THUNDER BAY – The last thing Dave Simard (Thunder Mountain Singers, NWO Dance Group) expected last Wednesday evening was to get a call from Cat Sergerie , Manager of local hip hop artist & public speaker Shibastik.
Shibastik and his manager planned a strategic Youth Tour focusing on spreading positive message through Hip Hop Music and speaking of the importance of traditional values and ideals, culture, positive self-expression and self awareness.
Los Angeles based recording Artist Red Cloud and DJ/Actress Crystle Lightning came on board with Shibastik and while on the last leg of their Northern Ontario Healing Through Hip Hop Youth Tour, 3 scheduled dates fell through while in Thunder Bay.
Leaving the tour open for the entire day Dave Simard switched into top gear and contacted The Urban Boutique/ Multi Media Group and friend and colleague Jeanette Posine
Posine (Aboriginal Arts and Heritage Group) arranged a meet and greet having them come down for a small performance at the Metis Centre which was great said Simard .
Petta, (The Urban Boutique) fit the group into the store for an awesome last minute, interview, and photo-shoot. Red Cloud and Lightning gave everyone a little taste of what Los Angeles has to offer in all its freestyle glory.
Simard’s, son Dave Wilkinson and daughter LuLu Boshkaykin (Media Grapher) captured the performance from the Urban Boutique then posted the promotional free style on Youtube.
Petta contacted Frank Loffredo (Crocks owner) knowing that friend and local DJ Gary Bannon had a show that night, inquired about the possibility to allow the Tour to do a set. Bannon (G-Dubz) gladly agreed to get the group on stage.
The Northern Ontario Healing Through Hip Hop Tour, rocked the house at Crocks and played to dancing fans and thanks everyone who came together at the last minute.
Dave Simard sums up the experience, “It was well worth the work and in the future, our guests know they can find support for their music here in our community”.
Stay tuned for MMG’s full interview with Red Cloud, DJ/Actress Crystle Lightning & Shibastik.
MMG (an Urban Boutique company)