On Saturday Sept 11 Art from Ashes held it’s Hope for Youth Celebration at Chez 4001 in the Highlands Neighborhood. AfA supporters, volunteers, and performers were out in in full force Saturday night for an evening of music, poetry, and celebration of youth.
The Hope For Youth party was presented by Art from Ashes and the Dylan Thomas Society.
The evening began with Beatles cover artist Evan Sitchler on acoustic guitar and ukulele.
Volunteer Coordinator Nick Orf emceed the event and read from some of the powerful poetry created by youth at Art from Ashes workshops. He invited three poets to the mic: Denver Poet Laureate Chris Ransick, AfA’s own spoken word and hip-hop artist Chance Two Crow, and world renowned spoken word artist Lucifury.
Chris Ransick: Denver Poet Laureate
Chris Ransick, who served as Denver’s Poet Laureate from 2006-2010, shared some words of wisdom for young poets, inspiring them to be the protectors of what he calls “the oldest form of storytelling.” Chris offered his ‘blessing’ for the next generation of poets, citing the responsibility to reflect, inspire, and teach using the power of words.
Chris’ newest book of poetry is Asleep Beneath the Hill of Dreams.
Chance Two Crow: Youth Representative on the AfA Board of Directors
Chance Two Crow’s poetry is a powerful representation of his experience on the streets of Denver and of his continuing growth as an AfA volunteer and spoken word artist. Chance shared his reflective poetry which stands as a tribute to the formative power of words and the success of the Art from Ashes experience.
Chance performed his poem ‘The Difference,” one of the pieces from a studio album he is currently working on with help from Flobot’s Jonny 5.
Lucifury: Spoken Word Artist, ranked 5th in the world
Listening to performance poet Lucifury is an experience in itself. Lucifury is a polished poet who weaves words into story with his powerful voice and deliberate movement.
Lucifury says, “My life is a massive work of art. That is all that someone like me understands how to do. While I create, you participate, and vice-versa.” (lucifurypoetic)
He inspired the crowd with “So Dance” before emcee Nick Orf ended the night’s readings with more AfA youth poetry.
When Evan Stichler took the stage again, some in the crowd seemed still moved by Lucifury’s poetry; they danced.
AfA’s next event, the Sept. 26th “Running of the Gays,” will be held in partnership with Ed Gillespie of G3 & Noelle Benjamin of Salon Noelle
The 3-block ‘marathon’ in heels will be held to fund creative programs for LGBTQ youth. Click HERE for more information.
