FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2010
Contact:
Lionell Thomas, Media Relations
lionellt.artspg.org
(301) 277-1402
COUNTY TEEN POETS TO BE CELEBRATED AT
POETRY BETWEEN THE LINES
Laurel, MD - The Prince George’s Arts Council is pleased to announce Poetry Between the Lines, the County’s foremost annual teen poetry event at which the winners of the Xtreme Teen Poetry Slamfest are presented to the community. This year’s celebration takes place from 6:00 until 8:30 PM on Thursday, May 20, 2010, at The Montpelier Arts Center. Esteemed WHUR radio personality Jacquie Gales Webb will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies presenting to the community each of the Slamfest winners, along with five-time Def Poetry Jam poet, Bassey Ikpi and Lyrikal Storm, the Prince George’s County-based premiere teen performance group. Musical performances by Doc Powell will open and conclude the event. Poetry Between the Lines, a significant cultural arts event in Prince George’s County, celebrates the achievement and excellence of Prince George’s County teen poets.
In April 2010, the County held its 2010 Xtreme Teen Poetry Slamfest at Berwyn Heights Elementary School. This event was funded by legislation authored by District 3 Council Member Eric Olson, who opened the Slamfest with remarks citing the importance of providing a positive opportunity for youth to express themselves through poetry. The winners of the Slamfest, who will be highlighted at Poetry Between the Lines, are Michael Penn of Friendly High School (1st Place), Armand Jackson of Friendly High School (2nd Place) and Mariah Williams also of Friendly High School (3rd Place).
Presented as three of the best young voices of Prince George’s County, each poet has been writing for several years and recently studied under master poets Tahira Joseph, founder of Creative Writing Alliance and Neville Adams, founder of Phoenix/Medina Writers Project, Inc. The teens will each perform at Poetry Between the Lines, along side critically acclaimed, award-winning poet, Bassey Ikpi and the teen performance group, Lyrikal Storm. “We are thrilled that our youth poets will have the opportunity to share the stage with the internationally acclaimed Bassey Ikpi,” said PGAC’s Executive Director Lionell Thomas. “The opportunity to celebrate the excellence of County poets, both new voices and acclaimed, opens doors to the arts for creative expression.”
Light refreshments will be served. Free parking is available. Guests are requested to silence electronic devices prior to arrival as this event will be recorded.
The Montpelier Arts Center is located at 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 20708.
RSVP (301) 277.1402 or by email at elewis.artspg.org. Prince George’s Arts Council website: www.princegeorgesartscouncil.org.
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