The annual spoken word showcase returns to the Rose Studio for an evening of powerful, unforgettable performances curated by Patrick de Belen. Featuring a dynamic lineup of poets and performers, this event celebrates voice, rhythm, and the electric connection between artist and audience. Join us for a night of bold storytelling and live expression.
Author | Poet
Britta B. (she/her) is an award-winning artist, public speaker, and poet living in Toronto. She’s the Poet-in-Residence for Poems in Passage. Wires that Sputter is her debut poetry collection and audiobook.
Poet
Desiree Mckenzie (she/her) is an award-winning poet and poetry slam champion. She’s worked with CBC, Kids Help Phone, and Home Depot, and is an MFA candidate at University of Guelph.
Poet
Based in Toronto, Akil Elijah (he/him) is a Rapper and Poet. Akil continues to challenge the peers of his city with musical dynamics to shine as a recording artist and poet.
Patrick de Belen is a poet, filmmaker, educator and storyteller of many other mediums. His poetry, films and other projects often explore themes of mental illness, the Filipino-Canadian experience, liberation, grief and healing.
When he isn’t onstage, or writing, he is an educator and community builder, partnering with many institutions like addiction centres, mental health focused organizations, libraries, schools, jails and more – advocating for social change and storytelling platforms in as many spaces as possible. Follow his storytelling journey at @patrick_debelen
Lily Kwok |
Michael Nyby
Join us for a screening of The Librarians, a powerful documentary examining the alarming rise of book banning legislation and…
Joss Richard |
Elle Douglas |
Jackie Khalilieh
Don your favourite fit, gather your friends, and join us for a delightful high tea with romance writers Jackie Khalilieh,…
Ardra Shephard |
Liann Zhang |
Elamin Abdelmahmoud |
Sunny Dhillon |
Elle Douglas
Join us for a new festival experience—enjoy a fun and lively evening at the Festival of Literary Diversity where readers…