jazz program, an accomplished jazz recording artist, and a remarkable saxophonist, which was enriched with a special appearance by the sensational hip-hop duo, Free Black!. The event marked a vibrant collaboration with the Akron Urban League, underscoring our commitment to engaging and celebrating Akron’s diverse Black community.
In the hallowed halls of the HÜG Place's acoustically refined auditorium, where history met contemporary artistry, young musicians, brimming with enthusiasm, eagerly embraced the art of jazz, hip-hop, and improvisation. The masterclass was led by none other than the visionary artist and educator, whose soulful melodies have graced the world's grandest stages. Accompanying him were the talented members of Free Black!, their hip-hop flair adding a unique dimension to the morning's musical journey.
With jazz as the backbone and hip-hop as the heartbeat, the young participants were treated to a dynamic blend of styles. The masterclass became a conduit for creative expression, opening up a world of possibilities for the budding musicians and fueling their passion for melody and rhythm. As notes and verses danced together, laughter and applause filled the air, uniting the hearts of all present in a shared appreciation for the power of music to bring people together.
Students from Akron Urban League Summer Enrichment Day Camp engage with performing artists Free Black!
As the morning masterclass concluded, an atmosphere of excitement lingered, hinting at the extraordinary evening yet to come. The HÜG Place soon came alive once more, the air charged with anticipation as Free Black! took center stage to the cheers of a captivated audience. Floco Torres and HR3, the dynamic duo behind Free Black!, delivered their signature warm vintage sound and thought-provoking lyrics with mesmerizing finesse.
In a seamless fusion of past and present, Free Black! used hip-hop as a medium to explore history and break stereotypes. Their music weaved stories of empowerment and self-acceptance, promoting the beauty of individuality and encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves. The energy in the room was electrifying, and every beat seemed to resonate with the collective heartbeat of the audience.
The hip-hop duo Free Black! were joined on stage by local musicians and rock the HÜG Place
The Blu Jazz Masterclass and Free Black! concert not only celebrated the magic of music but also epitomized the spirit of unity. People from diverse backgrounds, brought together by their shared love for music, formed a symphony of camaraderie and inclusion. It was a powerful reminder of the impact of intentional engagement with Akron's vibrant black population, nurturing young talents and fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and celebration.
This extraordinary day of musical enchantment was made possible through a fruitful partnership with the Akron Urban League, a testament to our dedication to empowering the city's youth through creative experiences. As the notes of the final performance resonated, their echoes reverberated within the hearts of all who were present, promising to leave an indelible mark on Akron's cultural landscape for years to come.
