'Show Me What You Got Showcase' promotes talent to defeat violence

LORAIN — The first of a series of planned talent showcases aimed at shining a light on undiscovered talent, entertainment and fun kicked off Saturday night in the city. The "Show Me What You Got" showcase Saturday night not only was to highlight musical talents in Lorain but also to promote community events that can combat gangs and other violence. Jewels Charlton organized the "Show Me What You Got Showcase" at the former fellowship hall of Holy Trinity Catholic Church/Worship Cathedral at 2428 Elyria Ave. in Lorain. Such events give young people a purpose and keep them off the streets, Charlton said. More than 20 artists were set to go before a panel of judges — professional musicians and models among them — who would give reviews and advice "to critique them to help build them," Charlton said. "The reasoning for this whole thing is to bring down the violence. If we give them something to look forward to in the community, that will keep their minds off of being hateful, not just being drug dealers," Charlton said. "I am giving them a platform for them to make money, selling their music, selling their shirts. If they grind with their music, why would they be in the streets doing something they're not supposed to do?" Setting up seating and the stage prior to the 6 p.m. event, Charlton and some of those who would later take the stage were setting out tables (6 feet apart for pandemic precautions), working out where the red carpet would go and where photographers could stand to take photos of it all. Everyone in attendance at the event, where tickets were going for $20, was being asked to wear a mask for COVID-19 safety reasons. "Y'all mean something to your city," Charlton told those who were helping out. Saturday's event was planned for adults only, ages 18 and older. Charlton said that was to ensure the night stayed drama-free and "classy," though plans are in the works for future teen nights to give younger people something to do. An entrepreneur and singer/songwriter who grew up in Lorain, Charlton said to stop the violence that makes the TV news and headlines, the youths of the city need to have something to work for and be proud of and that gets positive attention from others. The attention will come "because we're all talented, and we do it together as a unit, instead of this person trying to outdo this person and we all do it together as a family because this is where we're from, that's going to bring attention from the people we go fly to go to see. They gonna come here to see us. That's the goal for me: To bring them here." Margie Black-Wright said she got a spot in the music showcase due to the friendship between her mother and Charlton. "It was brought up that I sing and then Jewels called me two days after and asked if I wanted to perform," Black-Wright said. "I said yeah and I'm ready to perform and show my true talent." Black-Wright was enthusiastic for the event, saying it means a lot to have some entertainment and a venue for people to express themselves in a time when the county has gone through some somber hardships. "Jewels coming in and making this pop for the city means a lot because there have been a lot of crazy things happening in Lorain," Black-Wright said, adding that Charlton's vision is "keeping us off the street and making sure we're motivated to prosper in life." Anyone interested in volunteering to help out or wanting to take the stage in the future can call (440) 222-1172 or send a message to Charlton on Facebook. Photographer Angelo Angel contributed to this story. Contact Dave O'Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com. Follow him @daveobrienCT on Twitter.