THE NIGHT STUFF
Unity Crayons' show aims to sharpen young minds

By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Ceschi Ramos, a multi-instrumentalist/vocalist from Los Angeles, is among the performers at Saturday's fund-raiser for the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse. 'Use Your Head' A Unity Crayons fund-raiser for the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse Live music by Ceschi Ramos, El Enemigo, Black Square, No Master Backs, Voyajah, Buckshotshorty, Suspected Collective 6-10 p.m. Saturday McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Beach Park Free ($5 suggested donation) unitycrayons.com or 384-5706

But don't look for that to happen anytime soon.

That's because since launching in July 2003 to showcase more "safe environment" all-ages live music, Unity Crayons has spent much of its time and money collected from its events financing its other founding mission. Nonprofits that have benefited from the organization's fund-raisers include Hale Kipa, the American Cancer Society, Hawaii Foodbank, Life Foundation, Hawaii Opera Theatre and GirlFest. Other benefits have financed CD recordings by young local underground bands.

Saturday's "Use Your Head" fund-raiser for the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse will be Unity Crayons' largest yet. Staged at Ala Moana Beach Park's roomy McCoy Pavilion, the event will showcase a funky mix of hip-hop, ska, reggae, punk and metal bands. On the bill so far are Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Ceschi Ramos and Honolulu bands El Enemigo, Black Square, No Master Backs, Voyajah, Buckshotshorty and Suspected Collective. Lightsleepers will enable the turntables.

"Part of the message we want to get out there to kids is that underground music is cool. And there's so much of it that they need to open their eyes and ears to everything that's out there," said Josh Hancock, Unity Crayons co-founder and a bassist with local punkers The 86 List.

"A lot of it is very socially conscious music talking about things going on in their communities and the world around them," said Hancock. "And it's all operating underneath this mainstream (Island contemporary) music that dominates here."

Unity Crayons hosts a show almost every week at small, down-for-the-cause venues like Coffee Talk and Club Pauahi. The evenings usually feature bands you've probably never heard of — Pet Johnny, The Chancellors, Batman the Horse. Some have played almost every Unity Crayons show. Others survive only a single show before breaking up. What all of the bands do get to do, however, is play live for a loyal audience that wants to see them.

Over the year and change of Unity Crayons' existence, co-founders Hancock and Jake Foster have seen audiences — and their collective consciousness — grow. The mostly teenage audiences help bands move equipment, clean up post-show and contribute donations even at free shows.

"What we do is contagious," said Foster, also a musician. "The kids are starting to come forward and take a stand about what we're doing. They're starting to believe in what it is we're accomplishing.

"It's like a magnet attracting the pieces that are needed to make it what it is. And it's a beautiful thing to be a part of."

Hancock and Foster are hoping to finally do some fund-raising for Unity Crayons itself soon. Unity Crayons' long-term goals include opening its own music and arts center and launching a radio station for local and national underground musicians. In addition to hosting shows, the arts and music center — which Foster is fond of calling "The Crayon Box"— would offer rehearsal and recording space, art and music classes, and after-school programs for students.

"It would be a safe zone for young people to go to after school to be immersed in arts and music," said Hancock. "Just having our own space is definitely the big goal. All the stuff that happens inside is just the icing on the cake."

Until then, Hancock and Foster are actually content to be patient. They're completing the mounds of paperwork qualifying Crayons for a 501 (c)(3) tax exemption that will, among other things, allow contributors to claim donations as tax write-offs. Naturally, the two are also planning more Unity Crayons shows.

Casting his glance outside our Coffee Talk table and on to Wai'alae Avenue, Foster allowed himself a tiny slice of well-deserved pride.

"Seeing soccer moms in vans dump their kids off at the corner here and be, like, 'See you at midnight!' ... I got all choked up," said Foster, smiling. "When I was these kids' age, there wasn't any way my parents would've known what I was up to, where I was hanging out, or what I was doing.

"Not to sound too sappy. But I thought that was a real precious moment."

Reach Derek Paiva at 525-8005 or dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com.