On Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00AM, The Floyd County Library will host the acclaimed local poet and Spoken Word Performer, KennyFresh! This is a free family friendly event, and one that you won’t want to miss! Click Here for more information!
If you are unfamiliar with Spoken Word Performance, rest assured you will NOT be disappointed! In short, it is poetry intended for performance. Related to “slam poetry,” spoken word may draw on music, sound, dance, or other kinds of performance to connect with audiences. It has its roots in oral traditions and performance, and can contain elements of rap, hip-hop, storytelling, theater, and jazz, rock, blues, and folk music. Characterized by rhyme, repetition, improvisation, and word play, spoken word poems frequently refer to issues of social justice, politics, race, and community (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/).
KennyFresh, also known as Kenneth Woods, was born in Hawaii to naval parents. He has lived in various states throughout the US, and has called Southern Indiana home since 2006. A graduate of Indiana University, he has performed in many acclaimed venues, including The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, Centre College, IU, IUS, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and many more. He is an Indiana Poet Laureate Nominee for 2024-26.
Kenneth has a special affinity for teaching young people. He spends many hours in local schools and public libraries, working to ignite the fire in kids to find their authentic voices through written expression and performance.
When you attend the October 21 performance, you will likely hear KennyFresh “wax poetic” on such topics as mental health, belonging, intercultural identity, place, and human connection.
I look forward to seeing you at the Library!
