CD-Release Party: Nation of Immigrants?

As ancient and universal as the smile, spoken word is an art form that simultaneously transcends the differences between cultures and serves to bring those differences into sharp relief. For many years now, Equilibrium has offered a space and a stage to the voices of a group as diverse in culture as in their approaches to spoken word, which range from linear storytelling to free-form poetry. If anything, it's a little surprising that it's taken this long for the series to produce a recording, but we're glad it finally did. Often drawing on vivid characterizations of their families and scenes from their upbringings, the artists dive head-first into discussion and argument on immigration, identity, and the role of people of color in the transformation of American culture. Tonight, Equilibrium celebrates the freshly pressed CD with a free concert that promises that same intensity and variety—and an opportunity to pick up your own copy.
Sat., Nov. 22, 8 p.m., 2008