Shooting leads to musical 'revolution'

Tiny bullet fragments remain lodged in Joshua Foster's body 1 1/2 years after a serial robber shot him in the stomach during an attempted stickup outside a local currency exchange.

But the 33-year-old married father of two took away much more from the November 2006 shooting. Foster, who made a full recovery, said he was invigorated by the experience, finding a renewed focus for his long-held desire to help others, especially children.

But he didn't know how. Two months later, he attended his son Elijah's music program at Harvard Park Elementary School.

Foster said he was moved by the children's smiles and overall enthusiasm. And he thought about their potential and how easily the lure of drugs and violence could destroy it - just as it did for his assailant, Gregory Hullum, who started smoking marijuana at age 12, court records say.

Determined to promote ways to engage young people, Foster has started a group called The Revolution's You, which focuses on immersing children in the arts. Its first major event is a daylong music and art festival on April 26 at Harvard Park Elementary. More than 20 bands and 30 artists, mostly local, are participating. Proceeds will benefit the school's fine arts program.

The event will include live music, a silent auction and workshops where children can create different art forms. It's open to the public, and children are encouraged to attend. Recycled Records, Samuel Music and Daddy-O's Music are sponsors.

"Basically, I look at it as changing the world; maybe not the whole world, but ... the world of the children, their world. If you get them interested in something else, like painting a picture or playing the drums, it can be a trickle down effect," Foster said.

Foster, a mail messenger for the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, is busy recruiting people to his cause, which includes hopping up on stage to make announcements during open mic nights, calling public officials and even e-mailing major recording artists about the festival.

"If I don't try, I'll think that I kind of failed," Foster said of his efforts, which have become like a second job.

Foster, who was known as Joshua Smith while attending elementary and middle school in the Petersburg Porta school district, said he's always had a strong appreciation for music and art. His wife, Nathania, an artist, paints with their sons, Elijah, 5, and Lathan, 2.

The couple also exposes the boys to an eclectic mix of recording artists and local performers.

He said he wants all students to receive the same kind of exposure to the arts. He hopes proceeds from the festival can be used to buy a piano or Clavinova (a digital piano) for Harvard Park's music program as well as other music and art supplies.

Foster would like to turn the festival into an annual event that could go to a different school each year. He plans on meeting with Springfield School Superintendent Walter Milton later this month to discuss his ideas. He's also working on getting non-profit status for The Revolution's You, and ideally, he would like to open a center for the group down the road.

But first, he wants to make this month's art and music festival a success. While spaces for bands and musical acts have filled up, Foster is looking for volunteers who can help with the event, even for only limited blocks of time. He's also seeking items for the silent auction, such as photography, homemade jewelry, sculptures, paintings, etc.

Those interested in getting involved should email Foster at <span class="underlinelink">therevolutionsyou@comcast.net</span> or visit the group's MySpace page at <span class="underlinelink">www.myspace.com/therevolutionsyou</span>.

"It's an amazing thing. It's so fun to do and to put something in and to realize that so many kids' lives are going to be affected out of something that really could have been incredibly tragic," Foster said.

"I look at (the shooting) now that it was almost great, probably the best thing that ever happened to me, besides getting married and having my kids."

Amanda Reavy can be reached at (217) 788-1525 or amanda.reavy@sj-r.com.

<span class="subhead">Want to be a part of it? </span>

What: The Revolution Music and Art Festival

When: Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Harvard Park Elementary School, 2501 S. 11th St.

Events: Three stages with live music, silent art auction, art demonstrations, hands-on art and music workshops for youths and food.

Cost: $5 for children in sixth grade and higher; $5 for adults with children; and $7 for adults without children. Children in fifth grade and lower get in free. Advance $5 tickets can be purchased at Recycled Records, 2One7 Skate Shop, Sunsup Koffee Kafe, Daddy O's Music, Samuel Music and Penny Lane.