by Scott Albright
Daily Lobo
The Barelas Community Center will see DJs spinning and mixing the night away at the "Battle for Katrina."
The show will support victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Local performers Garbage Pail Kidz, 2bers, GWH and special guests will be on stage while B-boys and girls break dance on the floor to show their support for those suffering from the disaster. This is a nonprofit event and the minimum donation is $5. Other donations including canned goods, blankets and supplies will also be accepted. John Gomez said evacuees who found themselves relocated to Albuquerque can get in free of charge.
"We want to let them know they're welcome and help them get it off their minds," Gomez said.
Gomez grew up in the Barelas neighborhood and said it's a close-knit community that would be good for the new Albuquerque residents to be aware of.
"If they decide to stay they need to know what's going on," he said.
Gomez worked with Kristen Koffman, Kate Tenorio and other members of the Phunky Foot Rhythm Crew to help set up this event. This will be the 17th show the crew has put together, with future shows in the works.
Koffman said this show will help give back to those who have lost everything from the hurricane and will also give back to the roots of hip-hop by providing something for those from New Orleans.ˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇ
"The roots of hip-hop come from jazz, which originated in New Orleans," Koffman said. "We can do something good and productive for a good cause. I just wanted to do something to help out."
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Tenorio, who has been in the Albuquerque hip-hop scene since '99, also wanted to help out.
"We're all human and we're all equal. They need everything they can get," she said.
Tenorio is a full-time student with three children to provide for. She said she felt helpless that she couldn't give much because of her living situation, so she came up with the idea of a benefit event.
"Basically anything would help them out. We take everyday life for granted. This is a wake-up call," she said.
All donations will be given directly to the Red Cross to distribute to evacuees. Victims of the hurricane are encouraged to attend the event and will receive direct contributions.
"Come with an open mind, give a positive atmosphere, and have them enjoy it, Gomez said. "Keep the real essence of hip-hop alive."
