On October 9, 2016, PURE Theatre hosts local Hip­Hop artist, Walter Brown, and special guests Josh Illmortal and Melodik Tonez for a CD release concert and celebration of Brown’s EP ­ Concrete Rose. Concrete Rose is the culmination of Brown’s more than four year journey of self­discovery, running the gamut of devastating wrong turns, self­correction, and ultimately the celebration of perseverance in the face of great odds.

The title of Brown’s album, Concrete Rose, derives from the occurrence of something beautiful developing out of hard circumstances, and from the obstacles Brown faced while navigating the aftermath of the wrong choices he made as a young adult. A native of Charleston, Brown’s concrete rose is the lowcountry sweetgrass rose. He says it “embodies [a] struggle to make something beautiful… and having to grow through...tough situations, and becoming better because of it, and reaping the benefits because of it.”

The CD’s tracks chronicle a period in Brown’s life beginning with his realization that he was heading down the wrong path, through his redirection, to the sense of triumph that resulted from a self­willed change in course. The album is Brown’s way of presenting this personal success while facing all societal odds. And Brown isn’t alone in the celebration of his personal triumph. PURE Theatre’s Artistic Director/Co­Founder and long­time family friend of Brown, Sharon Graci, has the utmost respect for Brown’s perseverance.

"Walter’s is a hero’s journey if there ever was one. Yes, it is a story of struggle, and self­induced suffering, loss and regret, but it’s equally a story of growth, understanding, willpower, survival, creativity, and hope. He has a warrior’s heart and I couldn’t be more proud to know him and to support him. He is absolutely courageous, and he embraces his path in life, with all of its bumps, and wrong turns. Walter’s work shouts self­acceptance and confidence, and he relentlessly puts forth his own personal truth that, ‘if I can do this, you can do this, so be brave, it’s never too late to be who you want to be.’”

Following the EP release, Brown will be working with the PURE Playwright Lab to create a one­person play about his experiences.

Event Details: Doors will open at 7:15 pm and the show will begin at 8:00 pm. Tickets will be available at the door for $10.00. Josh Illmortal will begin the show, followed by Melodik Tonez, and headlined by Walter Brown. For questions or information call the PURE Theatre Box Office at 843.723.4444. Box Office Hours are Tues–Sat 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. PURE Theatre • 477 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403