Cocomo Rock is the founder of the 191914 Ministries, a poet, a singer, songwriter and a man on a mission. Simply put, he wants to save the North End of Middletown; not only the businesses but also, and especially, the people who live there. He understands the economic times, realizes how hard it is to "move up" out of poverty or addiction, out of homelessness and unemployment. He is trying to convince people that they can use art to better themselves, to build self-confidence, to begin anew and to foment change. To that end, he has moved into the North End, has started classes, hosts a weekly Artists Development Workshop at The Buttonwood Tree, and is attempting to rent a storefront on Main Street that can be used 7 days a week as a studio, as a performance space, as a safe environment for people to work and create.
To help raise money for the cause, Rock is presenting "Renaissance of the Creative Spirit II"at 6 p.m. Saturday January 31 in the Green Street Arts Center. Music will be provided by the Noah Baerman Trio, saxophonist David Davis (who lives at the Artists Coop, 650 Main Street), and the Celebration Singers of the First Church of Christ, directed by Shari Lucas. Middletown Mayor Sebastian Giuliano will address the attendees. There will be raffles, a silent auction, fine food donated by local restaurants and businesses, and an exhibition of works by artists involved with the 191914 program.
For more information, go to www.191914.com or call 860-770-9721.
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