Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice is hosting a fundraiser with a performance by Maria Isa & the Drums at Hook and Ladder (3010 Minnehaha Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55406) on Thursday, May 4th. This concert will launch the Hook and Ladder’s annual, award-winning Under the Canopy series. 

This outdoor concert is 21+ and tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit SLRJ. There will be a food truck on site for the duration of the show and free ice cream provided by Minnehaha Scoop. 

Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice was founded by neighborhood residents in 2004 to work with youth cited for breaking the law in order to help them learn from their mistakes and make amends. SLRJ uses a restorative conference process that includes preparation with both parties and culminates in a conversation about what happened, how it caused harm, and the creation of a plan to “make things right”. SLRJ has also contributed to many important legal system reforms to transform how mistakes by youth are treated, that is, to move away from a punishment model to one that treats “youthful behavior” as opportunities for learning and making amends. 

SLRJ is experiencing an increase in requests from community members who are seeking alternatives to the police and legal system response to harm and crime. Proceeds from the concert will allow SLRJ to continue to offer resources and support to each person requesting a restorative process and to continue to advocate for legal system changes including the recently introduced bill in the MN House which would increase RJ options for youth statewide.  

Maria Isa Perez-Hedges is a Boricua singer, songwriter, actress, rapper, activist, youth worker and international recording artist. She has performed alongside and opened for artists such as The Roots, Bad Bunny, Common, Moby, Bomba Estereo, Sheila E, Kendrick Lamar, Wu Tang Clan, Las Cafeteras, Atmosphere, Pedrito Martinez, and many more. She is the founder, producer, and co-host for Latina Theory: Spanglish Podcast. She is also a MN State Representative for District 65B. 

For more information or to donate directly to SLRJ on their website, visit slrj.org. 

The Hook and Ladder Under the Canopy Series is supported by: Jack Daniels, Summit Brewing, Slane Irish Whiskey, KFAI – Fresh Air Community Radio, Mpls / St Paul Magazine, Nobool Presents, Arbeiter Brewing, Moon Palace Books, The Hub Bike Co-Op, The Hive Realty, Lake Street Council, & The MN State Arts Board

Additional support for this event provided by Seward Co-op.