As part of Cross-Pollinate Vol. II, San Francisco's DJ Ripley did a workshop with local teens in Jackson from Stewpot Community Services' Summer Camp and the Youth Media Project.  Graciously hosted by the wonderful folks at Lumpkins BBQ (eat lunch there today!), DJ Ripley spent the morning teaching the basics of how to DJ and how to use music to have a conversation.

Because one of the main goals of Cross-Pollinate is to bring artists from around the world to Jackson and produce collaborative art projects with local artists, we asked the participants in the workshop to bring a song that they thought represents Jackson.  We asked the kids to bring things "with words or without words, maybe something from a school dance, or that your parents or grandpraents play." Then, over the course of the workshop, DJ Ripley and the teens crafted a mix that weaves all the different elements they brought into one cohesive whole: a Jackson Community Mix. 
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Just like Jackson, this mix features everything from soul to hip hop to gospel to a little international funk brought by our guest, DJ Ripley.  From DJ Ripley & the Cross-Pollinate team, please enjoy our Jackson Community Mix:

DJ Ripley & Jackson Community DJs - Jackson Cross-Pollinate Mix (For Download)

DJ Ripley & Jackson Community DJs - Jackson Cross-Pollinate Mix (Streaming)