"J" Marks the Spots

CONCERT: Noir Music Series launches as benefit for National Black Writers Conference
Program of the 2012 National Black Writer’s Conference
Kick-off celebrates the blurred boundaries between music and spoken word
Featuring Jessica Care Moore, Tuan X, DJ Reborn, i (am) isis, Humuni (Ish & Mega)
Hosted by Shanelle Gabriel, Gabe & Tai Allen
Friday, March 2 | at Free Candy, located at 903 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Admission: General - $15 | Students - $8 | Group Rates Available
Website:noirmusicseries.com |  Facebook: http://on.fb.me/zZUcra
Tickets: http://bit.ly/xotf0F

February 21, 2012 (NY) — Vicelounge, in conjunction with the National Black Writers Conference 2012 present Noir, Friday, March 2 at Free Candy in Brooklyn.

Headlined by internationally renowned poet/playwright/rock star Jessica Care Moore, Noir features some of the city’s best and brightest, who are known just as much for being amazing emcees and vocalists as they are for their written word.

Noir, curated by poet/singer/producer/creative Tai Allen, launches as a benefit and pre-conference celebration for the National Black Writer’s Conference (NWBC). The kick-off event highlights the blurred boundaries between music and poetry, featuring rock/hip-hop/soul hybrids, Jessica Care Moore & (i am) isis; hip-hop, HumUni (Ish & Mega of UrbanWord fame); R&B/hip-hop Tuan X; and soul music, Shanelle Gabriel & vicelounge.

“We started the Noir Music Series as a benefit to support one of our top priorities…Black art and culture,” explained Tai Allen. “Since every member is a multi-disciplinary artist, it just made sense to bring awareness by developing a concert showcasing poets/writers who are also talented musicians.”

Moore agreed, “I have been an audience member and artist at the National Black Writers Conference over the years. This institution is so vital to writers and poets of the African diaspora. We must continue to support festivals and conferences that give writers of color a voice. I’m honored to be participating this year.”

Inspired by the late John Oliver Killens, since 1986, the National Black Writers Conference has brought together writers, critics, booksellers, book reviewers, educators, students, and the general public in a dialogue on emerging themes, trends, and issues in black literature. 

“We see this concert as a celebration and acknowledgement of soul of the poet, a celebration which can be traced back to the griots of Africa,” said NBWC founder Dr. Brenda Greene. “Our griots were storytellers who used performance and dance to chronicle their lives and celebrate their culture. There was no distinction between dance, music and storytelling. This concert thus embodies the legacy of a cultural tradition which spans centuries.”

For more information, visit noirmusicseries.com. For interviews, images or other supporting materials, please email cbrewer@dwworldmedia.com