Despite wet weather and a low turnout, a group of young performers sought to raise awareness of a new program aimed at promoting the visibility of youth in Ottawa.

On May 8 at St. Paul’s University, the Works handed out burgers to hungry teens while musicians, poets and speakers held court in a third-floor auditorium for the launch party of Ottawa Gets Youth.

“We’re looking to assess the friendliness of Ottawa from the perspective of youth,” said Keri Abella, a member of the Ottawa Gets Youth organizing committee.

Aaron Beaudoin, another committee member, said there were two main goals: To get opinions from youth on how Ottawa caters to their needs, and to evaluate the responses they receive in order to make improvements.

While the event was originally going to be held outside on the lawn, the wet weather forced the event indoors, which may have led to the lower turnout.

Stuart Buist, a member of the Ottawa Youth Commission and event organizer, said they were hoping to have 200 youth at the launch party and the Works was prepared with 300 hamburgers to give to hungry patrons. However, the turnout was closer to about 50 people gathered inside the auditorium.

While the turnout was less than hoped for, many on the committee echoed that they were happy to “spread the word.”

Sergio Guerra, also known as Hyfi Delik the Gypsy Sun, brought his fiery poetry to the stage. He asked that the city not ignore young people because they represent the future.

Guerra also owns the Umi Cafe, and said the cafe is part of a “strong community of youth” and he was very happy to donate his time towards Ottawa Gets Youth.

He wants to see a partnership with the city grow in order to make Ottawa more accessible to youth, with more activities geared towards young people.

The event also saw performances by poet Will Felepchuk, musician Erin Felepchuk and AK-47, a band featuring members Luis Izaca and Raul Alvarado.