Young performers shine in musical showcase

---

A musical mix from rap to R&B, urban to dance music and soul on display at Bush Hall.

A musical mix of blended beats from rap to R&B, urban to dance music and old fashioned soul was on display at the W12 Showcase held on Sunday 3 April 2005 at Bush Hall.

The event was the second showcase coordinated by Hammersmith & Fulham's street wardens to encourage positive messages and display local musical talent for young people aged 13 to 19 years.

The event, hosted by comedian Victor Daniels, featured young acts and
crews from the borough performing alongside guest acts who included
locally-known artists Unorthadox and Alkatraz.

Last year's showcase led one performer, Denise Forbes, to produce a
professional single which she performed for the first time on the
night.

21-year-old Melvyn Akins from White City who co-hosted the event said:
"I have never had an opportunity to do something like this before and
I was able to learn many new skills. It is a great way to help young
people in the Shepherds Bush area with their self-confidence and
personal development."

The event, funded by the Hammersmith & Fulham Drug and Alcohol Action
Team (DAAT) and supported by the Lock In Log On campaign for personal
safety, had stalls provided by Turning Point Druglink and Positive
Futures giving out information to young people.

The Street Wardens team, a key element of the council's Safer
Communities Division, had a lead role in organising the event. Simeon
Whatford, Street Wardens supervisor, was impressed with the big
turnout at Sunday's event. He said: "Engaging the local community,
and particularly young people, can be challenging, but the popularity
of events like this tells us we're getting it right."

Children's Trust director, Andrew Christie, said: "This event, which
involved the street wardens, young people, drug and alcohol services
and the community safety unit working together, was an excellent
example of the innovative approach needed to help young people in
Hammersmith and Fulham get new positive opportunities and
experiences."

Tazeem Moledina, Young Person's Substance Misuse Coordinator, said
there was strong support for activites which offered an exciting
alternative, especially in areas of high need like Shepherds Bush.

"Music is a great way to do this. Young people can become involved
with drugs, alcohol and crime because they are bored and it's what
they see around them. The West 12 showcase provides a night that's
alcohol-free and enables the whole community to experience the
possibility of having fun without using substances."

Part of the work of the street wardens has been to support and
encourage young people to participate in positive activities. Previous
initiatives included the establishment of a football project and this
has now branched out into music.

April 10, 2005