Lyrical Sanctuary – Division of Student Affairs /studentaffairs/tag/lyrical-sanctuary/ University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:07:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Derrick Harriell /studentaffairs/event/lyrical-sanctuary-featuring-derrick-harriell/ Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 /studentaffairs/?post_type=tribe_events&p=19634 Derrick Harriellis the Interim Director of the Black Student Cultural Center and Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Hispreviouscollections of poems includeStripper in Wonderland,Come Kingdom,Cotton, andRopes, winner of the 2014 Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Poetry Book Award. His short story, “There’s a Riot Goin’ On,” was the recipient of the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award. He holds an MFA from Chicago State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His forthcoming coauthored book with celebrated rapper 2 Chainz,The Voice in My Head is God, will be published in March 2026.

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]]> 6-6:45 pm | Creative Writing Workshop, Open Mic & Peformance

Join us in a special writing workshop hosted by Dr. Derrick Harriell – How Do We Keep the Music Playing: Celebrating the music that inspires our work.

7-9 pm | Open Mic & Feature Peformance | Union Fireside Lounge

Derrick Harriellis the Interim Director of the Black Student Cultural Center and Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Hispreviouscollections of poems includeStripper in Wonderland,Come Kingdom,Cotton, andRopes, winner of the 2014 Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Poetry Book Award. His short story, “There’s a Riot Goin’ On,” was the recipient of the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award. He holds an MFA from Chicago State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His forthcoming coauthored book with celebrated rapper 2 Chainz,The Voice in My Head is God, will be published in March 2026.

Cosponsored by the Black Student Cultural Center

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]]> Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring *aya /studentaffairs/event/lyrical-sanctuary-featuring-aya/ Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +0000 /studentaffairs/?post_type=tribe_events&p=19618 *ayais a Palestinian singer/songwriter based in Milwaukee, creating a unique blend of indie and soul that resonates deeply with listeners. With a smooth, jazzy voice, *ayawrites about universal themes like self-reflection, love, loss, mental health, and personal growth, making their music both intimate and relatable. Inspired by the artistry of Jill Scott, Ari Lennox, Faye Webster, Amy Winehouse, and Outkast, they seamlessly weave together genres to create a soundthat’sunmistakably their own.

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]]> 6-6:45p.m.| Creative Writing Workshop | Union119

WORKSHOP TBD

7-9p.m.| Open Mic & Feature Performance | Union Fireside Lounge

*ayais a Palestinian singer/songwriter based in Milwaukee, creating a unique blend of indie and soul that resonates deeply with listeners. With a smooth, jazzy voice, *ayawrites about universal themes like self-reflection, love, loss, mental health, and personal growth, making their music both intimate and relatable. Inspired by the artistry of Jill Scott, Ari Lennox, Faye Webster, Amy Winehouse, and Outkast, they seamlessly weave together genres to create a soundthat’sunmistakably their own.

Follow*ⲹ’sjourney on Instagram@ayainthaskyQR Code, please for https://www.instagram.com/ayainthasky/

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]]> Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Social Cig /studentaffairs/event/lyrical-sanctuary-featuring-social-cig/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:00:00 +0000 /studentaffairs/?post_type=tribe_events&p=19603 Born & brewed in Wisconsin, Social Cig is the ‘Indie-Skate-Rock’ music projectofParker Schultz. Consistingofcontagious authenticity, cheery live shows, and cultivating an original story with an attitude of gratitude, Social Cig is creating full-circle moments. While leafing through US music scenes with an ambitious DIY approach and writing songs that capture a genuine outlook from a modern-day Midwest cowboy, Social Cig has become a well-rounded grassroots venture.

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]]> 6-6:45p.m.| Creative Writing Workshop | Union119

Ready to turn your ideas into songs? Join Milwaukee based songwriter, Parker Schultz of the indie rock project, Social Cig,for a fun, creative workshop whereyou’lllearn how to find lyrics, build melodies, and shape your own sound. Through quick prompts, group activities, andeasy tips,you’lldiscover new ways to express yourself and grow your skills. No experience needed—just bring your imagination and your love for music!

7-9p.m.| Open Mic & Feature Performance | Fireside Lounge

Born & brewed in Wisconsin, Social Cig is the ‘Indie-Skate-Rock’ music projectofParker Schultz. Consistingofcontagious authenticity, cheery live shows, and cultivating an original story with an attitude of gratitude, Social Cig is creating full-circle moments. While leafing through US music scenes with an ambitious DIY approach and writing songs that capture a genuine outlook from a modern-day Midwest cowboy, Social Cig has become a well-rounded grassroots venture.

