Arts, Beats and Lyrics Brings Good Vibes to Downtown DC

On the cool breezy evening of Friday, October 7 a line extended two blocks from the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on the corner of twelfth and Constitution streets for the Art, Beats, and Lyrics event.  Dressed in casual, dressy, and club-like attire, eager young adults and older adults chattered amongst themselves waiting to enter the building.

Once inside it was dimly lit. Bright orange lights shone on the pillars of the room.  The backdrop of the space on the back wall projected the words "Gentleman Jack."  A swirl of orange, blue, and white created an artistic design on the barrels that were used for tables. Bartenders, who were scattered throughout the bars in the four corners of the room casually dressed in black t shirts and jeans, scurried hurriedly to serve guests.

Hip-Hop music played in the background as people talked and swayed with the beats and rhythm. In the center of the room art was displayed. One of the promoters of the event, Rasheed Van Putten a senior marketing major, affiliated with SolSource, a  local company that promotes and produces art and music events said:

 "The purpose of the event is to highlight urban arts forums such as photography, graffiti, paintings, dj-ing, multimedia, and live music."

Established in 2004, Art, Beats, and Lyrics exhibition was created by Jabari Graham. With hopes to create a tour for urban artists who were not widely known--he teamed with Dwayne  "Dubelyoo" Wright who knew many artists. From there they gained support from the company, Jack Daniels, and developed a partnership.

Artists from different places performed at the event. Unique collages, and three dimensional photos were scattered throughout the building.

"It was very interesting to look at the different images. I really liked the water colors," said Allison Bragg senior radio, television, and film major. "The DJ [DJ Floyd] was really good too."

The music ranged from pop music such as Michael Jackson's "Wanna be Startin' Somethin'" to Outkast's "Mrs. Jackson." Lauren Pitt senior sports medicine major really enjoyed the Caribbean music. She also appreciated the " chill atmosphere."

Van Putten encourages others to come out to events like these to support urban music and art. 

 "Art, Beats, and Lyrics event only happens a few times a year," said Van Putten.  "The featured artists always represent popular underground artists, singers and rappers. This is my third time attending Art, Beats, and Lyrics and I'm always caught in the music and networking."