Music showcase to gather youth

Talent from Northeast Ohio will be showcased during a first “Show Me What You Got Showcase,” hosted by Lorain native Jewels Charlton and SteeleCity Fresh.

The performance will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Feb. 27 and will be open to persons 18 and over. Tickets cost $20 at the door or $10 from a local artist.

Charlton, a professional singer and performer, said the event is meant to bring the community together to support youth.

“There’s so much violence going on right now,” Charlton said. “I want the youth to come together and be part of something positive.”

The first showcase will feature artists that Charlton has been scouting and picked out from the area.

Performances by over 20 artists will fill the halls of 2428 Elyria Ave. in Lorain.

Each artist will perform before a panel of judges and receive critiques on how to better their performance according to Charlton.

“There’s so much violence going on right now. I want the youth to come together and be part of something positive.” — Jewels Charlton, Lorain native

“We want this to be positive. We want people to come in and show off their talents. We have so many talented people in the area and they don’t get recognized because people think they’re thugs or criminals,” she said.

Although the showcase is not a competition, Charlton said she knew it was something she wanted to use her last dollar to pursue.

“I paid out of pocket for this showcase because I believe in it’s power. This is so big for the community. I really think it’s going to incite change,” she said.

Charlton hopes to bring violence in the area down by giving youth a safe and fun outlet to express themselves.

Each month, she plans to hold a musical event to get youth involved in various experiences and opportunities to occupy their time.

“There will be negative energy. We want to celebrate the selected individuals,” she said.

“Violence will not be tolerated. No arguments, no weapons, nothing of that nature. We want it to be a safe and fun event.”

Part of Charlton’s inspiration behind the showcase is to highlight youth from Lorain, in Lorain.

“They have events at Black River Landing or at businesses downtown but they’re filled with people from out of the city,” she said. “I want people to realize that not everyone from Lorain is bad or a thug. We have talent. We have such

“Violence will not be tolerated. No arguments, no weapons, nothing of that nature. We want it to be a safe and fun event.” — Jewels Charlton

raw and amazing talent in the city and it’s a shame that people don’t realize that.”

SUBMITTED Local entertainers pose for a photograph in preparation for a Feb. 27showcase.