Kai Roberts: Featured Artist

“I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.”

-Billy Joel

Many of us have a collection of songs that help us feel seen and heard. Whether it’s a broken heart or a pandemic, music is therapy. This month’s featured artist, Kai Roberts, utilizes visual art and poetic expression to release overwhelming emotions. If you struggle with anxiety, depression or hopelessness, this artist is meant for you.

Kai Roberts is a multi-talented musician, educator and mental health advocate from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He began producing music in high school, gaining local attention. Attention, which put him in the position to showcase his talent on various projects, such as Fieldwork by Armstead Brown. Previously, a member of Tribe Eternal Music Group, he joined the Hip-Hop collective while attending Carnegie Mellon University.

In November 2020, in a candid conversation with Art With Impact, he mentions that during difficult times he processes his emotions through poetry. This is evident through the lyrics on his 2019 album, The Great Escape. Kai’s poetry and songwriting express the words of your heart. On the song "Paradise," he raps “Find freedom through the music; solace in the silence.” How many of you can relate? Headphones and solitude are wonderful for quieting your mind and processing difficult emotions.

Kai Roberts is a great storyteller and if you enjoy Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Owl City, or Kyle, I encourage you to stream The Great Escape with an open heart and allow the music to reignite your soul and lead you on the journey to find joy in any circumstance.

Stay up to date with Kai Roberts:

https://www.kairoberts.com

https://twitter.com/kairorobertsmusic

Art With Impact interview: https://fb.watch/9kcft5ikOP/

Shakirah Stephens: Featured Artist

Those who feel a call to perform most often get bit by the acting bug early. Pittsburgh’s Shakirah is no expectation. She’s been enamored with performing ever since she played Lucy in her school production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Now, holding a B.A. in Radio, TV & Film Production from Howard University, Shakirah primarily focuses on acting, but feels well rounded in her knowledge and abilities in all parts of creating performance art.

You may have already had a chance to experience Shakirah’s acting skills. If you’ve seen Alumni Theater Company’s production of Passing Strange, you saw her perform onstage as Edwina and Renata. Most recently, Shakirah was featured in a GetGo commercial and will be in a PA Lottery commercial in August 2021.

Currently, Shakirah is working on a full-length film called House of Stones written and produced by a group of Pittsburgh artists. The group includes members of the Black film community, and Shakirah says that she’s very excited and honored to be a part of the film. In it, four estranged brothers meet for the first time at their father's funeral.

When Shakirah’s not acting or working on creative projects with her peers, she holds a career in arts management in the not-for-profit sector. In the future, expect to continue seeing her face and name on various projects. While acting has her heart, she plans to be involved in all kinds of art because creative expression—like her abilities—is limitless.

Instagram: @kissmycurls__

GetGo Commercial Link:

https://www.ispot.tv/ad/OyEj/getgo-freebiefest-buy-one-get-one-gun

House of Stones Teaser Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKro0yK_hLA

Level Up Studios: Featured Artist

Level Up Studios is a Penn Avenue creative hub. Up and coming artists in the city have performed on open mics and shows at Level Up since it opened. My first High Five show was a First Friday showcase at Level Up Studios. You could feel the energy in the room as the audience filled in from Penn Ave. and crowded around the performers. Since then, we’ve held multiple events and shot music videos using the Level Up studio space. When we heard about The Level Up Apex expansion project, we were excited to support and include them as our monthly featured artist!

Inspired by Hip Hop culture, Level Up celebrates its positive roots and serves as a creative playground for underserved youth, local artists/ musicians, and cultural enthusiasts. Level Up Studios uses a range of creative disciplines, including Hip Hop Dance, Studio Recording, Acting, and Visual Arts, to bring another dimension to learning for children and teens growing up in disadvantaged circumstances and difficult environments. Co-owners Patrick Everett, Shaun Mbateng, & Mario Quinn Lyles have built Level Up with a passion for community reinvestment and aim to make art, music, and movement accessible in life, not just the classroom.

The newly announced Level Up Apex will be a state-of-the-art training facility. The 6000 sqft Apex will be home to 2 dance studios along with a complete boxing and MMA gym. We’re excited they will be expanding their services and hope that you will help them raise money for this expansion. Their fundraising campaign known as #Apexpgh has been running for weeks and their goal is to raise $50,000 by the end of June. You can support Level Up directly by donating at paypal.me/leveluppgh or by purchasing some Level Up swag at www.leveluppgh.com/store

You can also donate to their GoFundMe campaign https://gofund.me/cced1669

In the meantime, Level Up continues to offer tons of services including Hip Hop dance workshops, studio recording sessions for kids and adults, and even painting classes for kids. Check out their classes using this link https://www.leveluppgh.com/book-online

Please consider supporting The Level Up Apex fundraiser and share it with your friends and family! You can find the links to donate above.

Follow Level Up Studios!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leveluppgh/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LevelUpPgh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leveluppgh

Thank you for reading.

- Ryan

Do you want to be featured as our next Featured Artist? This monthly series will dive into Pittsburgh art and bring recognition to some of the hardest working, most inspired talents in Pittsburgh. No matter your artistic medium, send us an email at contact@highfivemusic.co so we know about the work you are doing to grow Pittsburgh's already incredible artistry.