The most awesome way to celebrate our community is through music and dance. Spirits lift and faces smile with dancing in the street. On Bartlett Street in the SF's Mission District, music fuels the transformation of a trash-strewn, graffiti riddled street into a celebration of local artists, food and family.

There hasn't been a greater moment of joy or youth empowerment at the Market than public youth performance. StreetStage and the kids Play or Perform (POP!) project can bring that joy every week.

Break dancing. Dia de los Muertos performances. Street theater. Middle school bands. Kids open mic night. They all bring families out and give youth a moment to shine. They provide a singular experience of public space for each of us. But it’s more special for the youth - it’s an experience they created themselves.

The Street Stage brings this experience together - it highlights the youth performers, celebrating their performance while creating a focal point and gathering space. StreetStage would be a modular, rollable stage built especially for the Mission Community Market. It is can be used for a variety of bands and performance formats. It provides signage, lights and an attractive design to give the gathering space a focal point and platform for performers. Matching funds can be found to build it, but Awesome funds would help it realize its potential through young musicians and performers.

The kids POP! project - will create an open mic and opportunity for youth to be booked, perform and connect with community on a regular basis. For many youth, it will be their first public performance. It will be a low-barrier way to explore and excel in the music, dance or performance they love most.

Uni & her Ukelele, who works with youth all over SF, will book, host and promote the event. She or a local artist will play with and encourage any youth feeling shy. The project will be modeled & offered through local schools, youth centers, non-profits, and the arts commission.