A passion for music and serving underserved communities has led two local entrepreneurs to bring a groundbreaking event, the H.O.P.E. Concert Series, to the Danville region. The brainchild of David and Pleshette Boyer, this Community Engagement Summer Series is a partnership between Danville Public Schools (DPS), the Danville Church Based and Community Tutorial Program (DCCTP), the Danville Police Department (DPD) and the Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (DRHA). The series aims to tackle the serious issue of youth violence by engaging with young people through music.
We sat down with Pleshette and David to learn more:
How did you and David meet?
Pleshette: Well, it all began back in 2009 at a community event held in Newark, NJ. I had the privilege of attending this event thanks to a mutual friend, who had invited me. Little did I know that this gathering would mark the beginning of a beautiful connection. On that day, among the artists performing, I was captivated by David himself. His performance showcased a unique blend of positive hip hop, and I found myself drawn to his confidence and the meaningful lyrics he shared with the audience. At that time, I happened to be one of the few promoters in the tri-state area who focused on promoting Christian hip hop artists.
As fate would have it, our paths crossed through our shared passion for music. We soon developed a professional relationship, with me taking on the role of his artist manager. Over the course of the following years, our bond grew stronger, and we became more than just collaborators. Fast forward to today, we have spent a remarkable 13 years together, celebrating our ninth wedding anniversary this month. Our love has been blessed with the arrival of two wonderful little ones who bring endless joy to our lives.
Tell me more about your background and life experiences growing up and how that helped shape what you’re doing now.
Pleshette: I’m a Brooklyn, NY native passionate about transforming underserved communities. From a young age, I witnessed the oppression prevalent in these areas. Music has always been a part of my life, starting with the famous choir at my childhood church. Eventually joining and singing with the well known gospel choir, Hezekiah Walker Crusade choir, experiencing one of my sisters becoming a famous house music/R&B artist signed to a major label and attending christian college, I pursued a career in entertainment. Inspired by my former church’s outreach ministry embracing Christian Hip Hop, I realized its impact and found my greater purpose. I’m able to promote what I call Life music. I would eventually become the head coordinator at my old church for concerts and outreach events. I would eventually establish a professional promotional company for Christian Hip Hop.
Prior to Launching H.O.P.E. Concert Series, Inc in 2016, I founded another successful business called 3LPromotions which stands for One Life, One Love, & One Lord. My ability to provide up and coming artists with greater visibility I was recognized as one of the most sought after promoters in the Christian Hip Hop community. I’ve had the opportunity to work with several major and upcoming artist in different faceids; Platinum producer DJ Frankie Cutlass promotions New Testament Mixtape, Professor Daddy-O (founder of legendary Hiphop group Stetsasonic) collaborative events and music promotion, Artist management for Pamela Long former member of the R & B group Total, Heesun Lee Christian Hip Hop artist, and music promotions for Mista Raja aka EvrythngCost former Platinum producer for PDiddy, Lil Kim, Jodeci, Maino to name a few. And a host of Christian hip hop artists I’ve worked with from 2000 to date. H.O.P.E. Concert Series, Inc not only gives inspiration through concerts, promotions , and events, its clothing line is touching lives. Its main goal is to bring a fresh modern perspective to the faith based community while encouraging and sparking a message of hope.
David: I am a native of Plainfield, NJ. I basically grew up in poverty but had a two parent household. Due to our difficult circumstances, I found myself drawn to the allure of street life at a young age. Concurrently, my passion for music ignited when I witnessed my older brother and his friends forming a group. At the tender age of six, I began writing songs, fueling my ambition to pursue a career as a hip-hop artist.
In addition to embracing street life, I channeled my experiences into music that reflected our reality, or at least what I believed it to be. As my dedication to music deepened, I took the initiative to establish a record label for the group I belonged to. Our local popularity soared, bringing us close to securing a contract with a major label.
However, my loyalty and involvement in street life and addiction to substances eventually caught up with me. Tired of multiple arrests, one week in a 23 hour lockdown and a near-fatal car accident confronted me with the harsh consequences of my actions. Facing a potential 11-year prison sentence, I was blessed with divine intervention and a foundation in church from my childhood. It was then that I decided to pursue a path of transformation.
Taking a hiatus, I wholeheartedly embraced my new journey. As time passed, my passion for music reignited, but with a different lyrical approach. I began sharing my music and performing at churches and community events. My ultimate desire is to instill hope, serving as a genuine example for the young children I encounter today, for I was once just like them.
What do you hope young people will take away from this concert series?
Our hope that the young people will see better from men and women that were once in their situation. We want them to experience change and know that there are better alternatives and choices in life they can make outside of what is in front of them.
Working with the DRHA, the H.O.P.E. Concert Series, Inc., received funding for the events through a
Make More Happen Grant from the Danville Regional Foundation. The concerts will take place during
two of the Community Engagement Summer Series events. The first concert will be held on Friday, July
7th at the DRHA’s Cardinal Village housing development. Continue to check the social media of DRHA
and the H.O.P.E. Concert Series for more information.