`Le'Burg,' teen TV show, to take format on the road.

Byline: Anna L. Griffin

FITCHBURG - "Le'Burg" an award-winning teen-talk television show designed as both a forum for community issues and an avenue for young people to develop various skills, is taking its show on the road.

In what is hoped to be the first in a series of quarterly events, the crew from "Le'Burg" will host a dance-fashion show from 7 to 11:30 p.m. tomorrow at Three Pyramids Inc., 66 Day St. Tickets, available at the door, are $5 per person and the event is appropriate for those younger than 21.

"They've been after me for some time to do something like this," said W. Rachel Chery, the executive producer and artistic director of Wild Red Productionz and "Le'Burg."

"We want to continue to reach out to the community, so I think this is just another way that we can do that." Ms. Chery said. "We've been really building a following in Fitchburg, and now in Leominster, as well."

"Le'Burg" is produced at Fitchburg Access Television. It is shown on Tuesday evenings at 9:30 on FATV, Cablevision Channel 8 and Leominster Access Television Channel 9.

After its first nine episodes, the show has been recognized with two International Hermes Creative Awards. The concept for the show was selected for the semifinals and finals of Mount Wachusett Community College's Business Plan Competition.

Ms. Chery said the show is run and performed by teens, with the goal of helping Fitchburg and Leominster teens be aware of local and national news and events, and of the opportunities available to them.

"The show is all about what it's like being a teen today," said Bianca Louis, 16, of Fitchburg, who participates in the program. "One of those issues is house parties - what they're like, what they should be like."

"We wanted to show them how it should be done," Miss Louis said, speaking about the event the fashion show and party.

The event will feature music by Juan Rivera of Stony Brook Productions. A.J. Wright of Fitchburg is contributing fashions and Corey B Hair Salon of Gardner will donate hair and make-up services.

Those working with the show have appeared on Boston radio station JAMN 94.5's show "Droppin' Knowledge" with Dwayne Brown to promote both the show and the series of parties.

Ms. Chery said the program appeals to a wide variety of young people.

"Because it's all driven by young people, they know how to speak to other young people," she said. "The idea of holding a party, how to do it in a good and responsible way, is one of the topics the crew thought we should tackle."

"It's going to be a great event," said Evelyn Island, 16, who also participates in "Le'Burg" and is one of the party's organizers. "People are telling me they are going to be stopping by."

"The show has a following," Miss Island said. "Teachers in school, other kids, tell me they see me on television. It's great because I know the message is getting out."

In addition to being a safe and fun time for teens, the event is also being used as a fundraiser for "Le'Burg."

"We do have to raise money in order to keep this going," said Ms. Chery. "It is entirely driven by donations from various organization as well as individual contributions."

She said, "Le'Burg" has gained support and assistance from local community organizations such as Fitchburg Police Athletic League, the Cleghorn Neighborhood Center, Hannaford's, Montachusett Opportunity Council, LUK Inc., the Boys and Girls Clubs of Fitchburg and Leominster, the YMCA, Mount Wachusett Community College, the Fitchburg High School Dance and Step Squad, the Fitchburg Public Library, FATV and the Print Shop.

"We hope this party brings more people to us," Ms. Chery said. "And we hope it gains us more support in the community."

ART: PHOTO

CUTLINE: The cast and crew of "Le'Burg," a teen-talk TV show produced at Fitchburg Access Television. "Le'Burg" is hosting a dance-fashion show tomorrow.

PHOTOG: ANNA L. GRIFFIN