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From Canvas to Stage: A Tribute to Basquiat

Produced by Wordsmith and Danny Simmons

September 7, 2023 , 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Rain Date: Friday, September 8th, 7–10pm

Doors Open at 7:00pm, Performances 8–10:00pm

“Jean-Michel is an icon of blazing one’s own way and in doing so creating indelible paths for generations of creative people to come.” – Danny Simmons, artist, poet, and philanthropist.

Brooklyn native Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) revolutionized the art world with bold expressive works that spoke to the grit and excess of the 1980s. His untimely death at the age of 27 did little to quell his stardom. Thirty five years later, he remains an icon of American art, with tens of thousands paying their respects at his gravesite in Green-Wood. This evening of music, poetry, and visual art honors Basquiat in the Cemetery where he is laid to rest, in the borough he called home. 

Price: $45, $30 for members

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From Canvas to Stage is produced by WordSmith and Danny Simmons. He will be joined on stage by a rock-star roster of acclaimed musicians and poets against a backdrop of work by contemporary artists, including: 

Host: Lezlie Harrison

Music: Lezlie Harrison, Shrine for the Black Madonna, and Firey Strings Company with Nioka Workman. 

Poetry: Toni Blackman, Bonafide Rojas, Kraal “Kayo” Charles, Derick D. Cross, Vanessa Hidary, Abiodun Oyewole (The Last Poets), and Danny Simmons

Visual Art: Patrick Dougher, Raphael Tiberino, Anthony Carlos Molden, and Danny Simmons

BEFORE Purchasing Your Tickets, PLEASE NOTE:

  • Rain Date Notice: Ticket sales are final. No exchanges or refunds. In case of inclement weather, tickets will be honored on the rain date: Friday, September 8th, 7–10pm
  • Where To Go: Check-in ONLY takes place at the Main Entrance on Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232). No paper or e-tickets will be necessary, attendees will be checked in by name. The program takes place near the Gothic Arch at the Main Entrance on Fifth Avenue and 25th Street.
  • For Your Comfort and Safety: Chairs will be provided on a first come, first served basis, but we encourage attendees to bring blankets for grass seating. 
  • Refreshments: Beer, wine, and water will be available for sale; no outside food or drinks are permitted on site. 
  • Parking? There is no onsite parking for this event.
  • Feeling Sick? Stay home if you are feeling sick or running a fever.