ART OF KINDNESS FOR ART OF HIP-HOP: Annual Festival Will Go on Because of Support from the Community

Buffalo, NY—It goes without saying that our country has fallen into tough economic times. With these hard times, many programs have had to be cut in order to compensate for lower budgets. Programs at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery have become victim to such budget cuts. All the “Free Friday” programs that have been a hit during the summer months with Albright-Knox patrons were unfortunately cut this year. The most successful and highest attended of these events, The “Art of Hip Hop,” was one program that lost its funding, but with the help and support of the community and various cooperative marketing partnerships this important community event will go on. The Art of Hip Hop will be celebrating its fourth year at the Albright-Knox on August 28, 2009, honoring the history, creativity, and culture of Hip Hop. This free event will highlight some of Buffalo’s most promising artists and performers. Headlining this year’s event with be Billy Drease Williams, recently awarded Best Hip Hop Act and Best Solo Act by the Artvoice and Buffalo Spree respectively. Billy Drease Williams will be performing songs from his highly anticipated full length album “Good Morning Amy.” This year’s event will also include DJ Lo Pro, DJ Cutler, B-Boy Depree and the DFC, Stockbridge, and Pseudo Intellectuals. Local artists will also be creating large graffiti pieces on-site, weather permitting. A slew of other community events will be presented throughout the weekend as the “Art of Hip Hop Festival”; the full schedule is available at www.dtr45.com. This community favorite event would not have happened if not for the generosity of sponsors who gave their support even in these tough economic times. Sponsors of this event include DTR45, New Era, UB Student Association, Buffalo First, The African American Cultural Center, Homespace, Sakura Art Supplies, Demone Smith, Dude Nice Shirt, and Tomatoes Pizza.

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