Off The Page: Poetry of Life

A poetry experience providing captivating storytellers, songwriters, and the best band in the Northwest for a night of music, vibes and of course, poetry!

Musician Royce Lovett: https://www.roycelovett.com/

Royce Lovett groomed his lyrical skills for years as an underground emcee…growing from influences like Bob Marley, Mos Def and the Motown greats. Lovett has been sharpening his genre bending style since beginning his career over a decade ago. Throughout that time, he independently toured the globe and performed alongside the likes of Wale, Vince Staples, George Clinton P-Funk, and more. Lovett released a series of independent albums and after signing to a major, released two EPs. He stirred up a genuine & authentic style steeped in hip-hop, soul, and rock guitar, receiving acclaim from BET, Jet Magazine, and more. Lovett says, “When listeners hear my music, I hope they walk away feeling heroic,” he leaves off. “Music doesn’t change people. That comes from within. I do think that music can push them over the edge. It’d be amazing if I can help do that.”

Poet Chelsey Richardson: chelseyrichardson.org

Chelsey Richardson’s writing is the electrical current that flows between words and the spiritual world. She grounds her work in the notion that her role as an artist is to tell the bittersweet truth. She is a mother, teacher, and poet. The CD Forum for Arts and Ideas, said this about her work, “Her writing requires you to think critically and examine the world in which we live. She is a writer that truly represents independent poetic expression. There is a cleverness and creativity in her prose that draws the reader or listener in.” In 2019-2020 she was awarded the role of “Master Poet” by The Center for Washington Cultural Traditions, Speakers Bureau. She released her debut poetry book, All Water has Perfect Memory, 2021. You may have read or heard her work in Poetry on the Bus, The South Seattle Emerald, Natasha Marin’s Black Powerful, and The Carter Center Forum on Human Rights in Atlanta. She holds a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Washington and Master’s in Teaching English Education

Poet Marvelous Mar:

Known in the poetry community as Marvelous Mar. She is a military veteran. She just received a National Spoken word award, and hosts a four time-award winning poetry show called “Voices Behind The Pen.” Marvelous Mar is commonly known as a humorous eclectic poet. Though this poetic Goddess is new to the scene, she has made a big splash on paper. This current Washington native has even begun to make her mark onto comedy stages. This woman lets her pen speak pure dopamine. You won’t want to miss what she does next with her exceptional metamorphic skills. Open your ears and eyes because those will be the only senses required when she displays her gift of divine energy through explosive wordplay.

Poet Jamaar Smiley: https://www.thesmileyexperience.com

Jamaar Smiley, also known as the “Voice of the Northwest”, is a Spoken Word Artist, Cultural Curator, Poet, Author and Inspirator. His work captures the essence of black culture, the resilience of the human spirit and inspires the courage inside of us all, to be fearlessly authentic.

From motivational speaker and activist, Jamila T. Davis, to the international performer, artist and poet icon, Rupi Kaur, to an ever-growing list of star-studded actors, comedians, international musicians, government officials and more, Jamaar Smiley has ignited the stage with the power of his words.

Step out of lockdown and join us in a spoken word experience like never before, where this one-of-a-kind poet is sure to electrify the stage!

Band MachX : https://www.instagram.com/machx_music/

When you combine a highly skilled piano player and composer, an exceptional bassist, an out-of-this-world percussionist, and a saxophonist that melts the room, you would still only have a glimpse of the versatility of this awe-inspiring band!

Mach X is a multi-talented acoustic concert harmony to the tenth degree!!

A Mach number, being the ration to indicate the speed of sound, is a most fitting way to begin to describe the band. Each member, being stellar solo musicians, combines the raw gift that is black culture with love of music and creation to become an awe-inspiring, highly sought-after, musical explosion.

They are an exceptionally creative, naturally gifted, group of young award-winning musicians, blending the sounds of funk, rhythm and blues, jazz, swing, hip-hop, and gospel with precision and harmony, to create an experience that has impacted the hearts of tens of thousands of people around the nation!

Keys-Cedric Thomas

Bass-Darry Wilmore

Drums- Joe Simpson

@ 7400 Woodlawn Hall

7400 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115

5:30p doors, 6p show

All ages, some seating available

Nonalcoholic drinks and snacks available

Curated by Jamaar Smiley

————————————————————————–

ABBEY ARTS EVENT INFO:

• Check tickets for show time
• 7400 Woodlawn Hall is partially ADA accessible. Please email with questions and for accommodations.
• Service animals as defined by the ADA are allowed. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
• We have chairs, benches, and standing room in back.
• Seating is not reserved or guaranteed, unless noted.
• Please refrain from talking or texting during the show.
• No video from the seating area please.
• Please limit photos during the show so as to not distract other attendees from the experience.
• We are an all ages venue. Kids 10 & under are free at Abbey Arts concerts & arts events unless noted.
• Entering the venue indicates agreement to adhere to the Abbey Respect Policy. All are welcome.

ABBEY ARTS, SEATTLE | NONPROFIT 501C3, NON-RELIGIOUS, EST. 2005

Presenting welcoming music, arts & cultural experiences for people of all ages & incomes.

• We support low income families, veterans, and humanitarian nonprofit workers with free event tickets. fremontabbey.org/artsconnect
• Rental info & more: fremontabbey.org/rent
• Concert & events calendar: fremontabbey.org/calendar
• Respect policy: fremontabbey.org/respect
• Volunteer opportunities are available for most shows (include free entry) www.fremontabbey.org/volunteer

Home Venue: Fremont Abbey, 4272 Fremont Ave North, Seattle, WA 98103 / 206-414-8325 Ballard Homestead: 6541 Jones Ave NW, Seattle | + South Park Hall, Woodlawn Hall Greenlake, UHeights Auditorium (UDistrict), St Mark’s Cathedral (Capitol Hill), & more

Note: All ticket sales are final unless noted. Lineup and performers are subject to change, no refunds for change of support acts.