Palenke Arts is proud to present our first indoor event in over 18 months: WORD UP: an evening of inspiring spoken-word poetry and song. It will feature electrifying spoken-word poet Jamey Williams from Oakland, and soulful gospel singer/pianist Carlos Tottressx hosted by award-winning poet and CSUMB professor Daniel Summerhill.
Tickets for this event are $25.- and limited to only 60 due to safety restrictions. Please purchase through Eventbrite in the link below.
Event host Daniel B. Summerhill is Professor of Poetry/Social Action and Composition Studies at California State University Monterey. He is the author of Divine, Divine, Divine (Nomadic Press), a semifinalist for the Charles B. Wheeler Prize. Summerhill holds an M.F.A. from Pine Manor College (Solstice). He received the Sharon Olds Fellowship and was nominated to Everipedia’s 30 under 30 list. His poems can be found or are forthcoming in, Rust + Moth, Obsidian,, Califragle, Button, Blavity, the Hellebore, Black Joy Anthology, Gumbo and elsewhere.
Along with his literary accomplishments, Summerhill is an accomplished performance artist, performing in over 25 states in the U.S. He has performed in Canada, co-healined a European tour, and was invited to guest lecture and perform in Durban South Africa sponsored by the U.S Embassy. He has shared stages with The Last Poets, Def Jam Poetry Reunion, Jasmine Mans and others.
Jamey Williams (He/Him) has been performing and teaching spoken word poetry workshops in schools since 2016. In 2017, after winning the Compliment Death Match at the National Poetry Slam, he became the first person to be dubbed “the nicest poet in the country.” That same year he co-founded the Rich Oak Alchemy Open Mic as well as the Cal State East Bay Slam Poetry Club. In 2020, Jamey came second place in the Bass Schuler Entertainment America’s Best College Poet competition. His spoken word achievements also include: touring internationally; publishing two chapbooks; & performing at Twitter, Yelp, and Google Headquarters.
Jamey Williams will be performing a multi-disciplinary set that is rooted in the Black experience. His poetry and music will celebrate the culture while simultaneously condemning the forces that make it hard to thrive. His work will also re-imagine what the Black experience can be.
"The act of dreaming is an art where the masterpiece is never finished." - Jamey Williams
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Carlos A. Tottress is a singer, pianist, Minister of Music, Gospel Performing Artist and Songwriter. A music instructor in the Music and Performing Arts Department at CSUMB, Carlos teaches Voice, Chorale and Gospel Choir. His work at the university also includes musical theater production, music for children, and the CSUMB Friday Voice Recitals, which has enriched the musical experience of hundreds of students over the years. In 2005 he recorded "This is My Story" : Chapter 1, a collection of original compositions in the gospel tradition.
Mr. Tottress’ stratospheric range, impeccable vocal tone and expressive piano voicings have been enjoyed for years by many throughout the Monterey Peninsula. His musical influences are gospel greats like Andraé Crouch, Walter & Edwin Hawkins, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and the Clark Sisters. For Carlos, music must be used to uplift and enhance the quality of life of others. In this concert, he will be sharing stories of trials, heartaches, overcoming, triumphs, faith and healing from within through the gift of music.
Limited to 60 Tickets available at www.palenkearts.org
Health advisory: Due to COVID-19, only those with proof of a COVID 19 vaccine will be allowed to attend. Please bring your card and ID. We will have extra ventilation and air filters. All attendees will be required to wear a mask.