August 13, 2019
Music Reduces Urban Poverty
Lasting solutions to urban poverty span all the way from cradle to career – empowering communities by putting education, families, and community assets at the core. Urban Ventures provides cradle-to-career support for youth and families in one of Minneapolis’ most under-resourced neighborhoods, through music & arts, literacy & academics, farm, and sports.
Guest
Mike Brooks (aka BIIG MIIC) is Music Academy Director at Urban Ventures and runs a recording studio there as well. Mike is known on stage and in music as BIIG MIIC, a high-energy hip hop artist and performer who creates music with the power to appeal to broad audiences. His stage presence is dynamic; his sound is unique, inventive and motivational.
Improv
This segment features a try-this-at-home/hack/experiment that will enhance listeners’ lives with music. Mike recommends searching online for “open mic near me” and participating, whether as a performer or audience member. Near the Twin Cities? Attend Open Mic Night at The Hub:
- Date & Time: Last Friday each month @ 6-8 pm
- Location: Urban Ventures Youth Center (aka The Hub), 3016 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408
- Cost: FREE
Connect
How can listeners learn more about Urban Ventures’ work and connect with you?
- Coffee Club: Monthly coffee membership, 75% tax-deductible, benefiting youth and families in need. You may also buy Urban Ventures’ coffee by the bag and have it shipped – for yourself or as a gift (Ian recommends Citykid Java and Guatemalan).
Coda
Guests share a song or story about a moment when music enhanced their life. Listen to an original song, “Millionaire,” by a 5th grade Urban Ventures student. The song was written based on the question, “What would I do if I had $1 million?”
Mike Brooks & Mindy
Mindy to (17-year-old daughter) Adrienne: “I had a blast interviewing this great guy today at Urban Ventures. Here’s a picture of us.”
Adrienne: “Whoa, Mom’s hangin’ with the cool kids!”
Mindy: “Don’t act so surprised.” ;^)
Totally impressed with the story about Urban Ventures. I was smiling through most of the interview and of course during the “Coda song”. I was hoping you would have the words written out on your website. Again, good job with facilitating the dialogue.
Good idea on the lyrics — I’ll see what I can do with adding those the show notes!