A Def Poetry Reunion: Celebrating Danny Simmons

The Butler Institute of American Art is honored to host this special concert event celebrating the life and legacy of Danny Simmons through an inspiring evening of poetry, rhythm, and artistic expression. The event will be held on Saturday, July 25 from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Doors open at 5:45pm.

For over four decades, Danny Simmons had created paintings, works on paper, and assemblages informed by the spirit imbued in indigenous and African cultures. As the founder of the artistic movement Neo-African Abstract Expressionism, Simmons reclaimed traditional African motifs. Simmons was also an author, poet, philanthropist, curator, co-creator of Def Poetry Jam, and co-founder of the renowned Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.

Def Poetry Jam originally aired on HBO between 2002 and 2007. The series featured performances by established and up-and-coming spoken word poets as well as famous actors and musicians. Through the efforts of Bruce George, Deborah Pointer, and Danny Simmons, the Def Poetry Jam concept was key in advancing the cultural importance of spoken word poetry. The show has won a Peabody Award and a Tony Award.

Featured performers in the event’s lineup include Ursula Rucker, Derick D. Cross, Orlando Watson, Calil Cage Just C.O.S., Avery Lamar Pope, Siaara Freeman, and Tira Yasmine, with DJ J.A.L.

Ticket Information
Price: $30 general admission | $20 members | $15 students age 17+
Limited seating available, so reserve your spot as soon as possible. Purchase tickets here.