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]]> Lyrical Sanctuary Presents Student Showcase /studentaffairs/event/lyrical-sanctuary-presents-student-showcase/ Wed, 06 May 2026 23:00:00 +0000 /studentaffairs/?post_type=tribe_events&p=19586 Celebrate the final Lyrical Sanctuary of the semester with an evening dedicated to the incredible talent within our own 51 community! Join us as our amazing student poets take center stage, sharing their voices, stories, and artistry. Come be inspired, uplifted, and reminded of the power of creativity as we close out the year with this special showcase of campus brilliance.

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]]> 6-6:45p.m.| Creative Writing Workshop | Union119

7-9 p.m. |Open Mic & Feature Performance | Union Fireside Lounge

Celebrate the final Lyrical Sanctuary of the semester with an evening dedicated to the incredible talent within our own 51 community! Join us as our amazing student poets take center stage, sharing their voices, stories, and artistry. Come be inspired, uplifted, and reminded of the power of creativity as we close out the year with this special showcase of campus brilliance.

For more information or to request accommodations contact Sociocultural Programming:sociocul@uwm.edu

Sponsored by Sociocultural Programming

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]]> Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Tasneem Jassar /studentaffairs/event/lyrical-sanctuary-featuring-tasneem-jassar/ Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 /studentaffairs/?post_type=tribe_events&p=16692 Tasneem Jassar is a Palestinian writer and poet. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Creative Writing bachelor’s degree and a minor in Women and Gender studies. Jassar was also 2024 Woodland Pattern’s Milwaukee Emerging Poet fellow. She hopes that the words she writes and shares, inspire others and give them a deeper insight into themselves and the world they live in. Her poetry often includes themes of motherhood, sisterhood, and Palestinian storytelling.

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]]> Tasneem Jassar is a Palestinian writer and poet. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Creative Writing bachelor’s degree and a minor in Women and Gender studies. Jassar was also 2024 Woodland Pattern’s Milwaukee Emerging Poet fellow.She hopes that the words she writes and shares, inspire others and give them a deeper insight into themselves and the world they live in. Her poetry often includes themes of motherhood, sisterhood, and Palestinian storytelling.

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm – Creative Writing Workshop (Union 119)

The Language of Liberation – a poetic workshop where we will write, reflect, and uncover our understanding of liberation. Through guided prompts, intimate discussions, and creative exercises, we’ll explore the barriers that bind us and our writing, and discover how poetry can become a tool for healing and untying the knots of oppression. This workshop invites you to reflect on how poetry is an act of resistance, whether you’re liberating yourself from fear, generational cycles, or simply seeking to define freedom on your own terms. Join us to listen, share, and explore the power of your own words.

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Open Mic & Feature Performance (Union Fireside Lounge)

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]]> Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Carmen Alicia Murguia /studentaffairs/event/lyrical-sanctuary-featuring-carmen-alicia-murguia/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +0000 /studentaffairs/?post_type=tribe_events&p=16697 Carmen Alicia Murguía is a proud U.S.-born poet and writer whose work explores love, Latinidad, politics, queer identity, and culture. She’s the author of six poetry collections and has been featured in academic journals, anthologies, and interviews on NPR, PBS, and other media outlets. Carmen began her poetry journey at The Loft Literary Center through the Inroads: Emerging Chicano/Latino Writer’s Mentorship Program and has since performed at festivals and venues across the country, including New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, and San Antonio.

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]]> Carmen Alicia Murguía is a proud U.S.-born poet and writer whose work explores love, Latinidad, politics, queer identity, and culture. She’s the author of six poetry collections and has been featured in academic journals, anthologies, and interviews on NPR, PBS, and other media outlets. Carmen began her poetry journey at The Loft Literary Center through the Inroads: Emerging Chicano/Latino Writer’s Mentorship Program and has since performed at festivals and venues across the country, including New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, and San Antonio.

Her contributions have earned her honors like Milwaukee Magazine’s “50 People You Should Know,” the PRIDEFEST Stonewall Leadership Award, and the LGBTQ Progress Award in Arts & Culture. A dedicated advocate and speaker, she’s shared her voice at national conferences and in publications like El Conquistador, The Shepherd Express, and The Lambda Book Report.

