Downbeat 720, Santa Monica's longest-running open mic for teen performers, has returned for its 24th year to the newly reopened Miles Memorial Playhouse in Reed Park, offering bi-monthly performances for LA-area teens.
Student participants can observe or perform to receive feedback from professional artists, including hosts comedian Joe Hernandez-Kolski, featured on "Gilmore Girls" and HBO's "Def Poetry," and beatboxer Joshua Silverstein from "Drop The Mic" and "The Late Late Show With James Corden."
DJ Jedi, featured on Russell Simmons' "Def Poetry Jam" on Broadway and with hip-hop trio Digable Planets, provides music and feedback.
Professional guest artists often perform and provide mentorship. Past performers include Grammy award-winning musicians Aloe Blacc and Raul Pacheco from Ozomatli, comedian Craig Robinson from "The Office," and Akil the MC from Jurassic 5.
"Downbeat 720 is one of the most magical things I have ever witnessed," said teen participant Owen Thiele. "It's a space where high school students from all over LA can come and perform their original pieces, sing a cover or read poetry."
The program was created in 2001 and held at Miles Memorial Playhouse until 2020, when it moved online during the pandemic, then to Virginia Avenue Park Teen Center during the playhouse's revitalization.
Miles Memorial Playhouse, originally dedicated to Santa Monica youth and completed in 1929, reopened in July after pandemic closure and repairs.
For more information, visit santamonica.gov/programs/downbeat-720.
Edited by SMDP Staff