Update March 28: This event has reached capacity. There will be a standby line outside of the venue starting one hour prior to the event. If you wish to attend and were unable to register for tickets, we recommend arriving early and waiting in this line as a limited number of tickets will likely be released shortly before the event starts.
Join us for Ellington's Evening of Music and Poetry!
Ellington’s Evening of Music and Poetry is a night to celebrate the arts through spoken word poetry, R&B, and soul music. The event is headlined by Grammy-nominated vocalist, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Stokley. Also featured is poet and multi-hyphenate Saul Williams, LA-based DJ Spark, with opening acts by Jade Novah and Nathaniel Star.
This event is hosted by UVA's Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in partnership with UVA Office of African American Affairs, 101.3 Jamz, In My Humble Opinion on 101.3 JAMZ, Black Professional Network of Charlottesville, and Strong Quality Music.
Join us on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 7 pm at the Paramount Theater for this FREE event! Doors open and pre-show begins at 6:30pm. Tickets will be available for this event on The Paramount's website: Reserve your tickets here.
About the Artists:
Stokley is a GRAMMY-nominated vocalist, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who is one of music’s best-kept secrets. He has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Prince, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, and more. He’s known best as the lead singer and drummer for the legendary R&B group Mint Condition. In 2017, Stokley embarked on a new solo journey with the release of his debut album, Introducing Stokley, which produced two top-five Billboard singles, “Organic” and “Level.”
Stokley is now signed to the label Bluraffe and in a partnership with the legendaryJimmy Jam & Terry Lewis / Perspective Records with his sophomore release, Sankofa which has already produced five top 10 Billboard records, including "She” that went to #1.
Saul Williams Saul Williams came to public attention after the release of the internationally acclaimed film Slam (dir. Marc Levin), which he co-wrote and starred in, introducing the world to the Slam Poetry movement, and winning Sundance's Grand Jury Prize and the Cannes Camera D'Or, in 1998.
As an actor, Saul was a series regular as “Sivad” on the CW's Girlfriends and has appeared in a handful of films including K-Pax, Lackawanna Blues, New York, I Love You, and most recently the French-Senegalese Aujourd'hui- TEY (dir. Alain Gomis) which won 2013's L'Etalon D'Or at FESPACO, where Saul was the first African-American to win Best Actor in the largest and oldest African film festival. TEY was also awarded The Prize of the City at The Venice Film Festival. In 2014, Saul made his Broadway debut as the lead in Broadway's first hip-hop musical, Holler If Ya Hear Me, based on the lyrics and poetry of Tupac Shakur. He starred in the 2021 film Akilla’s Escape, for which his performance earned him a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Actor. His Directorial Debut Neptune Frost premiered at Cannes 2021 and saw theatrical release in June 2022. It has been lauded by critics worldwide. Saul has performed in over 30 countries and read his poetry at over 300 universities, with invitations that have spanned from the White House, the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, The Louvre, The Getty Center, and Queen Elizabeth Hall, to villages, townships, community centers, and prisons across the world. Saul has published five books of poetry which have been translated into several languages. Saul’s writings and lesson plans surrounding his work have been added to the curriculum of schools and universities around the world. As a musician, Saul has released six albums and toured or collaborated with dozens of artists including Kanye West, Nas, Janelle Monae, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against The Machine, The Roots, Mos Def, The Mars Volta, David Cross, Allen Ginsburg, Amiri Baraka, Gil Scott-Heron, Jose James, Arthur H, Camille, Ayo, TV On The Radio, System Of A Down, KRS ONE, DJ Krust, DJ Spooky, Cold Cut, Matisyahu, Blackalicious, K'naan, K-OS, and Erykah Badu.
Jade Novah
One personality consists of many personae. Each one serves a separate purpose. Every side of Jade Novah spends equal time in the spotlight. You may know her as a singer, songwriter, and actress, but there’s a whole lot more to the Atlanta-based multi-hyphenate. Allow her to introduce you to the “Inner J’s” on her 2022 Moon In Pisces EP. A trio of her “inner voices” powers the artist’s most dynamic, diverse, and deep conversation yet on the six-song set. The “Inner J’s” include Jaz representative of the Sacral Chakra and “Confidence,” Jewel representative of the Third Eye Chakra and “Intuition,” and Jo representative of the Heart Chakra and “Anxiety.” Ultimately, this collection showcases Jade as you’ve never heard of or experienced her before.
