“Meanwhile, on a makeshift side stage tucked away by the bathroom station UpRise Productions hosted a program of youth rappers and dancers. Using a low-key sound system and performing to a group of friends and family clustered under a few shade trees, these young people threw down hard. Vigorous break dancers from Out of Control, a razor-tongued female rap duo called Graffiti Tongue, and a large collaborative crew called the Cipher Warriors all showcased their skills. The day was young and the crowd was still somewhat sparse but there was already plenty of talent on display.”

 - Deborah Sengupta Stith, austin360.com

“Anyone who’s ever seen a production by Zell Miller III and Ebony Stewart knows they’re about to get a sock in the jaw, but they still blow you away every time with their social commentary and clever lyricism.”

- Ryan E. Johnson, austin.com

“UpRise! Productions slapped audience members in the face with ‘Power is Yours: Take It Or Leave It’. Ballet East dancers were a mixture of grace, groove and snap”

– The Austin Chronicle

“Passionate, sometimes angry and always powerful…. Truly unbelievable and intense. It was our favorite piece of the night.”

- Austinist

“There ain’t much Art in Austin that come close to touchin’ this!”

– Barry Pineo