Though the pandemic has not been easy for artists, these two have continued to create while working diligently to support and build their community.
Floco Torres, an independent hip-hop musician and one half of Free Black!, has published multiple songs throughout 2020 and 2021. In addition to self publishing all of his recent music, he has put on virtual performances through EarthQuaker, Rubber City Jazz Fest, Porch Rokr and Kent Core, among many others. Though some venues have opened for indoor shows, Floco has no plans to perform live and in-person until it is safer to do so. “There’s not a major reset that will happen when more of the population is vaccinated,” said Floco. “We need to ease into 2021 as we exit the pandemic. People should not be ready to pack into music venues to see a show, I know I’m not ready for that. We still need to be cautious.”
Floco works for The Devil Strip, a community-owned newspaper, where he focuses on listening to the voices of the people and keeping boots on the ground. “I’d rather do my part to keep things moving, rather than just sitting around waiting for someone else to do it.” Floco absorbs what he hears from the community so that he and his team can make the changes that people want to see happen.
Meanwhile, Josy was granted a residency though Akron Soul Train to start work on the “HOME” project. “HOME” hosts interviews and collects feedback on what types of businesses residents would like to see in their neighborhood. The idea with the most votes will be used as the basis for a pop-up business, accompanied by site-specific theatre informed by the resident interviews. A play written by Josy, Across the River, is currently in production at the Balch Street Theatre. All of this is helping to inspire ideation and action for an inclusive, community-driven West Hill neighborhood. And to top it all off, the Women’s History Project of the Greater Akron Area just awarded Josy with Woman of the Year in the category of Creativity.
Together, Josy and Floco have not only withstood the pandemic but thrived, using their considerable creative talents to elevate their community as the world continues to heal.
