On October 15th, the Department of Community Justice Juvenile Detention Cultural Diversity Committee hosted an assembly for the youth in the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Home (DELH). The Committee brings in inspirational performers and speakers on a quarterly basis.
Youth got the chance to see Chad Urmston perform. Chad is an independent musician who has been a member of a number of bands, including Dispatch. A few years ago he started a non-profit called Calling All Crows which leads music fans in service projects such as helping out in shelters or environmental clean-up before each of his shows.
Chad came to this assembly by way of staff member, Arthur Bradford. Chad and Arthur have worked together on past film projects and developed a friendship. Chad agreed to perform and speak to the youth and was able to work this performance into a recent trip to Portland.
Chad opened with several songs and told the youth a bit about his history, admitting to them “When I first started I was terrible!” He polled the youth to see who had an interest in pursuing a music career, provided some advice, and then asked for those bold enough to come up and play with him.
After some convincing several youth demonstrated their skills - one played guitar, another provided a background chorus, and another youth performed a rap to Chad’s beat.
Thanks to Chad for making time to perform and inspiring our youth and all the staff who organized the event and who worked hard to get the sound system working right for the performance.