Urban Renewal Project Virtual 8 Year Anniversary Showcase

When DJ Denise Fraser was given the studio keys to CO-OP Radio in 2012, she was inheriting an ambitious but little-known radio show called Urban Renewal Project.  With a love for radio that started in her teenage years, hosting a show that focused on Canadian music quickly became a passion for DJ Denise.

From the beginning, Urban Renewal Project was a platform for marginalized artists, a weekly forum that would amplify their voices through conversation and activism.  DJ Denise is a queer Black woman, mother to four adolescent children, who grew up in the local music scene throwing the most inclusive and accessible parties in town.  And while DJ’ing and promoting came naturally to her, URP was DJ Denise’s avenue for educating, organizing, and empowering marginalized communities.

Over time the radio show evolved to become a platform for both emerging and established musicians and businesses.  The very first annual URP showcase took place at the Cobalt in 2012. “In the beginning, it was mostly artists showing up to the event because they were excited to be on stage.  People didn’t really know about each other.”

For DJ Denise, one performance that stands out was Snotty Nose Rez Kids on stage in 2018.  She had worked with the duo earlier that year at the Edge of the World Festival in Haida Gwaii. “We all became friends.  I interviewed them on the radio show and asked if they would give us a performance, and they were gracious to do it.  That was definitely one of the highlights of our anniversary parties”.

By 2019 the radio show had earned itself a loyal following.  The showcase, held for the third time at Fortune Sound Club, featured performances from Concise The Black Knight, Foreign Familia, Sade Ariiel and others.  Oki Freshwater of the NuNew Music Team presented DJ Denise with the ‘All for the Culture’ award, on behalf of the people of hip hop.  “They wanted to celebrate me as well because of the work I’ve done to bring all of these artists together over the years”.

This year, instead of printing handbills and running stage rehearsals with the performers, DJ Denise is levelling up her production capabilities.  Working with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), producers can essentially run a television program from their computer.  “I’m really excited to be producing an interactive event using OBS and Twitch.  There will be real-time performances, video segments, and live stream participation from artists and supporters.  I would love for the artists to take over and run the show themselves so that all I have to do is use the technology to bring us together.  What I want to do with this production will help me do bigger things that I can’t do through community radio.

Join the broadcast LIVE on:
twitch.tv/urpradio
facebook/urpradio
youtube/urpradio

Follow on:
Twitter @URPradio
Instagram @URPradio

Please consider donating to Patreon/UrbanRenewalProject. 100% funds raised go to the artists.

Sponsored by @corazonchocolates and supported by East Van Clothing, @hogansalleyclothing, Area 151 Records, @naashekafashion, 401Records @melodic.mondayz, Ephin Apparel, @_createwear @hiphopvancouver (HHvTV)

Others Details

Category: Community / Fundraisers / Charities Time: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm