Hip Hop and R&B Showcase at [the square] Presented by The JB Music Org

The JB Music Org Presents: a Hip Hop and R&B Showcase at [the square]

A benefit for Equal Measure Arts

Featuring: Rijah, Stay On Mars, Genius Black, Justin "JT" Toussaint, and J-Dubs

JUNE 24th

34 Preble St., Portland, ME

$15 adv. / $20 doors

BYOB / ALL AGES (minors with parent/guardian)

Rijah

Singer-songwriter and producer Rijah fuses the soul of her hometown, Jersey City, with the jazz of Manhattan, sculpting a vivid self portrait that reflects themes of perseverance, growth, and human nature. Through the exploration of herself and the world around her, Rijah’s latest project, “Motion Pictures,” emerged, and is now available for streaming. She has been featured on NPR Top Shelf in 2023 and 2024, recently shared the same stage with Norah Jones and Noah Kahan at the 2024 Soundside Music Festival in Bridgeport, Connecticut, played at the 2025 NAMM Convention in California, the 2025 South By Southwest Festival in Texas. Her recent performances also include shows abroad in Spain, the UK, and India.

Stay On Mars is a NEW ENGLAND HIP HOP ARTIST based out of PORTLAND MAINE. Growing up with late 90’s and early 2000’s Hip Hop, MARS began working on his craft in 2003 as a teenager and continues to now evolve as an emcee in his late thirties. Originally born outside of Washington D.C, MARS moved around the country after high school pursuing music before landing on the Portland, Maine music scene in 2015. Influenced as a kid by artists such as Atmosphere and Sage Francis, MARS is often described as conscious Hip Hop and leans on themes of struggling to adapt in society while still leaving the audience with a message of hope. On a personal note, MARS uses his music to share stories about being a caretaker for his mother for the last ten years. After losing her to Alzheimer’s Disease, songs such as “Magic Pill” and “Buttercup” have managed to capture the audience during his show. It’s been a constant reminder for him that everyone shares a similar story when it comes to grief, and the authenticity of the performance often breaks down the wall between the listener and artist. A community organizer at heart, MARS has been involved in bringing artists from all over the world to New England while creating spaces for local artists to grow and connect with the scene. In the past decade MARS has become known for curating Monday of the Minds: A Community Hip Hop Showcase every second and fourth Monday in Portland, Maine. In partnership with Friends of Congress Square Park, MARS has also developed a family friendly summer concert series called Hip Hop In The Park. In 2025, MARS made the decision to step away from the monthly grind of organizing Monday of the Minds and is now looking to hit the national touring circuit with new music to share. MARS has shared stages with Talib Kweli, GZA of Wu Tang Clan, Skyzoo, Zion I, Masta Ace, Blueprint, Homeboy Sandman, B Dolan, Akrobatic, Mr. Lif, ED O.G, Termanology, Sole, Ceschi, Myles Bullen, & more…

Genius Black, also known as Jerry Edwards, is a social innovator, entrepreneur, and musical artist based in South Portland. Naturally a storyteller and motivator, he focuses on collaboration and audio/video production as a craft. Genius curates a collaborative network and collective of musical talent, GEM CITY, driving the intersection of art, culture, and quality of place unique to Maine’s coast. He holds a degree in Africana Studies and an English minor from Bowdoin College. Genius is a media and communications organizer for TheThirdPlace and a proud board member of Portland Media Center & Portland Ovations.

Justin Toussaint, an emerging musician based out of southern Maine, brings a bass-heavy voice and motivational lyrics to every stage he performs on. Starting music in 2022 as an outlet, "JT" blends new age creativity with straight forward music, to immerse the listener into a cinematic universe. As "JT" describes, his music is about telling his story, while encouraging the listener to keep going, keep striving, in their story. From heartfelt songs like "Tina's Son", to fast paced inspirational tracks like "Why Not Me?", with Justin Toussint, you get a variety of songs, written and engineered to speak directly to the listener."

Jaylen White

Born and raised in Westbrook, 23-year-old R&B artist Jaylen White creates music that captures raw emotion, late-night thoughts, and the journey of chasing bigger dreams. With a blend of heartfelt lyrics, soulful vocals, and modern R&B influences, his goal is simple: make music that people can feel and see themselves in.