A talented guy who needs some help!

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"Gator" (of the Public Offenders) is a friend of mine who is trying to get up some funds to make this trip happen. He is a very talented Hip Hop artist and an even more talented poet. I know many of you live in South/Central Austin. Please try to go and give this guy some cash. Every penny helps! I can't make it but I have donated to him directly. This is a person who really deserves this opportunity!

Here are the deets (sorry it is so long):

Summer Trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
with World Preparatory:
May 31st – June 21st 2007
Summary: Brazil is a country renowned for its warm hospitality
and plethora of arts, music and dance. This three week trip to
tropical Rio de Janeiro will be packed with exciting activities not
available to your average tourist. Through working with Kabula
Brazilian Intercultural Exchange, we have arranged for an itinerary
that focuses on two central components:
1. Service Projects Involving the Impoverished Community of
Morro dos Prazeres
2. Afro-Brazilian Cultural Education Activities
Having lived in Rio twice, the trip leader, Gina LaMotte, is familiar
with the city, the language (Portuguese) and the people with whom
she has organized this trip. Although Rio is a major metropolis,
the itinerary has been arranged so that the participants first
become acclimated with the surroundings and then work intimately
with a specific community, building relationships with Brazilian
youth and getting the opportunity to explore musical and artistic
traditions.
Some of the central activities already in place:
- photo-journalism project in which US & Brazilian youth
photograph life in Morro dos Prazeres.
- painting of a mural in the community center
- lessons in Capoeira Angola (martial art/dance), samba,
drumming & instrument making
- conversations with nonprofits focusing on race, gender and
environmental issues
- visits to projects in which art and music are used to get poor
youth out of drug-trafficking
- visiting the historical sites, mountains, waterfalls and beaches
surrounding the city
- attending museums, capoeira, dance and music performances
- three day visit to Ilha Grande, a tropical island which used to
be a prison and refuge for pirates--an excursion filled with hikes,
swims and environmental treks.
This trip is meant to foster a genuine exchange between people of
two very different cultures. Through working intimately with a
small urban neighborhood, participants will learn about the charm
and beauty of the Brazilian people as well as the oftentimes harsh
realities they endure. Just as importantly, they will be confronted
with new insights into themselves, their home country and their role
as citizens of a shared world. Whether interested in arts, music or
social development projects, all who choose to participate in this
remarkable journey can expect to gain an experience of a lifetime.
Program Cost: $2450, includes meals, lodging, travel,
teaching fees, reasonable amount of spending money. Does not
include passport ($82-97) and visa ($100)
Contact: Gina LaMotte (512) 483-1057
firefeasting@hotmail.com

GATOR
Help send Gator to Brazil!
Fundraiser at:
Dominican JoeÂ’s
(515 S. Congress Ave.)
Thursday, April 26, 2007
7:30 pm

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BIZUMP!

Tomorrow Night (Thursday the 26th) @ Dominican Joe's Coffee House - 515 S. Congress beginning at 7:30. If you wanna check out some of this guys hip-hop work hit him up on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/poffenders. Sorry I have no links to his spoken word, but trust me it is amazing. Great guy, great cause. YOU CAN HELP!!! GO!

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FINAL BUMP - Tonight - GO - BE - ENJOY - GIVE