YEAH! (Youth Experiencing Artistic Hope), originated out of the Mission-Vision Committee of the B.O.L.D. (Building Our Lives Drug-free) Coalition, held it's first fundraiser at the Eagle Performing Arts Center on North Main Street in Fall River, on September 20, 2009. The group has been meeting for the past year to establish an arts program for youth 13-26 as an alternative to drug involvement. The group envisions the establishment of one or more locations in Fall River where youth can listen to new bands rehearse, use networked computers, try out new painting styles, learn new hip hop dance moves or just drop in to see what’s up. The project held a hip hop launch party with C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band sponsored by the Narrows Center for the Arts at the Gates of the City on July 17th. The group is currently forming a formal board and by-laws and is seeking resources in the way of useable space and potential sources of funding. Click here, here and here for photos of earlier planning sessions. Click here for a video of the 3rd EyE number performed at the breakfast. For further information, contact BOLD staff member contact Susan Wolfson at Stanley Street Treatment & Resources, 508-235-7032.
 

(Top row, left) Eleanor Port purchases a raffle ticket from Zak Saber at the breakfast before the program begins. (Top row, right) Eagle Restaurant owner Gerry Donovan welcomes the audience to the two-hour event. (Middle row, left and center)  New Bedford's 3rd EyE developer Ben Gilbarg performs with Mithell Garner. (Middle row, right) Guitarist Ryan Connearney performs during breakfast. (Bottom row, left) Bert Harlow comes up to claim his painting from B.O.L.D. volunteer Amy Curry Bassett during the drawing. (Bottom row, center and right) Amanda Donovan describes the mission and vision of YEAH! before Shannon Reynolds talks about the group's future plans.