August Wilson African American Cultural Center Presents
Poetry Unplugged: Always August,
A Night of Powerful Spoken Word and Art
Friday, April 18, 7:00 pm
Also included in the all-star line-up: Grammy-nominated artist Queen Sheba, celebrated poet Jasmine Mans, and powerhouse performers Black Chakra, Ephraim Nehemiah, and Yex. Orlando Watson will be the MC for the evening, and Pittsburgh-based poet Mike Smalls, the grand prize winner of the AWAACC’s first ever Century Cycle Poetry Slam will also perform.
As part of the evening’s tribute to Wilson’s legacy, Pittsburgh-based visual artists Morgan Overton and Marlon Gist will create live-painted portraits of the legendary playwright throughout the event. These stunning works of art will be auctioned off, offering attendees a unique opportunity to own a piece of Wilson’s legacy while supporting the arts.
“This year’s Poetry Unplugged is a powerful testament to August Wilson’s impact on the arts and culture,” said Janis Burley, President & CEO at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. “Through spoken word and visual artistry, we are honoring his spirit and the ways in which his work continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.”
The event offers both general admission and VIP ticketing options. VIP tickets include a pre-show meet and greet with The Last Poets and priority seating in the theater. Advance ticket purchases will conclude at 5 PM on the day of the show, with limited walk-up tickets available at the door.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, April 18, 2025 – 7PM
Location: August Wilson African American Cultural Center
980 Liberty Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Tickets: $60 VIP | $35 General | $45 at the door. Available now at https://awaacc.org/event/poetry-unplugged-always-august/
ABOUT AUGUST WILSON AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a nonprofit cultural organization located in Pittsburgh’s cultural district that generates artistic, educational, and community initiatives that advance the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. One of the largest cultural centers in the country focused exclusively on the African American experience and the celebration of Black culture and the African diaspora, the non-profit organization welcomes more than 100,000 visitors locally and nationally. Through year-round programming across multiple genres, such as the annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Black Bottom Film Festival, AWCommunity Days, TRUTHSayers speaker series, and rotating art exhibits in its galleries, the Center provides a platform for established and emerging artists of color whose work reflects the universal issues of identity that Wilson tackled, and which still resonate today.
Major support for AWAACC’s operations is provided by Richard King Mellon Foundation, Henry L. Hillman Foundation, Heinz Endowments, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). AWAACC’s programming is made possible by generous support from its donors. For a complete list, visit our website. www.awaacc.org
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