When she’s not writing or performing, Carmen loves spending time with friends, traveling, and curating playlists of R&B, Cumbias, Hip-Hop, and Salsa. Above all, she makes time for love.

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm – Creative Writing Workshop (Union 119)

Join us for an engaging writing workshop where participants will explore writing techniques and prompts inspired by different musical genres. Through a series of interactive activities, we will dive into how music shapes our understanding of the world and ourselves, and how music can enhance our storytelling and creative expression. This workshop is designed to be fun, interactive, and suitable for all skill levels.

7:00 pm -9:00 pm – Open Mic & Feature Performance (Union Fireside Lounge)

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]]> Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Shelly Conley /studentaffairs/event/lyrical-sanctuary-featuring-shelly-conley/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:00:00 +0000 /studentaffairs/?post_type=tribe_events&p=16678 Milwaukee native, Shelly Conley, is Milwaukee’s newest Poet Laureate. She has always had a Love for words. Her writing is reflective, forgiving and creates a call to action for the listeners. Shelly is a 7 time member of Milwaukee’s National Poetry Slam Team. Her talent has led her to numerous shows, panels, documentaries and musical collaborations with local and national talent.

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]]> Milwaukee native, Shelly Conley, is Milwaukee’s newest Poet Laureate. She has always had a Love for words. Her writing is reflective, forgiving and creates a call to action for the listeners. Shelly is a 7 time member of Milwaukee’s National Poetry Slam Team. Her talent has led her to numerous shows, panels, documentaries and musical collaborations with local and national talent. She recently released REWIND-A CATHARTIC AUTOBIOGRAPHY, a magical blend of childhood journal pages, poetry, an amazing soundtrack and more, available at shellyconley.com. With more than 20 years of experience working with youth and young adults in various capacities, Shelly encourages individuals to be honest and introspective in their writing, to forgive themselves and others, and to operate from a space of Love– especially when it’s difficult. Since 2014, Shelly has served as Program Director and Co-facilitator for My Sista’s KeepHer (MSK).

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Reception in MLK Lounge

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm – Creative Writing Workshop (Union 119)

REWIND: A Reflection in Rhyme Step away from filters, titles, and the pressure to perform. In this immersive workshop, you’ll be invited to REWIND—back to your core, back to your voice, back to the truth you’ve been carrying all along. Through guided journaling, poetry, and creative reflection, we’ll explore the difference between writing for the world and writing for yourself.Inspired by Shelly Conley’s REWIND – A Cathartic Autobiography, this session blends storytelling, music, and memory to help you uncover what’s hiding beneath the surface. Whether you’re a poet, a scribbler, or someone just learning to listen inwardly, this is a space to be raw, reflective, and real.

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Open Mic & Feature Performance (Union Fireside Lounge)

 

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]]> Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring RJ Riddle /studentaffairs/event/lyrical-sanctuary-featuring-rj-riddle/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 /studentaffairs/?post_type=tribe_events&p=16686 Whether working with city youth or performing music, RJ Riddle has a unique and authentic way of uplifting and empowering the people he interacts with. Riddle began creating a buzz for himself just barely being 21 performing at spoken word events and open mics throughout Milwaukee. With his combination of spoken word, rap, and the occasional jazz/ funk sound, Riddle has a way of fusing different genres in his arsenal to make his words come to live by painting vivid pictures and staying genuine in his words!

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]]> Jessie Russell, better known as RJ Riddle, is a songwriter, poet, spoken word and music artist! Riddle was born June 9th, 1994, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Whether working with city youth or performing music, RJ Riddle has a unique and authentic way of uplifting and empowering the people he interacts with. Riddle began creating a buzz for himself just barely being 21 performing at spoken word events and open mics throughout Milwaukee. With his combination of spoken word, rap, and the occasional jazz/ funk sound, Riddle has a way of fusing different genres in his arsenal to make his words come to live by painting vivid pictures and staying genuine in his words!RJ is also apart of the music collective Rooted Society, a collective of individuals that create music that is relatable and heading to the culture. RJ Riddle’s project releases include Life of a Wandering Child, Reconstruction, which is a series of EPs, and The Now or Never Ep!

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm – Creative Writing Workshop (Union 119)
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Open Mic & Feature Performance (Union Fireside Lounge)

 

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