It began with a school teacher's vision. A desire to give something special back to his students that excelled while providing a unique platform that raised awareness about bullying issues within the schools. It was then this teacher, Mr. D, reached out to Elena Charis through a popular website called Reverbnation. Elena arrived to Mr. D's school the very first year of his production and the rest was history. Elena has helped coordinate this annual concert for his students ever since and through a friend (D.I.G.) was introduced to DJ EJ who has loyally DJ'd the shows each year.

 

This annual concert "One Shot with a Pen" encourages students to pick up a pen or brush and channel any negative energy into art (poetry, song-writing, painting) instead of towards violence with a gun. Each year the students bring their artwork and place it on display. Musical guests who have graced the stage included: Bryce Xavier, Jovan Armand, They Call Me P.Y.T., Se7en, Jess2Eazy, Christopher X, Lucky Bono, Ria Rosae, Humble-B Savage, Ventage Hype and many more. In 2019, DJ Caipo (Dj to Layzie of Grammy-winning rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony) filled in for DJ EJ in which a tribute of silence was honored to the late Nipsey Hussle and J'Ann, a former DAB performer whom lost their lives to gun violence. 

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Through this event, we celebrate community, peace, fellowship, creativity, harmony, individualism, and love! If you'd like to volunteer for this non-profit event or make a donation, please e-mail: highoffecp@gmail.com Subject: 2021 DAB