| « Two Premiere Exhibitions, One Venue | Red Tails, Haywire, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, The Flowers of War, Pina 3D, Norwegian Wood & Mulberry Child » |
Performance Thu Jan 19 2012
Just FM 365 - All Arts, All Entertainment, All the Time
For Just FM 365, artistic expression is vital to society; and through the CGX (Creative Group Experience), its visual and performing arts ensemble, this four-year-old artist collective featuring music, poetry, improv, live painting and dance, is more than just your average entertainment troupe. "We came together and determined that we wanted to join forces to affect the world through arts and entertainment all year round," said hip hop artist Precise. "What we do is more of a production as opposed to just a 'show'; to explain it is one thing, but to experience it is a whole other thing."
The CGX, led by poet and illustrator, Just Flo, singer Uneq'ka, poet Lyghtskin, and Precise, has become popular across the city, as well as at Jokes and Notes comedy club on the South Side. According to Precise, performing at this venue has been a good experience. "It has been awesome," he said. "The fact that we sold out our two previous shows has kind of shined light on what we're able to do." And although other arts troupes perform there, the CGX promises a different, more versatile show. "What sets us apart is that we provide art for all the senses; we incorporate something that everybody can be involved with," said Precise. "I don't want to box in what we do because I want people to experience it; I don't want to really give it a name by saying it's just political satire or it's just comedy.
Community involvement is also a significant part of Just FM 365's mission and the ensemble works in areas across the city, including the Englewood Multicultural Center, to promote the arts via children's workshops and monthly showcases. "Englewood is an economically-depressed area; many artists and entertainers come from there and we want to continue that tradition by giving this area an outlet to express itself and be a shining example of what can be done in the community through the arts."
And for the CGX, while each production is unique, one theme remains throughout: Leaving the audience with a social message. "We kind of play it by ear, but we're also deliberate with the messages we send," said Precise. "We want you to laugh, but if you pay close attention, you'll definitely notice some social commentary and the addressing of social issues specific to the community."
See the CGX at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., Thursday, Jan. 26; doors open at 8pm, show time is 8:30pm. Tickets are $10; for more information, call 773-703-6797.
Precise / January 19, 2012 3:53 PM
This is AWESOME!!! Thank YOU!!!