DaytonDailyNews.com

All they need is one mic ...

Dayton hip-hop group Gem City Era wants to give local hip-hop acts some time in the spotlight. The trio is hosting Dayton's first Hip-Hop Showcase on Friday, May 16, at the IUE-CWA Local 755 Hall, 1675 Woodman Drive, Dayton. The show will begin at 9 p.m., and various MCs will perform throughout the night, wrapping things up around 1 a.m.

The lineup includes Bishop Bruce, A-Dizzle and rap trio J.M.P.

(Chris "C.A." Adams, Brad "Hustle N' Flow" White and Julian "Finesse" Peasant) will take the stage at 11:30. Scott Sharp of HOT 102.9 will host the event, which also features an open bar and music by DJs.

Auditions for the showcase were advertised through Myspace, and those who were interested were given private try-outs. The best of those performers were given time slots Friday night.

"Most of the time, we don't hear about local hip-hop talent in the Dayton area. We're giving these people an opportunity to get their names out," Gem City Era's White said.

Gem City Era, which has been together since 2005, will also have its disc, "The Urban Down" available for fans to check out .

"When people pick up the record, they'll see how universal it is," White said.

how to go

WHAT: First Hip-Hop Showcase

WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday, May 16

WHERE: IUE-CWA Local 755 Hall, 1675 Woodman Drive, Dayton

ADMISSION: $10

MORE INFORMATION: myspace.com/gemcityera

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