A group of 36 youth have put together a show for a night of performances through the Light of Chance Breathe program.

Students in grades 5-12 have participated in art classes at the Rosenwald-Smith Multicultural Center in Madisonville for the past few weeks, where volunteers teach music, art, creative writing and dance to the youth.

The free show will be at 6 p.m. May 14 at the center on North Kentucky Avenue, with donations accepted at the door.

Jontae Minor, a fifth-grade student at Pride Elementary, has gained songwriting and singing skills through class instructors L’Mer Owens and Dewayne GoLightly.

His concentration never wandered nor did his voice crack while in the recording booth performing a solo part for a song the class wrote, entitled “Too Young.”

“I’m too young for the club, but that don’t mean I won’t throw my hands up…,” he said, singing to the music of the rap song.

Owens said the youth enjoy channeling their emotions through music.

The after-school classes are geared toward fostering artistic expression, said Eric Logan, director and founder of Light of Chance Inc. It also helps teach the students leadership and social skills while providing a positive environment, he said.

The historic building, which has been under renovation for the past five years, has been painted with bright colors, Logan said, so the youth and parents feel they are in a comfortable and fun environment.

“This program has been seven years in the making,” Logan said. “I think the community will enjoy our debut performances.”

Michaela White, a student from Jesse Stuart Elementary, was practicing steps for a dance routine with a group of about 10 other girls.

“I like hip-hop dancing best,” she said. “You can express yourself, make friends and have a lot of fun in dance class.”

Classes for Breathe’s 12-week summer session will begin June 5. Logan hopes to add more classes for the arts program, which are held weekly from 3:30 to 6 p.m. each Tuesday.

For more information or to register for the summer arts program, call

Logan at 339-0717, email eric.logan@lightofchance.org or visit http://www.lightofchance.org

By Doreen Dennis

Messenger Staff Writer