Downbeat Showdown is a fun-spirited, televised talent competition designed to showcase the abilities of our local youth. Pulling from Venice High, Santa Monica High, Crossroads and other area high schools we've culled together a diverse, high energy group of 8th-12th graders that will be sure to entertain as they compete to be named the "best" high school band, singer and poet in the L.A. area.

The show is hosted by Joe Hernandez-Kolski and DJ Jedi (click on their photos for detail and impressive bios) who will keep the energy high as we tape live at the Miles Playhouse in Santa Monica every Tuesday between February 21st through March 21st. Tapings begin at 7:30 PM and are open and free to the public to attend.

Tune in and watch Downbeat Showdown!

Joe Hernandez-Kolski

  

DJ Jedi
The five shows will be broadcast on CityTV and LA 36 Thursday to Sunday evenings and the "winners' in each category will be determined by the viewing audience who can vote for their favorite contestant in each category. Show taping dates are February 21st, February 28th, and March 7th for the first round, March 14th for the Championship round and finally, March 21st for the winners’ announcement and showcase.
If you have any questions or are interested in being on the Downbeat Mailing List, e-mail Joe at joe@pochojoe.com. If you want to be a part of the live audience, we're taping every Tuesday in March at the Miles Memorial Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd. in Santa Monica. Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm taping."
 

 
   
 

Man, this city can be tough
And I don't even have a 9-5
I know that high school's rough
That's why the Miles keeps me alive
When I arrive here
All my fears disappear

 

By bus
By car
By board
By bike
By any means
These kids always make it to this mic

 

Tonight's called a competition
But it's not really about losin' or winnin'
I'm a b-boy who believes in the beauty of a battle
We build with each other
Together we straddle different worlds
I hope you can handle
Not only rock and hip-hop comin' up soon
But also pop, punk, poetry, thrash metal & showtunes

 

Our kids speak so many dialects
With eyes open thoughts so complex
That you've gotta join "My Space" to understand what's next

 
So with DJ Jedi on the turntable decks
Tonight we give respect to three different subjects
Singers
Poets &
Bands
So ladies and gentlemen
Clap your hands
Get up and stand They're our kids tonight
Get ready to be moved Here we go
We're back again
It's DOWNBEAT SHOWDOWN 2!
     
 

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