Thunderbird to host R&B Open Floor Experiment for those battling cancer and their caregivers
By Karen Kadilak
Those who attend the R&B Open Floor Experiment show on Aug. 9 at the Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall in Lawrenceville will help support a good cause.
Featuring Denzel (The Artist) Washington, the event themed “Garden of Art” will roll out the red carpet for a unique experience that combines music, art and visual design while exploring themes of lost love, connection, dependency and healing. It will include R&B music acts, dance performances, live painting, lighting design, a live band, a photo booth and catered food and drink.
A portion of proceeds will go to Young Adult Survivors United, a Pine nonprofit that provides emotional, social and financial support for people ages 18-45 who have been diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers.
Tickets, $35, are available at thunderbirdmusichall.com.
Washington, 31, a singer-songwriter who divides his time between Cleveland and a studio on the South Side, has honed his craft in the underground scene, molding an alternative R&B sound infused with a pop falsetto twist similar to pop star The Weeknd.
At every show, he gives back to a local nonprofit to help the community.
“As the producer and headlining artist of this fundraiser, I have many reasons for making this happen,” he said. “One is to provide artists like myself with a platform in which they can truly express themselves.
“I feel as artists we take so much time out of our lives to connect, craft and get in tune with our art that when we reach that final step, we aren't always given the proper resources to make it come to life. With the Open Floor Experiment, it's not just about the final show, but everything leading up to it, as well.”
To that end, the show provides high-quality photo and video, allowing artists to promote themselves and their artistic vision while connecting with the greater community.
“I truly believe art can be a form of healing, positive introspective or inspiration to change one's life path,” Washington said. “To have a gathering of people who have similar and different beliefs all in the same room connecting through art is just a beautiful thing.”
Washington first learned about Young Adult Survivors United from his friend, Dominique Murray, who owns a photography studio on the South Side and has worked at several of the organization’s events.
“I've had many people pass away or have had the potential to pass away from cancer and it gives you a certain perspective about life as a whole,” Washington said. "Tomorrow is not promised.”
“It is beyond important to help extend that life by any means we can, whether that be through medical research, bucket-list experiences or just ways to find peace. I want to be able to provide that through my God-given gifts.”
Washington lost a beloved grandfather to cancer.
“I was extremely close to him,” he said. “I looked up to him as a figure of how I wanted to present myself as I got older.
“He was always super suave, wore the most amazing clothes, [was] calm and one of the most polite and intelligent men I knew.”
Murray, 27, a McKees Rocks resident, is coordinating the show after recently losing a close friend and mentor to cancer. It was a heavy reminder of how quickly the disease can return.
“This is why YASU's mission is so crucial,” she said. “This is not just a typical concert. Our mission is to push the threshold in creating some of the most immersive and unforgettable live experiences possible.”
It also provides a personal connection social media lacks.
“Often, even in-person shows don't have the proper tools needed to showcase our art in the way we envision it,” she said.”We want to give artists the proper platform to showcase their art in a way that allows them the ability to bring their visions to life.”
Young Adult Survivors founder and executive director Stephanie Samolovitch, 38, of Mars, was touched the nonprofit was chosen as a beneficiary.
“Dominique has become an amazing supporter and thanks to her, we've gotten to know Denzel,” she said.
“We only hope this gives inspiration to other artists wanting to give back during their performances. The awareness that will be raised is a win in itself.”