There's still time to catch this one ...
Another Melody Ross memorial is slated for tonight (Tuesday, Nov. 17) at the Art Theatre that will celebrate the slain teen's life through "Music & Memories."
A group of local artists and performers with backing from business and civic leaders is putting on the event at 7:30 p.m. at the Art Theater, 2025 E. 4th Street. A $10 donation is requested.
Here's the press release:
"Event Sponsored by Cambodia Town and the 4th Street Business Association To Benefit Ross Memorial Trust & Includes Performances by LB Musicians
Please join friends, family and the Long Beach community at large to celebrate the short life of student, Melody Ross
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
7:30 p.m. -- 10:30 p.m.
at the Art Theatre of Long Beach
2025 E. 4th Street
Long Beach, CA
(562) 438-5435
or e-mail arttheatrelb@gmail.com
The 16-year-old Cambodian-American teen was killed by gunfire on Oct. 30, 2009 after a homecoming game at Wilson High School in Long Beach. The benefit's biggest proponent is PraCh, an internationally celebrated Cambodian-American rapper from Long Beach -- who was Melody's favorite musical artist. Other artists confirmed are Universal Speakers, DaddyScotty aka "Dub PassenJah" (of Chapter 11), Mike the Poet, JUMAKAE Yodraj and with more to be added.
Friends remembered Ross, 16, as a bright, friendly and cheerful student. A junior, Ross was a high-achieving student who attended several Advanced Placement classes and was a pole-vaulter on the school's track team.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Melody Ross Memorial Trust: for more information: http://lbwilson.schoolloop.com/
About the Performers:
PraCh, a Cambodian-American musician from Long Beach, California. His first CD, Dalama: The End'n' Is Just the Beginnin', features sampled sound bytes from old Khmer Rouge propaganda speeches to deliver a blistering history lesson about Cambodia's genocide. www.mujestic.com
Universal Speakers are a female trio hailing from Long Beach, who blend Reggae, hip-hop and R&B sounds in their music www.us562.com
DaddyScotty aka the "Dub PassenJah" is one of the founding members of Chapter 11, a local group known for its unique sound that blends hip-hop beats with Reggae instrumentation, rhythms and melodies. www.daddyscotty.com http://www.daddyscotty.com
Mike Sonksen, also known as Mike the Poet, is a poet, journalist, historian, tour guide, and teacher. His book, I Am Alive in Los Angeles, has been added to the curriculum of several universities and has received rave reviews.
www.myspace.com/mikethepoet
JUMAKAE Yodraj is a poet, activist & songwriter www.myspace.com/siamesemeerkat