Gring 4 Green



Grind for the Green (G4G) is an annual summer eco-music festival produced by and for youth in the San Francisco Bay Area. More than just a showcase for local talent, G4G provides a framework and applied learning environment where youth from the hip-hop generation build business acumen and technical skills necessary for professional advancement. Hundreds of participants will have the opportunity to take part in all events, which include artist development workshops, jobs, internships and educational opportunities rooted in an environmental justice framework.

JUNE 7, 2008 9am-5pm
MUSIC BUSINESS CONFERENCE
SF State Music Industry Recording Program
G4G launches with a daylong music conference held at San Francisco State’s Music Recording Industry campus. The event will feature panel discussions, resource fair, skill-sharpening workshops, and networking opportunities facilitated by industry leaders and professionals. Participants will receive success tips from industry insiders, an overview of music industry market trends and leave feeling more empowered as an independent artist. This high-profile event will also feature a MC battle, VIP meet and greet, live art installation giveaways and vending opportunities.
During the performance workshop participants are developed and trained by professional artists through sequenced interactive training's designed to prepare them to deliver a dynamic stage performance. This event will feature a wide range of workshops for the beginner as well as master classes for advanced artists. Topics covered include: vocal projection, stage presence and improvisation. The day will culminate in live performances by pre-selected youth who will receive constructive critique by a panel of seasoned veterans from the local hip-hop scene.
AUGUST 9, 2008 7pm-10pm
BEAT BATTLE
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Phase 3 of G4G takes place on August 9th where aspiring producers will test their skills in a friendly beat battle. Eight pre-screened contestants will attempt to advance through four rounds of competition that will be judged by the audience. A live beat making workshop and producers panel will round out this event.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2008 12pm-4pm
SOLAR POWERED MUSIC CONCERT
Yerba Buena Gardens
Featured in the highly acclaimed Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, G4G culminates in the 1st bay area solar powered hip-hop music concert. The event will be headlined by a national artist and will feature performances by local artists. Select slots will also be reserved for pre-screened G4G participants providing them with the opportunity to perform before a large audience and apply techniques learned in prior events.
G4GParticipants

GREENING THE GRIND

G4G is grounded in environmental sustainability and justice and will feature:
•All collateral materials printed on recyclable materials
•Organic food packaged in biodegradable food ware
•Environmental justice training for all youth staff
•Designated areas for participants to learn more about “green” practices, programs and careers.
Grindgirl

YEAR 1 HIGHLIGHTS

• Project entirely produced by paid staff of
youth trained in office administration and event production
• Creation of documentary (Watch 1 trailer)
• Sold out documentary screening with
over 1,200 attendees
• Workshop leaders pane lists included: Dead Prez, Living Legends, Lyricist Lounge, Hieroglyphics, Quannum Projects, Radioactive and ABB Records
• 100% violence free events
• Creation of community collaborative Advisory Board that connected various organizations throughout San Francisco and Oakland


YEAR 2 HIGHLIGHTS
 • Creat ion of Hip-Hop Scholars Program in coordination with SF State’s• MRI Program resulting in free classes, internships and certificated audio production program for selected participants

• Doubling of year 1 attendance

• Creation of Grind for the Green Compilation CD featuring music from selected participants and contemporary artists

• Annual documentaries showcasing behind the scenes footage, panel discussions, live performances and participant testimonials

• Launch of EQ Squared an online multimedia campaign designed to unite youth around the globe around the issue of environmental equity

• Spring 09’ Grind for the Green Tour of western region featuring 5 solar powered concerts on 5 college campuses


MARKETING

The most formidable strength of G4G is its street team, comprised of the most influential 16-21 year olds in the bay area. These young people are the pulse of the streets and have the ability to disseminate our campaign through traditional and nontraditional formats.

Campaign components include:
• Youth driven Myspace page featuring: news and updates, on-line contests, multi-media downloads and banner ads
• Text messaging & email blasts to over 500 young people
• On air interviews and webspots on KMEL
• Distribution of 10,000 flyers & 250 posters
• Street cyphers and guerilla art
• National and local print media coverage

Contact: 
Zakiya Harris - Co-Director - zakiya9@gmail.com
Ambessa Cantave - Co-Director - ambessa.negus@gmail.com
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUNE 12, 2008 9am-5pm
PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP

SF State Music Industry Recording Program