From the press release:
THE CANOPY CLUB ANNOUNCES
WHAT’S GOIN’ ON? – A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSIC & THE ARTS
Streaming Saturday, July 11th and Sunday, July 12th
Urbana-Champaign, IL – The Canopy Club and Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment in conjunction with Hip Hop Xpress, Ghetto Genius, & WECAAN is proudly launching:
“What’s Goin’ On” – a free virtual celebration of music and the arts streaming from The Canopy Club.
We all ask our friends every weekend – “What’s Goin’ On?” Similarly, the events since George Floyd’s May 25th death, have seen protests and unrest throughout the nation and right here at home having many asking the same question. These demonstrations are not only about the George Floyd tragedy, but also about too many acts of violence committed against Black Americans that have gone without appropriate resolution as well as about addressing systemic racism and historic injustice.
“The Funk can not only move, but remove.” George Clinton
The Canopy Club & WECAAN believe that music and the arts can play an important part in the process of formulating positive change from the painful events of the last few weeks. We believe the community must come together through the arts, with artists and activists delivering a message of unity and Black empowerment like Marvin Gaye did in 1971 with his iconic hit “What’s Going On?” The Canopy Club family is committed to celebrating our community and providing a platform for expression and messaging on these important social issues through a two day, “What’s Goin’ On?” virtual event. This celebration will feature musical performances, spoken word, live DJs, and a variety of local artists. Community leaders, activists, and local youth will join this virtual event as panelists.
“What’s Goin’ On?” objectives:
- Raise money for local artists. Event will include links to donate money that will help support these artists’ careers.
- Highlight Black, minority-owned, and women owned local businesses
- Highlight grassroots activists and give voice to their causes
- Unite our community through the healing power of music and the arts by showcasing local, independent artists.
For more information and to stay current on participants, please visit CanopyClub.com/whatsgoinon and RSVP to the Facebook event.
Top image from Canopy Club’s press release.