Recently, I had the pleasure to learn about a fairly young nonprofit in the Tampa Bay area focused on bringing performing arts to all kids across the Bay area. The group, Transcending Elements, launched in 2016 and is determined to provide music, dance and eventually, theater instruction and performance opportunities to underserved youth in the community who cannot afford to take part in other arts programs. As the group’s founder Pamela Ford noted during our recent interview, there are many opportunities for partially- or fully-sponsored athletics programs for families who could use support in this way but for those kids interested in the performing arts, there are not many options.
Anyway, if you have a few moments, I hope you’ll introduce yourself to this group in my latest article at DESTINATION TAMPA BAY. It just posted today and the timing couldn’t be better because Transcending Elements is hosting its first Sun, Fun and Music Festival this weekend – Saturday, July 14 at Perry Harvey Sr. Park one of the City of Tampa’s parks located in what was once a thriving historic district and local music scene for the African-American community. You also can learn a little more about the significance of the event’s location in my latest story.
If you are in the area this weekend, head over to the park Saturday. The festival is free and will feature Transcending Elements youth performers as well as other local singers and musicians. There will be food trucks, vendors and plenty of fun places to explore at the park including a water play area, basketball courts, and a skate park as well as gorgeous public sculptures and historical information laid out throughout the park to view. And if you go, or even if you don’t, you can visit their website or Facebook page and make a donation if you feel so inclined to support the group’s mission to secure space for the kids and volunteers to work on their music and dance pieces.
As always, thanks for reading. ~ Chris
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