Miami, FL – November 18, 2015 – YoungArts presented an intimate Salon, sponsored by the John S. and  James L. Knight Foundation, with American hip hop pioneer, visual artist and filmmaker Fab 5 Freddy, moderated by YoungArts Alumnus James Allister Sprang (2008 Winner in Visual Arts). It was a robust discussion on the progression of hip-hop, visual arts, and culture, and one theme was clear: it often comes down to supporting a young person’s art. James asked Fab about the turning points in his career, uncovering insights behind what transpired behind some of the key steps of Fab’s success and how that looks in the lens of modern-day art career building.

Cultural Cocktails followed the Salon talk in the Ted’s space at YoungArts, where Fab introduced his custom curated playlist to audiences, while James transformed from the role of moderator to rap artist GAZR. The dynamic fluidity of his live performance surprised many who had watched him, only an hour before, lead Fab through the volumes of his artistry. With Stacey Mancuso, former principal of Design and Architecture Senior, looking at a now graduated Sprang/GAZR with pride, the night was an inspiring   celebration with guests that included Andreea Baclea, Arthur Baker Angela Birdman, Jared and Stacey Galbut, Kalyn James, Erin Newberg, Marcia Martinez, DJ Pase Rock and Ben Wolkov, and with corporate partners Andres Fanjul, Laurent Fraticelli, Amanda Harris, and Oti Roberts and Scott Shuffield.