Past Events

Beckoning for Change: Artists With a Cause

Premier Event: Change

The Delancey, New York City

August 29, 2009

Manifesting a movement of authentic change. Artists from nearly every discipline come together for a night of performance to define change and create the changes they wish to see in their local and global community, through artistic expression.

Photography by Brendan Baker

“Africa isn’t famine or war. It’s the struggle to access clean water. It’s the joy of a wedding celebration. It’s the love for and protection of family. But maybe that’s still the same theme: a Canadian in Africa trying to catch the point where the darkness of poverty meets the unique light of human spirit.” Brendan has completed a Masters degree in Engineering for Sustainable Development at Cambridge, and is passionate of how social, economic and management contexts influence the spread of technology in Africa.”

Spoken Word by Rachna Vohra

Montreal-born poet and spoken word artist Rachna Vohra dreams of a better world. “My work aims to push activism inwards to help build awareness within each individual of our collective role in the crises that plague the world. My performance speaks to the kind of world we could live in if we took action in our own life. The goal is to inspire listeners to develop their own belief systems, and shake off inaction and complacency.” Rachna has self-published two books; been published in magazines, zines, and anthologies; has been recorded on CD; has performed at a variety of literary and arts festivals.

Jazz Performance by Brandi Disterheft

Brandi Disterheft premiere album “Debut” won her the 2008 JUNO and she’s jammed her CV with concerts in Japan and Haiti, at jazz festivals in Vienna and Chicago, and performed at Carnegie Hall. Opening for top acts including Diana Krall, Dave Brubeck, and Chris Botti. Brandi’s sophomore disc “Second Side” will be released in September 2009. Brandi will be performing “Blues for Nelson Mandela,” “Beautiful Life” and “Combien De Chances,” as original material for positive change in North American. www.brandidisterheft.com

Spoken Word by Sweta Srivastava Vikram

Born in India, Sweta spent her formative years between the blue waters of Libya and the green hills of Mussoorie, before arriving in bustling New York. She is a graduate of Columbia University in New York. “My poetry is a philosophical inquiry into the stereotypes surrounding gender inequality and human rights. It has a spiritual undertone that expresses the quest for change within the parameters of ethnicity. It dissipates geographic boundaries and cultural interceptions.” Sweta has published a book of poetry, Pabulum. Her chapbook of poetry, Kaleidoscope: An Asian Journey of Colors will be published in winter 2009. www.swetavikram.com

Spoken Word by Crystal Belle

Crystal is a poet and educator who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. “My definition of change is the abolition of social, racial and economic injustices at home and beyond. The primary root of change is also allowing those who have less, to have the same opportunities as those who have more, and one of the best ways to enact these changes is in the classroom via education.” Crystal has been awarded the Watson Fellowship to explore hip- hop and spoken word culture in Ghana, Brazil, London, Trinidad and Paris. www.abroadview.org/stories/contributors/belle.htm

Hip Hop Music by BR and TIMEBOMB

BR and TIMEBOMB combine R&B, jazz, rock and classical influences to make original live hip-hop music. Over the past five years, they have performed at venues including Studio 54, The Apollo Theater, Crash Mansion, Union Square Park and Webster Hall. “In our professional lives, we try to change the status quo through sharing what we’ve learned in music and project a positivity and family spirit that we feel is too often lacking in today’s hip-hop music. Our subject matter is often different from currently popular hip-hop artists: support for our families and communities, critical thinking and love for fellow human beings.” www.brandtimebomb.com

Beckoning for Change: “The End of Poverty?” B4C Screening

Nov, 14, 2009 at 10pm

City Cinemas Village East Cinema

181-189 Second Ave. (@ 12th St.)

New York, NY 10003

B4C had the opportunity to interview Phillipe Diaz, as he geared up for his NYC opening screening, this weekend. You can watch the interview in our filmmaker section.

B4C believes this is a MUST see documentary, so join us for a special screening and meet the director in person.

The End of Poverty? asks why today 20% of the planet’s population uses 80% of its resources and consumes 30% more than the planet can regenerate? Can we really end poverty within our current economic system? Think again.

For more information visit: theendofpoverty.com

MONDAY MARCH 8 (International Women’s Day)

CO-SPONSORED BY BECKONING FOR CHANGE