DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson in partnership with DeKalb Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, Georgia Tech Department of Music Technology and the How Big Is Your Dream Foundation, whose founder and CEO is the renowned drummer Jorel “JFly” Flynn, will host the Our Soundtrack in American Music Master Sessions and Grand Finale at the Porter Sanford, III Performing Arts and Community Center.
It will run Wednesday through Saturday, Feb.15–18, culminating with a special appearance and recognition of industry legend Tito Jackson of the Jackson 5, and other professional artists alongside student-artists showcasing their experience in a finale performance on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at 7 p.m.
Free tickets will be available on a first come first served basis, Friday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Porter Sanford, III Performing Arts and Community Center ticket center.
"Music brings everyone together, different generations, all colors, all creeds - we are here to make a difference and hear about the African American contribution," said Commissioner Larry Johnson. “The prior creative renaissance has been epic and for all to become educated, learn and share in the experience.”
In observance of Black History Month, there will be an unveiling of the history of the blues music genre and how it has helped shape and birth the sound of American music today, through the Music Master Sessions and finale concert called, Our Soundtrack in American Music.
During the 5-day program, student-artists will experience master sessions instructed by industry professionals, learn popular music progressions that are the core of the blues genre, identify popular artists that brought awareness to the genre, and explore other genres that were born from the blues genre.
The educational component for the Our Soundtrack in American Music Master Sessions is essential to the foundation as it continues to provide a platform that guides student-artists in polishing their talents and mastering all major aspects of music in live entertainment.
Commissioner Larry Johnson has served as a catalyst and convener for bringing key resources into the South DeKalb area for the past 20 years to Link, Leverage and Empower. In the last 10 years, Commissioner Johnson has pioneered creative economic development projects under his Renaissance initiative to make resources available for every citizen to attain their desired heights of success in their chosen field of pursuit.
WHO: Commissioner Larry Johnson, DeKalb RPCA, Georgia Tech department of Music and How Big Is You Dream Foundation
WHAT: Our Soundtrack in American Music Master Sessions and Finale
WHEN: Feb. 15-18 (Wednesday – Thursday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
GRAND FINALE: Sunday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Porter Sanford, III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Dr. Decatur, GA 3034
INFO: For student registarion, please visit www.howbigisyoudream.org
For more information, contact Commissioner Larry Johnson’s office at 404-371-2425 or visit www.commissionerlarryjohnson.com.
1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030
