#marshalljameskavanaugh

Front page in @usatoday this week!

Feeling all sorts of gratitude to Phaedra Trethan for capturing so much of my story and depicting some of the magic I experience daily as a dream poet who sets up in public spaces around Philly and around the country.

Read the full article here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/04/23/philadelphia-poetry-busker/73326769007/

Also worth it to say that in the print edition the other headlines sharing the front page speak to the very real struggles facing our world. I don't take it lightly that a feature on poetry was paired with articles about tyranny and the police state. I think that's exactly where the work of a poet belongs. To challenge those unfortunate norms and encourage a passerby to dream a better world.

I think of Joy Harjo's "Poet Warrior" or James

Baldwin's "The Artist's Struggle for Integrity", or Nina Simone's "An Artist's Duty", and so many other statements on how the Poet affects change.

I'm so grateful for these literary ancestors to guide me and my peers. Also, I wouldn't be anywhere without all of you who have consistently showed me so many facets of how poetry has an impact. Thank you!

In my endless quest for poetry, I’ve written poems in all sorts of places around the country. Part of choosing where to live and who to make community with often has to do with who values you and your work.

Since I moved to Philly 15 years ago, I’ve witnessed the city going through what can only be described as an art renaissance. And though much of my content here is about MY experiences performing poetry, part of my tenure here has been getting to meet and work with some of the most influential artists, musicians, poets, curators, and dreamers. It’s being a part of what we are all creating together that keeps me continually inspired.

All that to say, I love to see @philamuseum and some of the other larger art institutions in our city become such a focal point to all this magic. Creating spaces that make the art even more accessible is such an important feat. I’ve been super grateful to be in the mix.

House Party last Saturday was truly transformative. With light, music, and so much bliss.

We were dancing. We were singing. We were a lit scene. And I’m still reminiscing on how cool this city can be when we dream all at once.

June 2023

In May, I was invited to write poems at @phl_airport to celebrate 25 years of public art at the airport. Over the years @phlairportart has curated some incredible installations and performances. I love how they’ve cultivated an accessible space for the general public to enjoy local artists. At the same time it is exciting to think how these artists are connected to a world audience that might not usually traffic an art gallery. It’s been a special honor to be in the mix, writing poems for travelers as they pass through Philadelphia.

Personally, it’s such a delight to witness how poetry has an impact in all these different avenues. I find there is always a need for a poem whether I am set up in a public park, at a music festival, featured at the airport, or spotlighted in the art museum. Poetry is always in demand.

The moonlight was dancing between artist, musician, and dreamer. Last Friday at @barnesfoundation, their Young Professional’s Night called Moonlit. Celebrating the new exhibit of artwork by Marie Laurencin and 50 years of hip hop.

The scene was queer and eccentric. Capturing the atmosphere of art salon since time immemorial. With good vibrations and extra libations. Drag Queen and breakdance cypher.

A poet too, to spark your curiosity and write a personalized poem just for you.

I’m filled with so much gratitude for being invited back to once again craft my magic. I let the moon guide each poem and channeled the master painters of last century hung up all around the room. I tried my hat at painting in verse. For all the words’ potential I found a few to stick and fill the canvas.

Thank you again to the curators at the Barnes Foundation for creating such a spectacle and having me in the mix.