Pop Concert Delivers Warning About Drugs, Gangs

At three assemblies Friday, students at Pacoima Middle School were given advice about appreciating this country’s cultural diversity and resisting the temptations of drugs and gangs.

But these were not typical middle school assemblies.

The messenger was the pop band JoGray, and the advice came in between sets of a raucous concert that had students shrieking with delight and teachers heading to the back of the room to cover their ears.

“This is the first time I’ve ever seen a rock concert,” said seventh-grader Jessica Busos. “It was really loud, but it was really good.”

The three-member band, featuring brothers Chuck and Kris BoGray and Dave Boettcher, visited the school in association with Youth Opportunities Unlimited, a Beverly Hills-based nonprofit organization dedicated to giving youths alternatives to gangs and drugs.

JoGray performed three 45-minute concerts Friday, complete with colored lights, smoke and decibels to spare.

“We want to project the image that we’re just like any other group, but with something positive to say,” said lead singer Kris BoGray.

“It’s a message they’ve heard before but it’s delivered with a powerful style,” said Assistant Principal Aaron G. Moretzsky. “There’s no generation gap so the [students] really pay attention.”