KRS-One, Courtesy of Avalon Village
Legendary hip-hop icon KRS-One will perform at Avalon Village in Highland Park on Tuesday, July 30. This special outdoor concert, hosted by 2D Productions and Avalon Village, promises a night of unforgettable beats while raising funds for a great cause.
KRS-One, also known as Lawrence “Kris” Parker, is highly respected in the hip-hop music industry. With a career spanning over four decades, he initially gained recognition through his involvement with Boogie Down Productions.
Often revered as “hip-hop royalty,” KRS-One is celebrated for his role as a “teacha,” using his platform to advocate for social consciousness. He is recognized for his commitment to upholding the foundational principles of hip-hop, which include peace, love, unity, and authenticity.
Shamayim’ Mama Shu’ Harris, the CEO and founder of Avalon Village, believes that KRS-One has a strong community spirit. She admires his dedication to empowering their people and sees him as a teacher and an artist with a purpose.
“He’s the first major artist to perform a concert of this size in our Village. We are so excited KRS-One is coming to put on an unforgettable show that will help raise funds to support our programming and the children and families in our community,” Harris said.
Billy T and TJ will host the event, which will feature performances by Dahilla The Poet, Sofull Poetry, Friz Allen, and Big Foolay. DJ Detroit, Miz. Korona, Loke, Awesome Dre, Alius Pnukkl, and DJ Los will also support the event.
The Jakobi RA Park is anticipating a large turnout of up to 3,000 individuals for an unprecedented community-based outdoor concert in the Village. A significant portion of the event’s proceeds will support the Avalon Village Homework House and fall music programming for students in Highland Park.
Located on Avalon Street between Woodward and Second in Highland Park, MI (inside the city of Detroit), Avalon Village is a remarkably sustainable eco-village. The visionary behind this transformative project is Mama Shu, whose incredible journey as a CNN Hero top-10 finalist has touched the hearts of millions around the world. With unwavering determination, Mama Shu has taken on the challenge of revitalizing one of the city’s most neglected blocks, breathing new life into the area to create a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space for the entire community.
Driven by a deep desire to honor the memory of her son, 2-year-old Jakobi RA, who tragically lost to a hit-and-run incident in 2007, Mama Shu has poured her heart and soul into this inspiring and healing project. Tragically, the Village’s purpose was further intensified by the devastating loss of Mama Shu’s 23-year-old son, Chinyelu, who was senselessly shot and killed in 2021. Despite this heartbreaking setback, Mama Shu remains steadfast in her mission, seeking justice for her son as his murder continues to be unsolved.
The Village is a vibrant community that offers a wide range of amenities and services. In addition to the Homework House, which provides academic support to local students, the Village includes The Moon Ministry, Jakobi RA Park, and The Goddess Marketplace, an economic development initiative that empowers women entrepreneurs.
Event details:
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 30 at 7 p.m.
Venue: Jakobi RA Park at Avalon Village
Address: 34-36 Avalon Street, Highland Park
Tickets: $40 in advance at theavalonvillage.org, $50 at the door
