Young Brackers raise funds for recording studio

(CNS): A new group on Cayman Brac has formed to encourage young musicians on the island, with the ultimate goal of building a recording studio, while keeping kids on the Brac entertained and drug free. Changing Lives And Setting Standards (C.L.A.S.S.) is an entertainment and recording group aimed primarily for the youth of Cayman Brac, and members say that hosting different themed parties has become their forte, as well as providing entertainment for third party events, such as providing the music for the teen section in the annual Braccanal Parade in May.

Entertainment for young people, they say, is hard to find on a small island but instead of complaining that there is not enough to do, they have decided to do something about it.

As an entertainment group C.L.A.S.S. hosts parties for youth in a safe, drug and alcohol free environment and it promotes cleaner, safer parties. Trying to keep kids away from the traditional “party and drinking” scene that has become so popular over the years, the group says it ensures the most fun yet safe activities for the youth of Cayman Brac.

C.L.A.S.S. has already held a variety of events, such as a Glow Party, a Valentine's Day Dance, a St. Patrick's Day Party as well as the After Braccanal Party for the youth, and says the feedback from the young people on the island has been very positive.

C.L.A.S.S. also encourages more local singers and entertainers to record and promote their own work, and a couple of artists are already on board.

As a recording group, C.L.A.S.S. hopes to release local music during the summer to help promote the talent on Cayman Brac. A spokesperson for the group said that many young people are nervous about performing in front of crowds and C.L.A.S.S. provides these young artists with an opportunity to present their art to the public in a professional and popular way.

“The internet is a catalyst for many musicians nowadays, with many popular artists including A$AP Rocky, Drake, Meek Mill and others getting their start from posting their music online. Using these same methods C.L.A.S.S. aims to get Brac artists' voices heard all around the globe,” he said. “Using state-of-the art recording equipment as well as social media, artists' music could be recorded and heard all across the world in the space of one day.”

“C.L.A.S.S. aims to develop the first recording studio run by the youth for the youth and with so many local supporters that aim does not appear to be too far out of sight,” the group’s spokesperson said.  “With many fundraisers during the summer planned, keep an eye out for C.L.A.S.S. posters as well as social media updates. C.L.A.S.S will be a name synonymous with the youth of Cayman Brac as we aim to promote and develop a classy next generation.”

The group consists of MalcolmH (Malcolm Hurlston), DJ DaCon (David Conolly), TannaB (Tanner Scott) and  R Bryan (Robert Bryan) with other occasional guests that contribute to the group, namely Tafari and Tushaun Young, K-Frass and Akito Lewis. Each member has a different role that contributes to the smooth running of the group, with DJ DaCon being the primary DJ for parties and events, while MalcolmH is the organizer and promoter for the group as well as a backup DJ and artist. TannaB is the social networking ambassador, using his many connections to spread the word about events and recording sessions with the public, while R Bryan is an artist and liaison for C.L.A.S.S.' promotion in Grand Cayman.

For more info and updates on events visit the C.L.A.S.S. Facebook page.