Poets, musicians and storytellers take center stage as MATI 2026 

The Shirley Bradley LeFlore Foundation, in partnership with the St. Louis Poetry Center, will bring the region’s poetic lineage to the forefront during MATI 2026. The event will feature a full-day celebration honoring the voices that shaped St. Louis and East St. Louis. The second annual WRITE ON: Poetry at the Confluence and POETRY IN MOTION: STL Poets Take the Mic…Live will take place Saturday, July 18 — offering audiences a deep dive into the cultural impact of the bi-state’s literary tradition.

The day begins at noon at The High Low Listening Room with WRITE ON: Poetry at the Confluence, a conversation examining how poets from both sides of the river have influenced American arts and culture. Hosted by Lyah Beth LeFlore-Ituen and moderated by Dr. Jason Vasser-Elong, the discussion features East St. Louis Poet Laureate Dr. Eugene B. Redmond, Terry “Kujaliwa” Kennedy and St. Louis Poet Laureate Pacia Elaine Anderson. The event is free, but RSVP is required.

The celebration continues into the evening with the second annual POETRY IN MOTION: STL Poets Take the Mic Live, a multigenerational showcase of poets, musicians, storytellers and visual artists. The lineup includes three distinct sets — Drum Voices Take the Mic, Unapologetic Voices of the D9 & HBCUs Take the Stage, and Word Warriors Take the Mic — with performances backed by DJ Vodu, percussionist David A.N. Jackson, saxophonist Stanley Coleman and The Ish Ensemble. LeFlore-Ituen will also lead a tribute honoring Ruth Garnett, Ira Jones and Darrell Mixon, whose creative legacies continue to shape the region’s cultural landscape.

The night concludes with A Celebration of 80 Years of Words, presented by the St. Louis Poetry Center and hosted by Erin Quick. The showcase brings together poets, writers and supporters from across the region to honor eight decades of championing the written and spoken word.

For LeFlore-Ituen, the day underscores the deep connection between the region’s poets and its musical identity. “St. Louis and East St. Louis poets have been an essential influence with respect to the region’s musical identity — and therefore its contribution to the American Songbook,” she said. “This MATI celebration honors the poets whose words have documented our history, challenged injustice, inspired generations and transformed American arts and culture.”

With a roster that spans Pulitzer-level voices, Poet Laureates, emerging artists and spoken-word champions, MATI 2026 offers a rare opportunity to experience the breadth of talent that continues to define the literary heartbeat of St. Louis and East St. Louis.

For more information and a full schedule for MATI 2026, which takes place July 17-19 in the heart of the Grand Center Arts District, visit matistl.org.

Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.

The post Poets, musicians and storytellers take center stage as MATI 2026  appeared first on St. Louis American.