DeKALB — Citizens of DeKalb have the opportunity to support both local music and a local organization at a Sunday benefit rap concert hosted by the House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway.

Proceeds from the show go towards Traverse, a subsidiary program under Adventure Works, 1211 Sycamore Road. Traverse provides support and sympathetic ears to people transitioning out of the foster care system and into the adult world.

Dustin Castillo, a Malta native who performs under the name Happy The Rapper, helped organize the show and said he has a personal connection with the program.

“I used to have anger issues when I was a kid,” Castillo said. “[My father] and his wife decided to not stay in my life. I was supposed to go into foster care, but my maternal grandparents became my foster parents, so I could live with them.”

Castillo said his brush with the foster program deeply impacted him. He dedicated his song “Piccalo” to the grandfather that stuck by him and has gone on to work closely with Traverse to support kids less fortunate than him.

Happy will be headlining the concert. He uses his past to write about overcoming personal trauma and standing up for oneself.

“It’s really a raise awareness thing,” said Miles Mapas, head talent buyer at Convertible Productions, the sponsor of the show. “Because a lot of children who come through that community almost feel ashamed or shrouded. I don’t like anybody having to feel that way in life. And with Dustin’s passion, we decided to put the show on as a way to produce some funds to help them.”

Raffle prizes will be offered, including two $100 coupons for DeKalb Tattoo, 817 W. Lincoln Highway.

Sycamore native NeverclearX will be performing, as will a number of other local rap artists, such as explosive Rockford combo Dead Noise.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m, and the event will begin at 7 p.m Sunday at the House Cafe. This is an all-ages show. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door.