Aligned with Union Hall’s current exhibition, The Center Cannot Hold, this creative showcase aims to capture the essence of themes like instability, fragmentation, and the search for equilibrium echoed in William Butler Yeats' poem, "The Second Coming." The event will begin with remarks by Fitz J. Lewis, an artist in The Center Cannot Hold. Four poets and performance artists — selected by local organization Sacred Voices — will then transform memories and topics of loss and violence into expressions of beauty, art, and transformation. 

This is an all-ages event. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. $10 tickets online, $15 at the door.

About the Performers

Emocean’s poetry is about the black experience, relationships, navigating single motherhood, love, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and how she transmuted it and has become the woman she is today. In 2021 she moved to Denver from New York, building community amongst the local poets and artists. She has curated and hosts an open mic “Words With Em.Ocean" located at Green Spaces, in the RiNo Art District. Her goals are to be a published author and poet. She is pursuing her education at MSU to become a Licensed Clinical Therapist, with the hopes to start a nonprofit for children to take their feelings and emotions and turn it into power and poetry.

Bianca Mikahn is an emcee, poet, digital composer, cultural activist and embodied social justice practitioner. She is Executive Director of youth mental health-based organization Check Your Head and a Partner Artist with leading creative educators, Creative Strategies for Change and Youth on Record. A TEDx alum, Mikahn’s writing addresses themes of self-awareness, mental health and community engagement. Explorations in music production garnered Mikahn the title of “Best Avant Garde Band” from Denver Westword. She has shared stages at Regis University, Denver University, Wyoming University, La Napoule's renowned Chateau in Nice France and Stockholm Sweden's historical Fylkengin (Fill-ken-gin) Theatre. An alum of Satya Yoga Cooperative's 8th cohort, Bianca incorporates embodied exploration to curate unique internal explorations. Currently Mikahn is honing social emotional learning and art-based facilitation to encourage trauma informed care and Mental Health First Aid (adult and youth modules) in marginalized communities.

April Evonne is a Denver-born and based poet and storyteller. From their time on Minor Disturbance and Slam Nuba, Evonne has been writing and reciting, on a national level, poetry since 2015. Evonne now uses their pen to write new worlds, and weave futures.

Ariel Lipscomb is a Black, queer, and disabled organizer, medicine maker, witch, poet, and vocalist from so-called Charlotte, North Carolina working with blessed community on the unceded land currently known as Denver, Colorado. They possess a fiery commitment to co-creating sustainable communities that heal themselves from within and grow wild with transformative wellness. Their writings often feature themes of community mobilization and they are not afraid to name the systemic catalyst behind the less desirable intricacies of Black femme life and love. You can catch them at the cookout spades table fronting like they know how to play, and snagging the leftover bones for momento mori when no one’s looking.

Location, Parking and Accessibility

We value your time with us. If you have specific needs or requirements that would make your experience more comfortable at Union Hall please reach out to us at info@unionhalldenver.org with accommodation requests. If you have trouble locating us on the day of the event call us at (720) 927-4033.

Union Hall is located inside the first floor of The Coloradan in downtown Denver at 1750 Wewatta Street, Suite 144. There are two entrances to the building equipped with power assist doors and all public areas are wheelchair accessible. Street parking is available along Wewatta Street. Paid public parking is located an in underground garage beneath The Coloradan on the corner of Wewatta & 18th Street with wheelchair accessible spaces and chargers for electric cars. The garage located beneath the building is not operated by management of The Coloradan or any of the retail spaces within the building including Union Hall. Parking validation is not available at this time.

Union Hall is located directly next to the Union Station train tracks, providing access to a variety of public transportation options including the bus, light rail, train, and ride shares. Visit RTD Denver’s website for more information on public transportation options.

Lighting for this event will be low, with spotlights placed on the artwork as well as the entertainment area. Poets and performers will be speaking at a moderate to loud volume amplified by overhead speakers. Music will be playing during intermissions at a moderately loud volume. This is seated event. Foldable chairs will be available to seat all. Union Hall has large, permanent bench seating towards the back of the space.

About the Venue

Union Hall is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that advances opportunities for diverse, emerging artists and creatives, providing a platform for Denver locals and visitors to engage in enriching exhibitions and creative experiences, and serving as a community-focused arts space. To learn more about Union Hall and it's current exhibition, visit UnionHallDenver.org

Sacred Voices

Founded in 2004, Sacred Voices promotes unity and healing among Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC+) communities through creative expression while empowering youth to find their voice and power, and become leaders in their communities. To learn more about Sacred Voices visit Sacred-Voices.org