Desdamona Hip Hop Concert & Bean Bag Tournament Collaborative Event at NYM VFW July 27

Desdamona, a spoken word and hip hop artist, will be in concert at the New York Mills VFW Post 3289 on Friday, July 27th at 7:30 p.m. A Bean Bag Tournament hosted by the New York Mills Education Foundation precedes the concert, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Based out of Minneapolis, Desdamona’s writing and performance focuses on themes of domestic violence, self-esteem, individual identity, being an outsider, and being a woman in hip hop. Much of her work touches on social issues. Her sense of rhythm is as strong as her message. She often employs beat-boxing to go with her flowing rhymes and smooth vocals. The mood of her music is at times dark but nonetheless awe-inspiring.

Desdamona’s influence reaches students, artists, and activists close to home and abroad. She has worked in over 200 schools throughout the Midwest. And she recently visited a school in France conducting workshops as an artist-in-residence. She has worked with more than 15,000 students in public, private, and alternative schools, as well as colleges, universities, and prisons. Her message is especially relevant in a time of social and political upheaval. Her show at the NYM VFW will be family-friendly.

Desdamona’s voice stands out among other talented and influential singers and poets. She has opened for Wyclef Jean and worked with Sly & Robbie. She won the Minnesota Music award for “Best Spoken Word Artist” five times. Come to this concert, presented by the Cultural Center, to enjoy a night of live hip hop music outdoors.

The Bean Bag Tournament will begin at 5:00 p.m. and is a Race to 21, bracket style tournament. Registration fee is $30 per team, includes entry for the bean bag toss and the concert to follow. The top three teams will win cash prizes: 1st place: $250; 2nd place: $150; 3rd place: $100.

The New York Mills Education Foundation is a non-profit organization whose goal it is to support the New York Mills Public School and Students. The Bean Bag Tournament is a fundraiser to further these efforts.

The VFW will be providing a full grill with burgers, brats, and a STEAK FRY for sale, and the outside bar will be open as well.

The Education Foundation, Cultural Center and VFW are partnering in hopes of expanding the reach of all three organizations and to offer a fun community event including games, live music, food, drinks, and the opportunity to connect and enjoy our beautiful region in an outdoor summer setting.

Concert Admission is just $10 for adults. Children under 12 are free; high school student admission just $5. Must register and pay for Bean Bag Tournament separately (that registration DOES include entry into the Concert). Buy tickets online (visit kulcher.org) or call the Center at (218) 385-3339.

All Ages Welcome! Open to everyone!

The Cultural Center in New York Mills is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. We offer visitors intimate opportunities to encounter art and artists in our 80-seat concert listening room, two galleries in a historic building, a gift store featuring local artists, an artist residency program, a sculpture park, and a variety of opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Since our incorporation in 1990, we have been passionate about connecting people to artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota, celebrating the local and being a window to the world.