The Tracy resident is one of several artists participating in a hip-hop concert at West Valley Bowl cocktail lounge on Saturday, Feb. 16, to benefit Tracy Interfaith Ministries.
He will perform with Erica Dement, a 28-year-old Tracy resident who makes up the other half of their 2-year duo, Hippie Hop.
Grijalva, who has rapped since he was 24, said profits from the $5 cover charge will help the nonprofit in during its traditional downtime after the holidays.
Darlene Quinn said on Monday, Feb. 11, that donations of food and money dwindle following Thanksgiving and Christmas and decrease even more during the summer.
She added that on a typical week, the food pantry hands out more than two tons of food a day.
“It’s not that (people are) not generous other times of the year, it’s just that they’re not thinking about it,” Quinn said. “There’s really no off month for us. We’re handing out food here five days a week to an average of 90 families a day.”
Now, several local businesses will sponsor Saturday’s fundraiser, and artists from Tracy, the Bay Area and Reno are expected to collaborate at the bowling alley lounge.
Grijalva hopes the Saturday show — and shows in the future — to raise awareness about the need in the community, as well as money.
He also helped collect Easter baskets and backpacks for Tracy Interfaith in 2011.
“I’m really hoping people catch on that they can donate outside the show,” Grijalva said. “Not that I’m a perfect example, but doing stuff like this shows kids it’s all right to do charity stuff and not get anything back.”
• Contact Jon Mendelson at 830-4231 or jmendelson@tracypress.com.
At a glance
• WHAT: Hip hop concert for Tracy Interfaith Ministries
• WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16
• WHERE: West Valley Bowl cocktail lounges, 2365 East St.
• DETAILS: The 21-and-over show features several hip hop artists from Tracy, the Bay Area and Reno. Some coarse language is expected.
• COST: $5 at the door
• INFO: Alfonso Grijalva, hippiehopinfo@gmail.com
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