DJ Spark
SPARK noun \ ˈspärk \ (1) anything that activates or stimulates (2) a luminous electrical discharge; something that sets off a sudden force. The word Spark is synonymous with powerful beginnings.
Likewise, with a career spanning over 20 plus years, L.A’s most treasured female turntablist, DJ Spark (D. Williams), embodies, exemplifies and redefines every definition of the term. The offspring of one of the city’s first female disc jockeys, Silky D of 1580 KDAY, it was no surprise to most when this phenom began spinning at age 12; making her the world’s youngest female dj.
Growing up with legends practicing their skills in her living room such as DJ Quik, Egyptian Lover, DJ General Lee (Uncle Jams Army) and DJ Battlecat, her curiosity for the craft was soon fed by their invaluable tutelage. A prolific knowledge of music married with newly acquired turntable technique soon landed Spark her first recurring gig at Billy G’s, a local teen club. Though merely in middle school, her skill and expertise would soon capture the attention of Chris Stokes: manager of then super group Immature. Determined not to go long without making this incredible young artist apart of the T.U.G family, Stokes quickly shared his proposal and Spark hit the road as the official DJ for the group.
While on the road with Immature, Spark would also gain the interest of Maybach Music recording artist, Omarion who she toured with for over 6 years. Over the years Spark’s captivating talent and musicality has spread across multiple genres of music and afforded her the opportunity to work with artists such as Lalah Hathaway, Kelly Rowland, T-Pain, Teddy Riley, GUY, Blackstreet, Sean Paul, Paulina Rubio, Mc Lyte, YoYo, Sy Smith and plenty others.
Albeit her work with performing artists will always remain fundamental in her career, Williams has made an effortless transition from stage to screen co-starring in the VH1 reality TV series “Going for Broke” alongside Eddie Griffin as well as appearing on Bravo’s “Run’s House” and TV One’s “R&B Divas Atlanta”. As official Core DJ and StantonDJ Artist, for the last 9 years, Spark has been the sole “turntable” instructor for Herbie Hancock and Thelonious Monk Jr’s Bebop 2 Hiphop program in addition to lending her talents to Camp SpinOff and the renowned Scratch DJ Academy in Los Angeles, CA.
With a love for the craft and immeasurable talent, Williams unites and engages music lovers across the globe spinning in over 20 countries. No stranger to large stages and immense crowds, she has rocked colossal events such as the Sunset Strip Music Festival, Sundance Film Festival and Los Angeles Gay Pride just to name a few. Determined never be extinguished, this Spark has ignited the industry with fire, force and finesse…
Nathaniel Star
Nathaniel is a true force to be reckoned with in the world of music. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, he has built an impressive resume that speaks to his immense talent and dedication to his craft.
Over the course of his career, Nathaniel has worked with a diverse array of artists across multiple genres, from regional stars to Grammy Award-winning artist. His performance and writing credits are a testament to his versatility and range as an artist, and he has earned the respect and admiration of peers and fans alike.
In 2023, Nathaniel performed to a sold-out crowd at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington DC, an experience that left him feeling both exhilarated and humbled. It was a milestone moment in his career, and one that he will never forget.
Most recently, he received the incredible honor of being the first artist to have his music licensed and cataloged at the prestigious University of Virginia.
As one half of the eclectic production tandem "Ubuntu Sounds", Nathaniel brings a fresh perspective and innovative approach to music. He truly breathes music, and his passion and dedication shine through in everything he creates. With a bright future ahead of him, there's no doubt that Nathaniel is a rising star who is poised to make an indelible mark on the world of music.
Tickets are on sale now and may be reserved online at www.theparamount.net, or in person at the Box Office Monday - Friday from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, and one hour before each event. Tickets may also be purchased by phone during Box Office hours by calling 434.979.1333.
The University of Virginia is committed to providing universal access to our events. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected] or 434-243-2079 to request disability-related accommodations. Examples of accommodations may include real-time captioning, ASL-English interpreting services, accessible digital copies of programs, accessible seating, and accessible parking. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accommodations.