Softer Side of Skid Row

Digital publications allow writers to produce lengthier feature articles that capture the personality of a community or the energy of an event. Last night, reporter Randall Roberts published a story titled "At skid row karaoke, they are all songs of hope."

 This story  profiles the Central City Community Church of the Nazarene in downtown Los Angeles and showcases their weekly karaoke night event. It involves several interviews from event participants, video footage of performances and an entire photo gallery. A community event such as would be lucky to garner even a mention in a print publication, but the L.A. Times online edition enables us to meet the individuals and characters that define this very event.

One of my favorite aspects of this article's reporting is the positive message deeply embedded in Pastor Tony Stallworth's intentions. Their belief that joy, fun and community celebration can lower crime rates in a community known for street cred (see name: SKID ROW) is inspiring and is the perfect example of the news value. It's not a campaign to end crime or the glorification of drugs, sex and alcohol, but it is a community effort to gather and heal through song.

Speaking of Skid Row, Boston University's Stage Troupe will be performing Little Shop of Horrors this upcoming weekend, a fun musical production set in the downtown neighborhood. I'll be around snapping photographs on opening night for a slideshow that I'll be posting next week. Stay tuned and check out their event!