DOWNBEAT 720 is a positive performance lab for High School Performing Artists. Whether you're a singer, poet, mc, dancer, actor or musician, Downbeat 720 provides a safe, structured environment to try out new material, gain confidence and perform in front of an audience of your peers.

click to view larger click to view larger click to view larger

The Lobby opens at 7:00 pm for sign-ups. The theater opens at 7:20 pm. Bands who need to set up drum kits need to call ahead and show up at 6:30 pm. Come in, mingle, meet other performing artists from all over the city and then listen to DJ JEDI (Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Tour) spin between each act, keeping the energy high as our host Joe Hernandez-Kolski introduces each act and our special guests that appear each time to help mentor and inspire. Check out Joe's website www.pochojoe.com for more info.

DOWNBEAT 720 happens on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. It is FREE to participate!

The month of March, 2005 brings the televised version of the program - A city wide talent competition we're calling DOWNBEAT SHOWDOWN. This will be taping every Tuesday in March.

THE RULES:
No Booing
No Smoking
Respect the Space
Respect Each Other
Keep it Clean
Doors open at 7:00pm / Sign-up ends at 7:20pm
Bands arrive by 6:30pm
31/2 minutes max. per artist.

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST!
Stay up to date on schedule, special guests and announcements.

SPECIAL GUESTS:
Some of our very special guest performers have included: Ameenah Kaplan, Rachel Assil, The "Declare Yourself Poets", HBO Def Poets: Beausia, Mayda DelValle, Rives, Jerry Quickly. Hip-Hop artist Bus Driver. Mark Gonzalez, Gaknew (Past L.A. Slam Champion) and many more nationally recognized poets and singers.

DOWNBEAT SHOWDOWN!
"Downbeat Showdown" is coming! All 9th-12th graders may apply to perform at Downbeat Showdown - a combination of Downbeat 720 and "American Idol"! Teens will compete in three categories - singer, poet and band! All shows will be broadcast on city T.V. this March, 2005. Please click here for the application and more info on this exciting new program sponsored by City TV and the Miles Memorial Playhouse.