Highland Bowl, 1137 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
Rain Venue: Third Presbyterian Church: 4 Meigs St, Rochester, NY 14607
ASL interpreted; accessible venue
Amanda Eke is a Nigerian-American spoken-word poet, filmmaker, and journalist whose storytelling explores cultural identity and social issues. In 2024, she became the first Black woman to create and host a standalone show on The Archaeology Channel with her docu-series The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke—also the first series on the Heritage Broadcasting streaming platform—and broadcast on PBS. A Fulbright Fellow, UN Artistry Award recipient, and Guinness World Record holder, Eke’s work bridges art, education, and advocacy. Her globally touring poetry workshop, The Poet Speaks, and award-winning podcast of the same name have inspired audiences worldwide.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Bushwick, Emanuel Xavier is a poet and performer whose work bridges spoken word and literary poetry. The author of Pier Queen, Americano, Love(ly) Child, and Still, We Are Sacred, his writing explores queer identity, survival, faith, and belonging. His work appears in Poetry magazine and Latino Poetry: The Library of America Anthology, edited by Rigoberto González. He is also the editor of influential anthologies including Bullets & Butterflies, Me No Habla With Acento, and Mariposas. Xavier has performed widely across the U.S. and internationally, including appearances on HBO’s Def Poetry and presentations at cultural institutions and universities.
TYES is a Rochester-based duo for voice and cello inspired by laughter, new music, and a dialogic collaborative style. We perform music by contemporary composers, bringing play and expression to the foreground. The group consists of vocalist Tyler Cassidy-Heacock and cellist Esther Rogers Baker.
Youth Poetry Contest winners: Bronwyn Capps (winner), Carnaisia Ellis Johnson, Breanna Krueger, Emily Quintana, Moriah Wilson, and Madelyn Wilson. The Rochester Oratorio Society will give an ensemble choral performance of Bronwyn Capps’ award-winning poem, “Freedom”.
