A Night of Spoken Word @August Wilson African American Cultural Center

The August Wilson Cultural Center proudly presents Poetry Unplugged: Always August, an electrifying evening of spoken word, music, and artistic expression, supported by Citizens. Taking place on Friday, April 18, at 7:00 PM, this highly anticipated annual event will take place in honor of what would have been August Wilson’s 80th birthday, celebrating his enduring legacy through the voices of today’s most influential spoken word artists.

The event will feature an extraordinary lineup of nationally renowned and award-winning artists who will take the stage to speak truth to power in the spirit of August Wilson, infusing humor, romance, justice, and equality into their performances. Headlining this year’s event is the legendary spoken word collective The Last Poets. For over 50 years, The Last Poets have been the architects of spoken word, blending poetry with raw truth and rhythmic urgency. Their voices paved the way for hip-hop, shaping the language of resistance and Black consciousness.

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, Pittsburgh, PA
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

Interested in opportunities like this? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on socials to stay updated.