This powerful event will be hosted by Mahogany L. Browne, with DJ Jive Poetic.  Performances feature acclaimed poets Prentice Powell, Jamaal St. John, Vanessa Hidary and the Brooklyn Poetry Family includes artists Venessa Marco, Whitney Greenaway, Anthony McPherson and Chris Lilley. No poetry slam is complete without Hip Hop spun by Pittsburgh’s own DJ Nate Da Phat Barber.

Janis Burley Wilson, CEO & President of the August Wilson Center said of the Poetry Unplugged event, “We're extremely excited about this year's production of Poetry Unplugged.  August Wilson Center is committed to presenting art & culture that showcases young talent with a community focus.  These artists honor the legacy of August Wilson and speak to the challenges we are facing in our society today.  We're looking forward to a night of thought-provoking and progressive art and a celebration of all that Martin Luther King stood for.”