Ride the Breaks 2016 kicks off this evening

The Donkey Mill Art Center welcomes Ride the Breaks 2016, the annual Hip Hop cultural festival on Hawaii Island.

The event kicks off tonight with a free artist talk with hip hop legend Grandmaster Caz from 6-8 p.m. at the center in Holualoa.

Caz is a Hall of Fame DJ, world renowned emcee, author and public speaker who has been a major figure in the hip hop community since 1974. He is widely regarded as one of the best emcees of all time and has been honored, recognized and acknowledged for his many contributions to the hip hop community and industry.

Ride the Breaks continues Saturday from noon to sunset at Hale Halawai with break dancing battles, live painting and performances by Pana Joes, Nowelo, Leanski, Safire, Te Ea O Te Turama and more. Grandmaster Caz is a special guest.

The festivities wrap up Sunday with a “Rock the Boat” event featuring a boat ride and diving. Tickets are limited and cost $60. Email ridethebreaks@gmail.com for details.

The festival strives to provide a forum for cultural exchange and youth empowerment through the promotion of positive hip hop culture. Each year the festival brings artists, dancers, deejays and emcees together for a multi-day event featuring performances, competitions, live painting, lectures, demonstrations, and workshops.