Upcoming Events

Wednesday 4/1 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm at 1930 Clark Ave in Raleigh, NC. FREE

There is an undeniable uniqueness to how the Southern voice approaches narrative poetry—intertwining stories, rhythm, and lived experiences.

Dasan Ahanu will explore this uniqueness while sharing poems from his three latest collections: Shackled Freedom, Month of Sundays, and Concrete Jungle Allegories.

He will discuss how his writing seeks to carry on the legacy of Southern storytelling by honoring memory, community, and place, drawing on Southern oral traditions that make narrative poetry both intimate and universal.

https://www.wake.gov/events/front-porch-conversation-southern-voice-narrative-poetry

Saturday 4/11 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm at Shelley Lake Park in Raleigh, NC. FREE

A Walk with Poetry is a city-centered poetry experience produced in partnership with Raleigh Arts for National Poetry Month. The intention is to highlight poetry across all levels; emerging, established, and legacy voices. While creating an immersive, accessible experience for the community. The walk format invites audiences to journey through poetry, reflection, and storytelling.

Saturday April 18

Hayti Heritage Center

804 Old Fayetteville St

Durham, NC

Come out for a distinct and engaging poetry experience! This event is dedicated to southern voices, lyricism, and poetics. Join our special guest as they share their works and put them in conversation with the music and poetry they love and are inspired by. The goal is to celebrate the wordsmiths that move and motivate us and speak to the moments that make us.

Ebony Stewart, most affectionately known as Eb or Gully, is an author and international touring interdisciplinary artivist. As a Black womxn writer and performance artist, Ebony Stewart harnesses the power of creativity to explore and challenge societal norms, personal identity, and the intersectionality of her experiences. With a spellbinding blend of storytelling, verbal fitness, and raw emotion, she captivates audiences, inviting them into a world where vulnerability becomes strength and authenticity reigns supreme. 

Books signing by the author will follow the reading and talk.

This is a pay what you can event! Get tickets at https://thelectureapril2026.eventbrite.com  

4/18 Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, NC. Teams of poets from across the region will travel to Durham, NC compete against the Bull City Slam Team. Powerful insights, resonate truths, compelling stories, and necessary messages will be shared on stage. Doors 7:30pm, Show 8pm. $10 General Admission https://jambalayaapril2026.eventbrite.com 

4.23.26 at Rhythm & Brews in Durham, NC. 7-9pm. If you have a job, we wanna hear your story! Art is activism….Live Music, Open Mic and Opportunity……Share your story, your art and help us build community!

Saturday, April 25th

Community Council for the Arts

400 N. Queen St., Kinston, NC

Hosted by: China

Featuring: Dasan Ahanu

Doors Open @ 8PM | Show: 8:30PM–11:30PM

Open Mic: $10 in advance | $15 at the door

General Admission: $15 in advance | $20 at the door

CashApp to pay: $ClevetteRoberts

Refreshments served | Vibes guaranteed!

Monday Night Open Mic hosted by Roscoe Burnems. Featuring 6ft High & Rising (Bluz + Dasan) presenting Riffin n Running. 4/27 at 8:00pm. Busboys and Poets Shirlington, 4251 S. Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA. Tickets: https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-55399441/#

6ft High and Rising will be guests and judges at Charm City Slam. Tuesday April 28. 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Hosted by Kenneth Something & Black Chakra. Music by DJ Cuff. Baltimore Unity Hall, 1505 Eutaw Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217. www.charmcityslam.com