March 20, 2018

Seattle Theater Group (STG) presented their signature Youth Music Program at the Moore Theater on March 15. This venue is located in downtown Seattle, and has had a history of very successful musicians such as Soundgarden, Alice N Chains, and Pearl Jam perform there. This event was to showcase young aspiring musicians and to provide a platform for them to collaborate with other artists in the area. In addition, they were mentored by music director Robert Glasper.  

Glasper has won 4 grammy awards and an Emmy award. His 2012 album Black Radio won the Grammy award for Best R&B album. His collaborations have drawn lots of attention, including his prominent role in Kendrick Lamar’s album To Pimp A Butterfly.

The performers had to audition for a spot to play at the Moore.

“I had to register for an audition slot, which I originally get. I did end up getting an audition slot however, and I had to perform at the vera project in Seattle. I was really nervous, and there was a whole panel of people there. I played a song on the ukulele, but then they asked me to play on the piano as well” Central Kitsap High School Senior Gia Acosta explained.

“I got a callback, and then I got an email saying I was part of the program. I was so happy, and excited to tell my family.”

The performances were very diverse in musical style, ranging from violins and trumpets to a more guitar driven set. The show started off with an introduction of the artists performing first, then an upbeat rap performance began, with J-Dash rapping and 2 girls singing the chorus. The high energy and catchy hook drew the audience’s attention and was a great start to the night.

Acosta performed, collaborating with other musicians as well as accompanying them on the piano.

“It was really surreal and I was really grateful to have the opportunity to play at this event.   

Acosta performed an original song called Heartbroken.

“I did a completely different version of the song previously, but I went to put instrumentation behind it and changed it into a ballad. I felt really good about performing it and I was really proud at how far the song had come, and I had some really good musicians up there with me”

The show was an overall success, and the young artists were applauded as the curtain closed for the night.

“I’m starting a trio with two of the other girls from the program Aimee and Lizzie, and we plan to perform and do covers and originals” Acosta explains her plans for the future, moving forward from this performance.