CENTERSTAGE
YOUTH & MUSIC Contributed by Donna Michele Ramos
F
ueled with passion to create his own youth music foundation is music industry executive and entrepreneur, James Jackson, who is a pioneer in this own right. Since his time as an A&R rep back in the late 90’s for several major labels, Capital and Bellmark Records (sister company of Stax Records), he has helped drive the success of several recording artists. THE HUB is quite familiar with James’ inspirational music career from producing all genres of music and gospel shows in Sacramento, Bay Area and Atlanta. His latest project, iSound Performing Arts is providing life skills to children through several artistic activities. THE HUB: What inspired you to create your own youth music foundation? JACKSON: On February 22, 2015 my son James Jackson, Jr. was killed, here in Sacramento in a drive–by shooting. It was tragic for my family. I was in the middle of touring and my recording contract with Capitol Records for my gospel album. My son was a producer, this is in his honor. I wanted to save our youth as music is a universal language. I came from Watts - music saved me when I was young.
THE HUB: How are children chosen to participate? JACKSON: Through social media and marketing. The parents find out about us and bring their kids, ages 10 – 18 years old. We see if they are into art or music. We have serviced over 200 kids. They constantly come back. We get numerous calls to do events. I started iSound Performing Arts two years ago in Atlanta, Georgia and here in Sacramento, June 2019.
THE HUB: The summer music camp runs for two weeks, ideally how long would you like it to run? What are the dates for this summer? JACKSON: This year it will run for three weeks from July 6 – July 26, 2020. We were going to have a Spring break session but we had to cancel it because of the Coronavirus. For our classes we brought in instructors and got instruments donated. Our instructors teach piano, dance, vocal, drums | 1 0 | T H E H U B MA G A Z I N E
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