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SPEAKER WORKSHOP CONCERT PROGRAM:

"The CHANGE Tour"
A New Look at Race in America
By J.G. BOCCELLA

Recording artist uses CD as catalyst for dialogue, offers students new way to look at race in America

TESTIMONIAL: "Dear J.G., I am writing to thank you for the amazing evening you provided for us! You and your Modo Mio Band were fantastic! Your music and lyrics are alternately powerful, beautiful and uplifting. You brought a warmth and passion to the event that far surpassed our expectations." - Susan McCabe, Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Carlow University

A recent Gallup survey found vast gulfs between different groups' perceptions of how minorities are treated today. Seventy-six percent of white respondents think that blacks are treated "very fairly" or "somewhat fairly," but only 38 percent of blacks agree with them; nearly one-third, in fact, say that members of their race are treated "very unfairly."

Why is there such a disparity in these numbers? What is the source of this "disconnect" between races?

UNIQUE MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION

In this fascinating multimedia presentation, recording artist J.G. Boccella explores the difficulty Americans have with bridging this gap and having a meaningful, productive conversation about race relations.

Boccella begins his presentation by performing songs from his original CD, The Divided States of America. The songs approach the subject of race from a variety of angles, some personal, others historical, but always with a passion and ear for story. "I'm inviting the audience to let the music touch our hearts and minds and create a space for each one of us to speak our truth."

Then, this thought-provoking program continues, incorporating unique visual elements and physical props. This combination of music, images and ideas acts as a catalyst for dialogue and offers the audience a different lens through which to see a complex issue.

PROGRAM CONTENT

Specifically, the content includes topics such as "The Disconnect," that addresses the phenomenon of white people sometimes feeling hesitant to speak about race for fear of saying "the wrong thing."

In the "Food For Thought" segment, Boccella uses the device of a trip to the grocery store where he takes a closer look at the faces depicted on everyday products such as Jefferson on the nickel, Uncle Ben, Aunt Jemima and the woman on Land-O-Lakes butter. He asks: Where did these images come from? What do they mean to us today?

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Undercover White Man
• The Disconnect
• Food For Thought
• But, Oprah's a Billionaire…
• Unbroken Chain - Our Past Is Still With Us
• Race In America - Speaking The Unspoken

In this "positively provocative" program, Boccella's objective is to get beyond political correctness by creating a "safe space" where students are able to express their thoughts honestly and freely without fear of being attacked for their views.

A native of Pittsburgh, Boccella has studied at Brown University; The Rhode Island School of Design; the Afro-American Music Institute; Pittsburgh Filmmakers and Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy. He is currently taking his message and his music to schools, churches and organizations across the country. His mission is to bring people together through music.

To discuss an affordable array of services to meet your company or organization's needs, please contact Modo Mio Music at (412) 780-6636.

EMAIL: booking@modomio.com

(Special School and Non-profit rates are also available).

MORE TESTIMONIALS:

Rollins College: "I heard wonderful feedback about your performance from the students who attended and I'm so thankful that you came to Rollins and made such a positive influence on our campus." - Erika Shoemaker, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Rollins College

Duke University: Music from the Divided States of America CD is featured in the Duke University diversity documentary, "Break Down These Walls" by Duke student, Dan Love

PRESS QUOTES:

"J.G.'s CD is both thought-provoking and multi-culturally aware, boasting a modern vibe that unites numerous musical traditions: jazz, blues, reggae, funk, rock, hip-hop, and politically-edged song-writing." - Kim Jones, In Pittsburgh

"Boccella advocates change without being preachy, and he's got the musical skills to back it up. Because he incorporates elements of such varied styles of music and pairs them with forward-thinking lyrics, he is sure to gain an eclectic audience." - Sara Causey, Rock n Roll Reporter

MLK QUOTE:

"Actually, we who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (from "Letter from a Birmingham Jail")

copyright ©2005-2007, J.G. Boccella, all rights reserved