Oakland, CA, USA (April 2015) – PeaceTones® has successfully begun month four of an unprecedented pilot project with the emerging artists of DetermiNation’s young black men’s group in Oakland, California. Meeting every Monday evening since early January, PeaceTones has supplemented their growing music expertise with practical business and legal tools and knowledge to supplement and enhance their understanding, marketability, and growth within the competitive music industry in the form of weekly workshops for DetermiNation members and working with accomplished local partners (from lawyers and community organizers to musicians and producers). Workshops have featured Oakland greats such as Larry Batiste (pictured), Kev Choice, Ian Brennan, Tajai Massey, and AshEl Seasunz. The collaboration with DetermiNation will culminate in a community music event in Oakland scheduled for August 2015, where DetermiNation members will showcase their lyrical and musical talents to the community under the theme of #DeterminedTo, one of their most successful media campaigns to date which portrays young black men in a positive light, particularly as relates to family and community. This event will also symbolize the kickoff of PeaceTones® formal, multi-partner Oakland community development project- “Sounds of Oakland”. Stay tuned for more information.
By Molly Dow