Ever the devoted cinephile, I found myself going to an oscar viewing get-together at a friend’s house. I had personally made it a point to watch the majority of films so that I could be ready. The night came with the requisite bashing on celebrities’ choices of wardrobe or on the strength of Jon Stuart’s post-writers’ strike hosting abilities. However, the highlight of the night for me and everyone else last night was the electrifying song performance “Raise It Up” by the IMPACT Repertory Theatre of Harlem choir. Particularly the singing chops on the young Jamia Simone Nash (also starred in the film) who is only 11yrs old! It was a beautiful and inspiring performance complete with church pews on the performance stage!
The song was featured in the soundtrack for the film August Rush starring Keri Russell and Terrence Howard. The song was nominated for “best original song in a motion picture”. Though the song did not walk away with the Oscar win it definitely gave IMPACT a much deserved spotlight for the entire country to witness! I came to a standing ovation when the song was over.
FYI: The NYTimes ran an article last week on Jamal Joseph, co-founder of IMPACT and co-writer of the nominated song. Columbia News offers some interesting coverage of the preparations leading to the group’s performance at the Academy Awards Ceremony as well some cool video clips.
kevin thomas
July 6, 2008
hello
what does impact mean and what does it stand for thank you
Travis Veada
February 28, 2008
well im am so thankful that you like the performance. I was in the movie as well and am a memeber of Impact repertory theatre… performing that night was the best and very overwhelming. On behalf of IMPACT im sure i can say that the Oscar wasnt our main concern, although it would have felt great to walk away with one. Overall as long our message was recognized, nothing else matters. We will still continue to do what we do after the oscars like we have before the oscars…lol… i ver much appreciate you and this site.
-Thanks, Travis Veada (17)