Tonight, some of Oakland's musical best will step up to the mike and take on the Youth Movement Records' challenge.

The nonprofit organization is joining forces with the new Oakland schools "Late Night Live" weekend program to provide a local "American Idol" competition, which also will introduce young Oakland talent to the world of the music industry.

Beginning at 8 p.m. TONIGHT at the Rainbow Recreational Center - and running until midnight - local youth will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of music experts, perform in an open mic contest and receive detailed feedback on their performance.

The free event will be held over the next five weeks at different Late Night Live locations. The Grammy Foundation also is lending its support.

The winner of the talent contest will appear with the opening act of Oakland’s Art & Soul Festival, Aug. 20-21, and the top three winners will perform at the Back to School Rally in late August. The event also will feature special performances by guest artists POPlyfe and local legend Dwayne Wiggins. Other prominent local entertainment artists are expected to contribute to the program in the weeks ahead.

"There's just so much amazing Oakland talent out there," Ryan Peters, executive director of Youth Movement Records, said. "I'm just so grateful to the mayor and her staff for wanting to engage young people in a different, unique way."

Peters said contestants will perform five minute, "radio-friendly" songs. She expects the program to grow via word of mouth and impact about 600 young Oaklanders by end of the contest.

"We really want to give young people an opportunity to learn about the music and entertainment access points that are available," Peters said.

Formally launched in June, Late Night Live, allows teens to participate in sports and arts activities in the evenings until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

Rainbow Recreation Center in East Oakland and McClymonds High School in West Oakland have served as test pilot locations for this project, which has garnered the support of organizations like Safeway, Nike, 100 Black Men and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

The Late Night Live program is now growing with the opening of the 81st Avenue Library and also with the East Oakland Youth Development Center in East Oakland.

The Youth Movement Records road show schedule:

•     July 22 at 81st Avenue Library at Rudsdale Avenue

•     July 29 at East Oakland Youth Development Center,
• 8200 International Blvd.

•     Aug. 5 at East Oakland Youth Development Center, 8200 International Blvd.

•    Aug. 12 at McClymonds High School, 2607 Myrtle St.

•    Aug. 19 at McClymonds High School

For additional information, contact@youthmovementrecords.org or call
(510) 832-4212.