(More exclusive interviews and video footage to come soon!)

On Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 6pm an official press conference will be held at the Chez Vous Roller Skating Rink regarding the impending closure of the iconic venue. Currently owned by community activist Greer Toney, the Dorchester landmark has been an important area landmark since 1932.

Greer Toney, in her commitment to bringing the Atlanta-based star to Boston to speak about the importance of education and unity, used the skating rink’s mortgage allotment to secure Bow Wow’s appearance. As a result of his absence Ms Toney was forced to refund the patron’s fees, ultimately resulting in Chez Vous’ fate. The 77-year old venue will be auctioned off on April 15, 2009 and Boston will lose one of its finest resources.

Im sure by now everyone has already heard either a version or claims to know the truth about what happened with the Bow Wow appearance at the Chez Vouz roller skating rink in Dorchester. Well 617Live was there and has the exclusive video of the event and it’s results which we will be releasing soon. Until then please read the following first hand account of the day in question….

The multi-platinum rap artist from SoSo Def Bow Wow was scheduled to make an appearance at the Chez-Vouz roller skating rink yesterday for what was called a celebration of “Peace”. Various local acts were also on the bill to perform in front of they’re peers. A gambit of local celebrities came out such as the popular Boston dance group and MTV Best Dance Crew finalist “Status Quo” & counselor Chuck Turner just to name a few were in the building.

Status Quo’s “Mally Mal”, “Sauce”, & “Flex”   &   City Counselor Chuck Turner

The line to enter was just as long as the wait to get in due to the measures of security searches that included walking through a metal detector. You would think the national security laws were being applied, but understandable. Once inside, the crowd was directed towards the wide rink which was divided by barricades that lead into section appropriately called the “Kids VIP” since this was the closest anyone could get to the actual performance area.

The VIP section was divided by large “curtain” like dividers. This is where the media press was allowed to wait for the artist Bow Wow to make his entrance prior to the show. This section could only be described as organized but confusing at times. The security was strong and efficient. Even our own 617Live correspondent, T. Whitlow was given a hard time by security individuals who clearly weren’t correctly informed of our credentials, but was easily corrected.

After a few local acts performed the anticipation of Bow Wow’s arrival was building bigger & louder as kids ranging from ages as young as 2 through 15 were anxiously waiting and harmoniously chanting “Bow Wow, Bow, Wow”. During this time the promoters decided to move the barricades and “reconstruct” the performance area. This proved to be not an easy task while attempting to herd 300 hyped kids anxiously waiting for they’re idol Bow Wow.

After moments of deejay announcements and some confusion, the word finally came that Bow Wow was just moments away from entering the building. Media as well as VIP selected fans anxiously awaited his entry into the backstage. The presence of 6 feet plus personal security guys entered the room and performed somewhat of a “walk through”. This took no more than 5 minutes before the announcement was made to clear the area, VIP & media included. This order became the start of a chaotic display of re-organization. During the confused clearing which only took 5-10 minutes, the word started buzzing that Bow Wow deemed the area “unsafe” and left without even exiting his vehicle.

Once it became evident & confirmed that the artist was not going to fulfill his obligation, chaos ensued once again but this time between the promoters themselves. After hours of hyping the crowd, the host was forced to announce that Bow Wow was not going to perform and has left the area due to “complications”. The Boston inner city youth were left unsatisfied & sadden. Children of various ages were left either crying, or with a look of utter disappointment.

It is extremely disappointing to see the level in which an artist can reach when they can feel they can dismiss an all age’s performance without remorse, even for fans as young as 3 years old. Of course the artist’s safety is a definite priority, but Bow Wow should have considered the children that stood in line for long periods of time, went through a rigorous security search, and paid $35 per person to enjoy and support his career. It’s unfortunate that his level of success has turned him from once being one of those kids that looked up once looked up to celebrities as he did. Bow Wow, all bark and no bite!

A press conference was held today, so stay tuned for results…

In the meantime open up your heart and send any amount of appreciated donation to:

CLICK HERE TO DONATE AND HELP SAVE CHEZ VOUS!

-Big Hek
617Live