Elma and Company is a music and dance show on Chicago cable access that has an interesting twist. It uses the fun to bring “positive messages and educational information to young people.”

This Wednesday, the show will attempt to encourage young people to register and vote. The following was taken from an email that I received from CAN TV:

Elma Lucas is in her 15th season of producing Elma and Company through CAN TV. This is a high energy show run by Elma with the skill of a veteran live TV producer. Years ago, Elma came to CAN TV, like many Chicago residents, with no experience doing television but with a vision for her program. Originally drawing youth from Cabrini Green, where she grew up, she has since expanded the program to include hundreds of budding hip hop artists, dancers, spoken word poets and others. […]

Politicians to appear: Secretary of State Jesse White, IL State Reps Esther Golar, Arthur Turner, John Fritchey, John D’Amico, Daniel Burke, Elga Jefferies, Monique Davis, Connie Howard, Maria Berrios; IL State Senators Ricky Hendon and Mattie Hunter; Aldermen Bernie Stone, Toni Preckwinkle, Ray Suarez, Ed Smith.

What a good idea.