Philly Reawakened

FEB 9th @ 7 PM
Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Ave

​Classic Slam! is an in-person, jazz influenced, ONE NIGHT ONLY event combining the dynamic voices of historic Black poets of the past with the inspirational ​Black poets of today!

The Slam is back! Our second annual celebration of Black poetry and excellence will focus on the voices and history of Philadelphia, showcasing local Black artists performing historic pieces from Philly literary legends like Paul Robeson, Francis E.W.Harper, and Mae V Cowdery. Each poet will share excerpts from historic poetry and plays and then respond to them with original works of their own, continuing the legacy of powerful Black voices responding to the world in which they live and sharing life experiences with a welcoming and diverse community.

Purchase tickets to the Slam!

Satchel Williams (she/they) is a Brooklyn-born, Philadelphia-based actor, writer, director, and filmmaker. After graduating from Temple University, she's had the pleasure of working with Inis Nua Theatre Company, Delaware Shakespeare, Azuka Theatre, Passage Theatre, We're Trying Up Here Entertainment, Theatre Horizon, Tiny Dynamite, and Revolution Shakespeare. When not working on a production, they dabble as a barista, occasional teaching artist, and amateur astrologer.

​Adaeze Nwoko (she/they) says: “I am excited to read work from some of my favorite poets, and some words of my own. I want to thank PAC for allowing me the opportunity to share my work, and explore this vulnerable aspect of my artistry. Some of my favorite roles have included Hermia (A Midsummer Night's Dream - Delshakes), Annette (TJ loves Sally 4 Ever), Camae (The Mountaintop - Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble), and Richard (Richard III - Hestia Theatre Company).”

Carlo Campbell (he/him) is a Philadelphia native. Firmly committed to his community and expanding on that relationship, he is a proud founding member of Theatre In The X Theatre Company. A member of SAG-AFTRA, he has been in a number films and commercials. He has also worked with theatre companies all throughout the Delaware Valley. Theatre: Death of A Salesman, Piano Lesson, Othello, Richard 2, While the Getting's Good, Topdog Underdog, The Nigga Files, 12 Angry Men, Delaware Young Playwrights, Moon Man Walk, V to X, The Meeting, King John, Richard 2. Also a Poet, Carlo has published a book of poetry entitled Afloematic.

Josh Yeboah-Gyas is a queer multidisciplinary artist based in West Philadelphia. Josh (aka Gyasi Tha Genius) looks to push the boundaries of art and expressions through their unique lens and inspire the next generation to go even further.

Kayla Harnett (they/them) (aka Kahla the Griot) is a queer Afro-indigenous femme based in Philadelphia, PA. They are a musician, poet, storyteller, abolitionist, and self-proclaimed ‘disruptor through creation’. They’re committed to cultivating conscious community through liberationist & Afrocentric love. 

Jonathan Whitney is a native Delawarean, with a Bachelor’s from the University of Delaware and a Masters in Jazz Studies from the University of the Arts. He is a recipient of the Delaware Division of the Arts Established Artist Fellowship in 2020 and has collaborated with artists from around the region including Lili Anel, Melomanie, and Pieces of a Dream dance company to name a few. He is artist-in-residence at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, where he focuses on jazz composition, performance and using music to build community. Jonathan released his debut album “Life’s Dimensions” in Fall 2020.

Mike Boone began with piano lessons at the age of eight, later attended the prestigious Eastman School of Music to study bass. After touring with Ben Vereen and Buddy Rich, he moved to Philly in 1983. After embracing the upright bass, he found himself in the company of legendary local musicians, including John Swana, Sid Simmons, Byron Landham, Shirley Scott, and many more. Mike especially recalls his tutelage from Trudy Pitts—and Bill “Mr. C” Carney’s insistence that he convert from electric to acoustic bass. As a leader, Mike has produced a few albums of his own and is currently an adjunct professor of jazz at Temple University.

Hiruy Tirfe is a musician/saxophonist born in Philadelphia and raised in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. At only 27 years of age, Tirfe had amazing opportunities to perform with artist of all genres of music. Some artist include The Roots, Chill Moody, Solange Knowles, Eric Roberson, Patti LaBelle, Jay Bratten, Robin Eubanks, Ted Nash, Beano French, Bilal Oliver and many other artists. Tirfe is also a two time "Outstanding Soloist" winner at the Next Generation Jazz Festival (2016, 2017). In May 2017, Tirfe has graduated from the University Of The Arts with his Bachelors in Saxophone Performance with a minor in music education in May 2017 and also May 2018 receiving his Masters Degree in Music Education from the same university. Tirfe’s debut record “10,000 Hours” will release within the next year.