11/02/2023
We are off to a great start for our 2023 Tropical 25-Year Reunion in Los Angeles!
Aside from longevity, what is it that makes Tropical unique?
Well one of the most key aspects is that Tropical has always been an event which benefits the larger community. Throughout our 25 years, we have donated over $32,000 to charitable causes.
Our most frequent charity partner has been Los Angeles-based Give a Beat Although in recent years we have benefitted local organizations in Hawaii and Oregon, with our return to California we return to supporting our favorite charity partner.
Give a Beat is our favorite charity partner because of its direct connection to music, providing music opportunities to groups who traditionally have less access. Here's an update from founder Lauren Segal on what's been going on this year at Give a Beat!
----------
2023 has been an incredible year of expansion:
Doubling our Prison Electronic Music Program, we are now in 3 state prisons, reaching 108 men so far this year
Expanded our Youth Music and DJ Programs delivering 170 workshops to 280 youth in partnership with Arts for Healing and Justice Network
Completed a second round of our On a New Track Reentry Mentoring Program -12-week program with 7 participants graduating
We now employ 6 teaching artists
Promoted 2 teaching artists to Program Coordinators
Hired 2 On a New Track program alumni as Consultants and a wonderful new Communications Coordinator
Produced an awesome remix of geriFree’s Pure Joy with Stacey Hotwaxx Hale & HazMat Live - soon to be released on Give a Beat Records!
Please dig into our blog to find a multitude of stories illustrating the impact of our programs. Here’s one one of the highlights:
https://www.giveabeat.org/blog/empowering-youth-through-creative-expression-celebrating-fresh-tracks-program-graduation
This past summer, we celebrated the graduation of participants in Fresh Tracks - a unique program in partnership with Jail Guitar Doors and Street Poets, funded in part by the California Arts Council. Through this program, we have empowered young individuals, such as Aniyah, who found inspiration to unlock their creative potential and express themselves through music production.
“I loved this program. I felt a connection with genuine people, despite our different backgrounds. - Aniyah
Despite never having had the opportunity to explore her own musical abilities, Aniyah, with access to the beat making station and recording studio, learned how to produce her own unique songs from start to finish! With the guidance of industry professionals and mentors, she honed her skills and developed confidence in her abilities.
Through this initiative, other young individuals like Aniyah were able to gain valuable skills and make a positive impact both personally and within their communities.
“The program is helping me to express my feelings…I never thought I was going to do anything, but now I’m doing it. If I can believe it, I can achieve it.” - Nina Face
--------------
Know that in supporting Tropical you are also supporting Give a Beat! We will give all proceeds above costs to their help fund their efforts.
Events do have a lot of costs and that can be challenging for benefit parties, including ours. For that reason, there is also a space on our ticket page where you can make an additional donation directly to Give a Beat.
Our ticket page is at tinyurl.com/tropical25tix
There are other ways you can help support if money is tight for you. Send invites to your friends to this event page. Message friends you really want to be here with you. We're at the mercy of often unfriendly algorithms to get word out about Tropical - you can help us by expanding our reach.
If you want to share this event page to friends there's also a short link:
https://tinyurl.com/Tropical25LA
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
