Get rooted in art, lyricism and music when Climbing PoeTree blows into Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative on Friday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. With the help of the Media Arts Academy, The Arcus Center for Social Justice, ERAC/CE and friends of Fire, the nonprofit dedicated to furthering social justice has invited these like-minded, Brooklyn-based poets to spread their limbs and influence on Kalamazoo. The duo consists of Niama and Alixa, who weave their Haitian and Colombian roots into their artistic fight against social and political injustice across the world. They began touring in 2003, and since have graced poetry clubs, conferences, school auditoriums and internationally famous stages. With tour stops in Chicago, all over New York, Atlanta, Florida, California and abroad, Fire convinced these deep-voiced, soulful wordsmiths to make a stop in Kalamazoo, adding to the list of internationally-acclaimed artists the nonprofit has hosted, including Annette Taborn and the Soul Rebels Brass Band from New Orleans. They return to Fire this month following a stop at the Chicago Women’s Theater. Last year, the team brought their S.T.I.T.C.H.E.D tour through Fire’s doors for a show focused on healing an expression that invited the audience to participate in creating reflective art of their own experiences by painting individual cloths. S.T.I.T.C.H.E.D. combines the art of more than 3,000 participants into prayer flags which are displayed at each performance. This year, those who join Fire can expect a similar experience of purposeful poetry and lyricism combined to inspire minds and demolish powers that promote poverty, hopelessness and lies. According to their website, Climbing PoeTree says its art is the medicine and vision it offers the world. “Creativity is the antidote for violence and destruction. Art is our most human expression, our voice to communicate our stories, to challenge injustice and the misrepresentations of mainstream media, to expose harsh realities and engender even more powerful hope, a force to bring diverse peoples together, a tool to rebuild our communities, and a weapon to win this struggle for universal liberation.” Fighting injustice can consume a lot of energy. Before the show, power up at Fuel, Kalamazoo’s newest vegetarian restaurant, for quality food and a chance to spend time with the featured artists. Tickets are $35 and include a meal and admission to the performance at Fire. Meal times are at 5 and 6 p.m. Tickets to the performance can be purchased separately for $10 at the door starting at 7:30 p.m. the day of the event. Want to do more? Join Fire I bringing Climbing PoeTree to Kalamazoo by donating to the event at thisisfire.com
