The X-Squad, a rap group from Bayside, performed at the Chicago All Stars Talent Show on Nov. 17th at the South Side YMCA.

On November 17th, our young people produced and performed in the third Chicago All Stars Talent Show this year.  It was our largest to date with 150 performers, volunteers, and audience members.  The performers ranged in age from five years old to late teens, and acts included mimes, spoken word, rap, and hip hop dance.  The full-to-capacity audience at the South Side YMCA cheered the young people’s creative and passionate performances.  Chicago All Stars Director David Cherry led the team of 12 volunteers in creating the positive and professional performance environment.  All Stars Project Director of Youth Programs Pam Lewis, along with two ASTSN veteran youth producers, were on hand to lend their expertise and support to David and his team.

On December 3rd, eight Chicago All Stars youth and ten Latham & Watkins law associates came together for the very first Chicago All Stars host training.  Under the direction of David Cherry and Pam Lewis, the young people and professionals participated in a "performed conversation," in which they learned something about one another's lives and shared opinions and experiences on a range of topics from performance to popcorn to the racial divide.  The conversation was "a first" for both the young people and the adults. Following the training, the young people and adults continued the conversation at a reception hosted by Latham & Watkins Managing Director Steven Bowen.

The Chicago All Stars Talent Show Network winter season will kick-off on January 9th with a volunteer meeting at the Sears Tower.  Everyone is invited to join us as we build on the success of 2007 and help the Chicago All Stars grow in 2008.  For more information, contact David Cherry at dcherry@allstars.org.