Wednesday Press Conference: Introducing "The Bricks" -- youth band promoting human relations

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: Carmelita Ramirez-Sanchez

For Immediate Release (310) 614-0464 Mobile

October 18, 2010 carmelita@ibotan.com

Patricia Senette (213) 738-2065/(213 280-4144

Introducing The Bricks

A new musical group of high school students inspired by struggle and strife will tour schools and L.A. County Probation Department youth facilities in Los Angeles county

Media Invited to Press Preview and Live Performance

WHEN: Wednesday, October 20, 2010, 6pm-9pm

Cocktail reception in Lobby of Solair Wilshire 6pm

Press Conference at 6:45 at Roof Top Sky Deck area of Solair Wilshire

Live Performance immediately following Press Conference

WHERE: Solair Wilshire

3785 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90010-2892

CONTACT: Carmelita Ramirez-Sanchez

(310) 614-0464 Mobile

carmelita @ibotan .com

Los Angeles, CA (October 18, 2010)--- After a year of intensive search and training, the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations (HRC) selected eight high school students; from hundreds of LA County applicants for the opportunity to launch their musical career. Working with Grammy-award winning artists, the HRC is proud to announce the launch of The Bricks---a new musical multi-cultural group blending rock and hip-hop with soulful melodies and hard-hitting human relations and social justice themes. The Bricks are an innovative and creative vehicle with a positive message to reach young people throughout Los Angeles County utilizing the powerful tool of music.

For all of the band members; this is the opportunity of a lifetime. The band members have been challenged with personal tragedies and disadvantages at a young age including violence, death, illness, poverty and lack of resources. Yet they have found inspiration in their personal journeys to write their own lyrics and formulate their distinct sound. Guided by HRC staff, the band members were also exposed to the plight of others for inspiration. Music heavyweights,

including Grammy Award-winning producers KC Porter and JB Eckle, have mentored and encouraged the group.

“We are proud to have given these young people the opportunity to use their musical talents in service to the cause of human relations in L.A. County,” said Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, the Commission’s President. “We know that through music, we can reach so many more youth on the issues that concern us, whether we’re talking about racism, xenophobia, prejudice against the homeless, sexism, homophobia, etc. So we’re excited about the potential impact of The Bricks!“ said Robin Toma, the Commission’s Executive Director.

"The beauty in diversity is found when each of its components is in unity with the whole,” said Porter. “Musically speaking, The Bricks brings together the spectrum of musical genres into one cohesive group of young and outspoken artists seeking to promote justice, equality, a sense of purpose, and acceptance for everyone. It is rare to find a collective such as this!"

"I always jump at the chance to work with young artists that are doing something conscious, stated Eckl. “The Bricks have something to say. Their music isn't just about being cool, going to the club, or whatever. It's about real things happening around their world, things that affect everyone. I'm proud to be a part of their story."

The Bricks will tour selected campuses and L.A. County Probation facilities throughout Los Angeles County, performing their tracks and engaging in discussions with other youth about human relations topics including violence against the homeless; racism; sexism; homophobia; xenophobia, and others. The music will be available as digital downloads on iTunes as well as on the L.A. County Human Relations Commission’s website, www.LAHumanRelations.org. Additional tools that support the messages in the music of the Bricks, including posters and murals, are available to educational facilities.

"Being a part of The Bricks has made me more aware of the world and its social issues. I found myself responsible for telling the stories of the oppressed, the invisible, and the different. The great question was, ‘how do I tell the world it's got issues without shoving it in its face?’ Well, with this band, I believe I've found the answer—music," said Maria Tuadi, The Bricks 18 year old lead singer.

“The whole Bricks experience has cultivated and given me a new understanding in musical structure, business, and most of all creativity,” said Omari Bluitt "Ob.1", keyboard. “With the mentors we've been saturated with it has been an enriching experience. I am grateful to share our voice of creativity through a positive and inspiring message.”

Background

The Bricks youth musical group was developed from the HRC’s youth music and human relations mentoring program, Project One. HRC had assistance from Grammy award winning producer KC Porter’s co-founding non-profit organization, Oneness and the L.A. Music Academy.

The Bricks launches HRS’s ground-breaking approach to mentoring youth musicians and educating young people using entertainment, hence the term “Edutainment”. The L.A. County Human Relations Commission is one of the leading counties across the nation in combining the music of The Bricks with its “Respect 101” campaign. The campaign engages students, parents, teachers, and schools to integrate human relations topics into the school culture based on the concept and active practice of “respect.”

The Bricks – an eight-member band, ages 16-18, is supported by the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations (HRC); Robin S. Toma, Esq., Executive Director and Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, President; Grammy Award Winning Producer KC Porter (Santana, Ricky Martin, Ozomatli, Selena), JB Eckl (Santana, Ozomatli, En Vogue, War), Malik Levy (BMI Music), as well as Money Mark (The Beastie Boys), DJ Muggs (Cypress Hill, Ice Cube),the Avila Brothers (Usher, Gwen Stefani, Janet Jackson), C-Minus (Korn) and SWAY (MTV/Viacom). This amazing group of music industry professionals and luminaries has volunteered their time to securing the success of The Bricks project.

THE BRICKS

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