MIAMI — The bold and spirited students of The Motivational Edge will showcase original music pieces and perform spoken word, rap and songs at its second annual Student Showcase of Arts Excellence.

Talented boys and girls from Miami-Dade’s inner-city have been working tirelessly to
hone and polish their performances and art pieces, according to organizers.

The free and open event is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 8, from 5–10 p.m. at The Stage in Midtown Miami, at 170 NE 38 St., Miami.

Many of the presenting students were groomed in the Lyrical Expression and Audio Recording classes at the Irie Foundation-Allapattah Music and Literacy Center. The Motivational Edge’s Allapattah Music and Literacy Center was renamed Irie Foundation-Allapattah Music and Literacy Center in June over Irie Weekend X. A gift of $75,000 gives Irie Foundation exclusive naming rights for one year.

“We are building the foundation for our future leaders of society, and we are proud to have made this first step in the journey of self-improvement for our young people of South Florida” says Ian Grocher, more popularly known as DJ Irie.

Distinguished local artists and celebrities will perform as well as students, organizers say. Witness live mural paintings by The Motivational Edge’s Teaching Artists and win fantastic raffle items including Lil Wayne autographed memorabilia and a cocktail party for you and 20 of your friends at Blue Martini-Brickell.

Other funding for the showcase came from the Knight Foundation and Miami-Dade County.

“Irie and his Irie Foundation understand that the arts play a fundamental role in a well-rounded educational experience for children, leading to increased self confidence, motivation to learn, tolerance of others and countless other benefits,” said Director of Programs Rudy Sablon.