Young Inmates to Get Message in Music

More than 500 minors detained at San Fernando Valley Juvenile Hall will literally become a captive audience today for three hours of music with a message.

Oldies singer Brenton Wood, who will headline a free concert for the youngsters, will perform his new anti-drug anthem called “Viva La Raza,” which encourages youths to stay in school and stay away from drugs.

“I see a lot of kids missing the needed guidance from their parents and these are good kids who need attention,” said Wood. “It makes me feel good to give them that attention and time.”

Wood, who racked up three national hits in the 1960s and 1970s, will be joined by seven rappers and rap groups in pounding home anti-gang and anti-drug messages through music.

In between sets, counselors with Community Youth Gang Services will talk to the youngsters about the pitfalls of gang life.

“It’s an opportunity to convey a positive message to these kids not only through music, but also by speaking to them,” said Tai Kingi, the facility’s program services coordinator, who organized the concert. All the performers are volunteering their time.

One of the rappers, M.C. Boulevard, says he knows what life is like for the 8- to 18-year-old minors who are detained for offenses ranging from vandalism to murder.

“I was once inside Juvenile Hall for many months. My message is about hope. Maybe they will see that I’ve made it. I have a success story,” said Boulevard, 21, whose real name is Robert Hijar.