BOOCOO, community grown

"Is it possible for community-based organizations to be completely organic?" you ask, "Drawing almost completely from the talents, passions, and wealth of the surrounding population?" The 5th ward on the westside of Evanston just may be able to offer a "Yes" to your question. Navigate to the corner of Church and Dodge and you will find Boocoo, a multi-cultural center built by "Community Builders," a community-based construction company that hires and trains young men from the 5th ward. The center name is creole for "more."

"But naturally they increase Evanston's carbon footprint with their energy-use," you say. You will be even more pleased to know that the center, established in 2006, is one of Chicago-land's first buildings to have a geothermal heating and cooling system donated by the Evanston-employed company Indie Energy, resulting in 50% energy savings.

And this is just the infrastructure. It is what goes on INSIDE Boocoo's walls that is a wide-eye-opener. The center is buzzing with talented artists, musicians, and community organizers, attempting to create an Evanston-bred and raised space for everyone to enjoy. Located within its walls are a music school, offering private and group lessons, a professional recording studio, a movement school with dance, martial arts, yoga and fitness classes, workshops and discussions, a nutrition program, and a healthy cafe.

You have a space sculpted by Evanstonians, utilizing the energy right from beneath itself. You have a performance space, a digital lab, a video projector and screen, an outdoor patio. You have Hip-Hop and Soul Mondays from 8-11pm the first Monday of every month, Open Mic Poetry For the People Tuesdays from 9-11pm, and high-energy shows like Freedom Sounds live jazz concert every Wednesday. You can join in community dialogue on such issues as community gardening with the local "Talking Farm." If you have an idea for an event, a dialogue session, a workshop, Boocoo wants to know "more."

It is a non-profit; the programs, the food, the events must be a bit pricey so that the center can sustain itself. Truth? False. For dance classes like Afro-Caribbean, Urban Salsa, or Steppin', one can buy 5 classes for $12 each (and the rate for classes lessens the more you sign up for). The drop-in rate ups to $15, though free classes are sometimes available (and financial aid for those who qualify) like the Hip-Hop workshop lead by Evanston Township High School's dance team. Workshops and events are normally $5. Indulge in a Tahini Garden Salad for $3.75 and a cheese pita pizza for $1.50.

This blog does not do justice to everything Boocoo is up to. We suggest you check out their website here: http://www.boocoo.org/boocoo.php or hit up the center that is inevitably just blocks from where you are.