MATI Block Party: Poetry in Motion
St. Louis Poets Take the Mic
July 18 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
This event will be held in-person at High Low.
Saint Louis Poetry Center is thrilled to co-present Shirley Bradley LeFlore Foundation’s Poetry in Motion reading for Music at the Intersection!
SCHEDULE
Drum Voices Take The Mic
5:00–6:30 PM
- Eileen G’Sell
- Jacqui Germain
- Travis Massotti
- David A.N. Jackson
- Cheryl DS Walker and Kamau OS Walker
- Special Tribute: Lyah Beth LeFlore-Ituen leads a collective tribute honoring beloved St. Louis poets, artists, musicians, and cultural leaders, including Ruth Garnett, Ira Jones, and Darrell Mixon, whose work continues to inspire our creative community.
- Guest Musician Stanley Coleman
Unapologetic Voices Of The D9 & HBCU’s Take The Mic
6:45–8:00 PM
- Mari Carter
- Louis Conphliction
- Aja La’Starr
- Maurice Minor
- Miss Interpretation
- Steph’on Rigginx
- Dr. Jason Vasser-Elong
- Jaye Willis
Word Warriors Take The Mic
Featuring The Ish Ensemble
8:15–9:30 PM
- KMoney The Poet
- Brooking Caldwell, featuring Karin Bliznik on trumpet
- Poet Lightening
- Aaron (Al) Smith
- Cheeraz Gormon
A Celebration of 80 Years of Words
Presented by Saint Louis Poetry Center
9:45–10:45 PM
Join poets, writers, artists, and supporters from across the region as we celebrate Saint Louis Poetry Center’s 80th Anniversary and close out an incredible day of poetry, conversation, and community.
ABOUT THE BLOCK PARTY
Poetry in Motion: St. Louis Poets Take the Mic is presented as part of the 2026 MATI Block Party. This event is free and open to the public. From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18, MATI is activating Grand Center Arts District with live music, a performance art stage, a roller skating rink, pop-up fashion shows, mural and art exhibits, poetry, local vendors, and tastes of St. Louis’ favorite culinary dishes.
PRESENTED BY
