Oral Funk Poetry Productions is launching its third season of “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” in style. The performance will be held from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 16, at the Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 W. Second St. Tickets cost $15 and are available at www.ticketcenterstage.com or by calling 937-228-3830.
This vibrant monthly showcase features local and national poets, musicians, actors, vocalists, dancers and visual artists. The April 16 show, “Poetic Illusion,” will be headlined by Dana Gilmore, who has shared the stage of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, a spoken word series hosted by Russell Simmons, with the likes of Mos Def, Kanye West and Smokey Robinson. True to her Missouri “Show-Me-State” roots, Gilmore’s writing is intended to inspire and provoke action. She speaks passionately, yet practically, about life’s adversities and alternatives for dealing with them. Today, Gilmore spends her time traveling across the United States performing at universities and other venues while working on songs, stage plays and screenplays.
Joining Gilmore will be El Coats and the Funk Point, which will perform a melting pot of rhythm and blues with a neo-soul twist. Jazz vocalist Shakera Jones will perform and host the event. In addition, a variety of local poets and singers will perform, and comedian I.Q. will make a special appearance ― along with a surprise celebrity guest.
Michael’s Dining and Jazz, 40 N. Main St. in the Kettering Tower lobby, will offer 15 percent off the dinner menu on Thursday, April 15, and Friday, April 16, to Signature ticket holders.
During its first two seasons, “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” featured numerous forms of self-expression, including poetry, visual art, drama, dance and such music as jazz, blues, reggae, neo-soul and hip hop ― often to sold-out crowds. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/thesignatureofpp.
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