August 8, 2007

Three teens studying in Berkee's Five-Week Summer Performance Program are seen with Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino just before taking the stage at the fourth annual Peace Boston 2007 Hip-Hop Festival, produced by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events, on Saturday, August 4, at Boston's City Hall Plaza. Headliners were hip-hop legends De La Soul and Slick Rick. Prior to performing the songs that made them winners in the Essence magazine/Berklee College of Music 2007 Take Back the Music songwriting contest, the trio was presented with winners' certificates from Essence magazine assistant editor Cynthia Gordy and contest judge Prince Charles Alexander, Berklee professor of music production & engineering.

Listen to their winning songs at berklee.edu/events/essence.

Press: to inquire about photo availability and usage, please email us. (From left) Berklee professor Prince Charles Alexander; Nicholas Garcia, Lodi, NJ; Justin McGibbon, Keasby, NJ; Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino; Jake Bragg, Columbus, OH; Essence assistant editor Cynthia Gordy.

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Allen Bush
Office of Public Information
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abush@berklee.edu