International Salsa sensation Oscar D’Leon will perform tonight, April 25 at the Conga Room in Los Angeles, but before he goes on stage he plans to perform an act of charity in Santa Monica.
D’Leon will visit the Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC) to donate funds so that the youth serving organization can purchase new equipment for their pioneering recording studio.
PYFC staff, youth participants in PYFC’s music program, and community leaders will hold a press conference at 3:30 pm to announce the donation and celebrate the legendary Salsero’s contribution to the youth of Los Angeles.
“The PYFC opened the first public recording studio for youth in our City’s history in 2002 and our equipment is old and over used,” said PYFC Founder and Executive Director Oscar de la Torre. “D’Leon’s support and contribution will give new life to our recording studio. His act of goodwill has inspired us to name the recording studio in his name. The PYFC will now be home to the Oscar D’Leon Recording Studio for Youth.”
The recording studio will provide free access to young musicians 16-24 years of age who meet the PYFC’s criteria for services.
Young musicians who participate at the PYFC must work to promote the PYFC’s motto of Peace, Unity and Social Justice.
“D’Leon is showing aspiring young musicians that one must never forget their roots and giving back to the progress of others is the true definition of being a star,” stated PYFC Board chair Francisco Juarez.
Founded as a response to an upsurge in youth and gang violence, the Pico Youth & Family Center provides gang and youth violence prevention services, case management, counseling, tutoring and college readiness, leadership training, artist development workshops and free access to a recording studio where youth have recorded five CD compilations.
Since opening in 2002, gang violence and most importantly gang membership, has decreased in Santa Monica’s Pico Neighborhood.
