Thursday, September 12, 2024
5:30–9 pm
Robert C. Valade Park
2670 Atwater St.
Detroit, MI 48207
Join InsideOut on Thursday, September 12th from 5:30-9 PM for an immersive evening of activities and performances, with the Detroit River as our inspiring backdrop.
If the River Could Sing: A Celebration of Writing and River with InsideOut will feature creative activation points inspired by the beauty and history of the riverfront. Centering on themes of arts & culture, wellness, and conservation, this unforgettable evening will culminate with a sunset showcase of music and poetry.
This all-ages event celebrates the end of summer and the Detroit River with activities for the whole family.
Featuring poetry performances by jason b. crawford and InsideOut Performance Troupe and poetry contest winners
Music by AnJelic, The Codgers, and Monica Blaire
Interactive improv with Detroit Creativity Project
Hosted by La Shaun phoenix Moore
Activities and partners include:
ARTS & CULTURE ZONE
- Letterpress printing – Signal Return
- Mixed media art activity – Live Coal
- Free book giveaway – Birdie’s Bookmobile
- Try an instrument – Detroit Harmony and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
- Family music activity – DSO Early Childhood Specialist Audra Kubat
- Ask a Poet booth – InsideOut Literary Arts
- Cardio drumming – Vámonos
CONSERVATION ZONE
- Pot a seedling – Keep Growing Detroit
- “What does the river say to you?” reflection – Detroit Outdoors
- Body scrub making – Detroit CHEMpreneurist
- Meet a sturgeon – Outdoor Adventure Center
WELLNESS ZONE (curated by Afro Moone)
- Sound demonstration & meditation
- Qigong
- River sounds guided meditation
TEEN ZONE
- Beat making – Beats Rhymes Everything Detroit
- Open Mic – Citywide Poets
- Lawn games
- Arts & crafts stations
If the River Could Sing is free and open to all as part of InsideOut’s community programming, designed to engage diverse audiences in the ways that the written and spoken word can connect to and enrich their lives.
This event is made possible by the Library of Michigan in partnership with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, with additional support from Henry Ford Health, Plante Moran, SMZ, Wells Advantage Group, Farbman Group, Zingerman’s Community of Businesses and individual donors.
To see more of our inaugural If the River Could Sing event in 2022, watch the short video below.