The Ave Magazine in conjunction with BrownIzes Ent. and Wordstock Inc, launch their monthly after-work Mic Check artist showcase this Thursday April 21, 2005 from 7 pm – 11 pm at the Cherry Lounge, located at 454 W. 128th street in Harlem NYC. Cover for the event is $10.

Mic Check Thursdays will be a place for signed and up and coming artists to premier new material. Each month, a collection of hip hop, R & B and spoken word artists will perform in with a live band. “With Mic Check, we wanted to encourage innovation in hip hop by creating a place for artists to bring something fresh to the game,” says Ben Leff, co-CEO of The Ave Magazine. “In teaming up with BrownIzes, Wordstock Inc., and the Cherry Lounge, we’ve found the perfect environment for music industry executives and hip hop lovers to relax and hear what new music trends are on the horizon.”

The first Mic Check event will be hosted by comedian Kenny Williams of BET’s Comic View and Showtime at the Apollo, and will also feature a small fashion show by Azzure Denim and Indigo Red. Navan cognac will provide an open bar at the beginning of the evening, accompanied by some food for the after-work crowd. Among those featured at this Thursdays showcase are Akil Dasan, from Missy’s Road to Stardom, Anthony Morales from HBO’s Def Poetry, and upstart rapper Cory Red.