This Friday, in the heart of downtown Durham, a group of local performers will gather to encourage the community to "be easy." Durham Be Easy II (DBE) will be held at the CCB Plaza (201 N. Corcoran Street) from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

The locally based and nationally recognized artists who will perform will focus on community advancement through art and culture. Poetry, funk, soul, pop, rock, and hip-hop are among the many genres that will be represented.

Durham Parks and Recreation, Language Arts, Black Poetry Theatre, and Dasan Ahanu spearhead this free community event designed to spread a message of peace while encouraging creative expression as an alternative to violence. Arts and crafts by community artists will be a part of this event.

About the Performers

Language Arts is a locally based hip hop group, consisting of emcees Pierce and Aden and DJ Pillzbury, and has toured, educated, and performed across the U.S., receiving national acclaim for their high-energy live shows.

The Beast infuses the best in jazz composition and improvisation with hip-hop poetry and soulful grooves. Members of The Beast have quickly established themselves as an explosive force on the hip-hop scene.

Lizh, an amazingly talented vocalist/musician/songwriter, brings a sultry, soulful, and funky sound to every composition.

Church da Poet is a playwright, graphic designer, and founder of Black Poetry Theatre. He will serve as the host of DBE.

Dasan Ahanu is a well-known and nationally recognized poet, performer, activist, writer, emcee, songwriter, playwright, and educator.

JBully is a critically acclaimed emcee who is most recognized from appearances in Source magazine and Black Entertainment Television (BET).

Ashanti White is a nationally recognized author, writer, and poet. Her novel, Chasing Eden, and book of poetry, Razor Blades Between My Teeth, have both received national acclaim.

Mountain Goats an international touring band, currently consist of songwriters and musicians John Darnielle and Peter Hughes. They have created music their way for over a decade and have stolen a place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.

UpRite Lions is a talented trio of musicians, vocalists, and emcees that bring reggae, hip hop, soul, and R&B together for an unparalleled sound. Consisting of B-Star, Shef Seenya and TriceBeezy, the group has amazed audiences with their live show.

William Darity Trio consist of three talented musicians blending notes into wonderful jazz compositions.

For more information call (919) 560-4355 or visit www.durhamnc.gov/departments/parks.

About Durham Parks and Recreation

Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to "Play More." The department strives to help citizens discover, explore and enjoy life through creative and challenging recreational choices that contribute to their physical, emotional and social health. For more information call (919) 560-4355.