After a five-year hiatus, DaVerse Lounge is back. The all-ages spoken word event returns to Life in Deep Ellum, offering a space to celebrate voice, culture and creativity.
鈥淥ur MO over the years is what's the quickest way and the most soulful way and the most beautiful way to get someone to write and express themselves and share their story,鈥� said founder Will Richey.
Richey launched DaVerse lounge in 2005 as an after-school creative writing program to help young students process their experiences. Through a partnership with arts education nonprofit Big Thought, the program reached more than 600 students from all over North Texas before pausing during the pandemic.
Now, DaVerse is relaunching with a broader mission by welcoming not just students, but all North Texans looking to connect through storytelling.
The relaunch event features live painters, cover songs and original performances from local artists, including Cure for Paranoia鈥檚 Cameron McCloud, Tommy Raps (aka So-So Topics), singer Dana Harper and Dallas鈥� inaugural poet laureate, Joaquin Zihuatanejo. While those artists headline, the mic is open to anyone. Attendees can use a provided template to create on-the-spot poems or spoken-word pieces. No experience or preparation is required.
鈥淲hen you walk into a DaVerse lounge, you should feel warmth, you feel soul, you should feel like, wow, this is different,鈥� Richey said.
Alongside performances, the event will offer food prepared by Richey鈥檚 creative partner Alejandro Perez Jr. and a creative corner with activities, crafts and a chalkboard wall for kids run by visual artists Jerod and Dehvon Davies.
With already 250 registered attendees for the next event, Richey hopes to grow DaVerse into something bigger than before.
鈥淲e kind of, like, soulfully connect with folks and make them feel at home even if it's their first time,鈥� Richey said.
Details:
July 27 at Life in Deep Ellum, 2803 Taylor St. Free but registration is required to attend.
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