From all economic and social backgrounds, The Happiness Club www.thehappinessclub.com members promote positive values and social change. They've turned the tables on rap's bad "rep" by singing out against drugs, gangs, violence and smoking, and saying "yes" to education, tolerance, high self-esteem and helping the environment.
Founded in 1992, the performance group consists of 50 young people, who volunteer about 400 hours each year, writing, choreographing, and performing their original works; as mentors in Chicago and suburban schools, and moderating "Talkin' it Out" sessions at schools and community events
The Happiness Club won the City of Chicago's 2010 Earth Day video contest for their music video "So Hot," a song they wrote to increase awareness of global warming. They'll perform the song at the premiere of the documentary film "Carbon Nation" at 7 pm on Tuesday, August 10 in Millennium Park. The movie premiere hosted by the City of Chicago will celebrate the power of every-day climate change solutions for families, homes and businesses.
This summer they have received other prestigious invitations to perform at major events. On Thursday, August 5, The Happiness Club will appear at the Country Financial Chef Challenge at 11 am at the Daley Center in Chicago. This weekend they'll perform at Kidzapalooza. Tor Hyams, Grammy nominated producer and the co-founder of Kidzapalooza, www.kidzapalooza.com asked the group to appear at the free, family-friendly stage that is part of this weekend's Lollapalooza Music Festival www.lollapalooza.com in Grant Park. The Happiness Club is scheduled on Friday, August 6 at 11:30 a.m. and on Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8 at 3 p.m.
The Happiness Club is also recording two songs produced by Hyams. One will be included in his upcoming album. The other, called "Change the Game," a song about improving nutrition for children, is part of the new website Eat to A New Beat www.eattoanewbeat.com, sponsored by Applegate Farms. The music video will debut on the site on August 9. Eat to a New Beat invites kids to challenge The Happiness Club to a "dance off," a great way for them to get some exercise.
The Happiness Club will appear at the Tall Ships Festival at Navy Pier August 25 through August 27. Other summer appearances included Hip Hop Heritage Month and the Taste of Chicago. The Happiness Club has performed for former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. They have opened for Mariah Carey and were invited to perform in Paris by that city's mayor.
Artistic director and choreographer Tanji Harper and musical director Justin Butler lead the organization For more information, visit www.thehappinessclub.com and www.kidzapalooza.com
THE HAPPINESS CLUB
11 am Thursday at the Daley Center
7pm Wednesday in Millennium Park
11:30 am Friday and 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday at Kidzapalooza
Carbon Nation Celebration at Millennium Park
City of Chicago Climate Action Team Presents Screening
Event to feature green carpet, live performances, celebrity appearances and the Chicago premiere of "Carbon Nation"
Chicago Department of Environment, "Carbon Nation", Chicago Climate Action Plan team, Broadway In Chicago, Dreamworks and others come together to celebrate the power of climate change solutions
WHAT: The City of Chicago's Climate Action Plan Team will host a Carbon Nation Celebration to celebrate the power of every-day climate change solutions for families, businesses and citizens. The event will include:
WHO: Open to the public for free; attendees include:
WHEN: Tuesday, August 10, 2010: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. CT
WHERE: Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St., between Michigan Ave and Columbus Ave
WHY: This event is to celebrate the city's commitment to environmental leadership and tackling climate change. In 2008, the city launched the Chicago Climate Action Plan which focuses on five major strategies--from energy efficient buildings and renewable energy to transportation, waste pollution and adaptation--to reduce Chicago's greenhouse emissions 25 percent by 2020. The movie puts climate actions, on both the national and international stage, on the big screen.
VISUALS:
CONTACT: RSVPs required for media credentials. Contact Laura Wilson at Laura.Wilson@edelman.com or 312-240-3364
