For some of the artists involved in Hip Hop on the Ave music helped them get their footing in life and now those same artists are paying it forward, putting on a show in support of Edmonton's less fortunate.

"Not everybody who becomes a musician will all the sudden lead a positive life, but what it does is gives us the opportunity to give you something else to do, to show you the other side of things," said artist Stephen Goyette.

Goyette organized Hip Hop on the Avenue, an all ages show at the Avenue Theatre that is gave two dozen local artists their first opportunity to perform on Sunday.

"I have a couple friends that do this and I just wanted to try it out, so they gave me a part," said Alex Williams, also known as Young Steezy.

The show not only gives inner city youth a positive outlet, it also raises valuable donations for Edmononton's Food Bank. Instead of admission, spectators are asked to bring non-perishable food items.

"It's wonderful to see them taking a hands on initiative and drive to support Edmonton's Food Bank," said Tamiscan Bencz-Knight with Edmonton's Food Bank.

Organizers say the two goals of the event not only help inner city youth give back to the community, but it also gives them something to focus on.

"I hope the have a sense of unity after, a sense of pride rather than a negative image of the avenue," said Goyette.

Those who participated say the event did just that.

"Music helped me a lot and gave me more of a positive look on life and changed by aspect on things...started helping other people instead of worrying about myself all the time," said Jay Tonner.

With files from Scott Roberts