Chicago's Spoken Word Artist Avery R. Young Performs April 26 at the Central Library
release date: April 13, 2018
Chicago's spoken word legend Avery R. Young will perform work that spans the many genres of music, performance, visual arts and literature from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26 at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium, 206-386-4636.
Library events are free and everyone is welcome. Registration is not required. Parking is available in the Central Library garage for $6 after 5 p.m.
Young uses his talents to speak stories of turmoil turned to triumph. By examining Black American history and culture, his artistry celebrates social justice, equity, queer identity, and body consciousness while challenging misogyny, racism and homophobia. Young melds history, culture and art, blending phonetics, linguistics, hymns, jazz and hip hop in his work. His influences include James Brown, Nina Simone and Gil Scott Heron.
Best known as a poet, songwriter and performer, Young is also an award-winning teaching artist who mentors youths in creative writing and theater. He has been an Arts and Public Life artist-in-residence at the University of Chicago, and has written curriculum for Columbia College Chicago, Young Leeds Authors, True Star Magazine and Chicago Public Schools Art Integration Department. Young’s poems and essays on HIV awareness, misogyny, race records and art integration have been published in The BreakBeat Poets, The Golden Shovel Anthology: New Poems Honoring Gwendolyn Brooks, AIMPrint and other anthologies. Young has performed at the Hip Hop Theatre Festival, Lollapalooza, WordStock and has appeared on BET, MTV, ABC and WGN’s Morning News.
This event is presented in partnership with University of Washington Bothell.