Washington, D.C. – (April 9, 2009) —The River East Emerging Leaders (r.e.e.l.) announced today it will take part in the open house activities of the proposed JazzNSoul Café, to underscore the organization’s strong support for new business ventures in the River East community. The sneak preview of the JazzNSoul Café takes place Saturday, April 11, 2009 from 11 a.m. – dark, with r.e.e.l. hosting an open house for its members from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The address is 2020 Shannon Place SE in Historic Anacostia.

One of r.e.e.l.’s cornerstones (r.e.e.l. development) includes supporting development in River East by breaking down long-held perceptions that people will not support businesses located here. “We must spread the word that River East is a great place to invest,” said Charles Wilson, member of the organization’s steering committee. “Partnering with businesses that want to be in wards 7 and 8 will show the greater business community that we are open for business.”

The event, which coincides with the Anacostia Cherry Blossom Festival, is free and open to the public. There will also be food and soft drink venders at the event. “The JazzNSoul Café will bring live entertainment to the heart of one of D.C.’s best keep secrets—River East,” said businessman Eric Whitehead, who is spearheading the development of the site along with developer Four Points. While it doesn’t look like much now, Whitehead is banking on transforming the old warehouse that sits on the corner of Shannon and W Streets into a thriving unique upscale establishment that will draw people to an area often overlooked. “This Saturday’s event will be the major catalyst to ensure the café moves from paper to reality,” Whitehead said.

Several local music, comedy and spoken word artists are scheduled to perform throughout the day-long event, including: SamO and JFC; Earl Carter; Glen Arnett; Jamie Jones; Paul Chew; Nonya Whitley and more. DJ Jammer will also be on hand to provide music for the event.

About River East Emerging Leaders:Conceived by a group of concerned citizens from Washington, D.C.’s wards 7 and 8 communities, the River East Emerging Leaders (r.e.e.l.) is a progressive network created to enlighten, engage and empower our River East neighborhoods through development of strong and healthy bonds between residents, business owners and government; stimulating interest in the general welfare and activities of the community; bridging generational divides between new and established residents to affect needed change; and fostering open dialogues that lead to solutions for community growth and investment. To learn more information about r.e.e.l., e-mail the organization at RiverEastEmergingLeaders@gmail.com .