Special Book Event: An Evening with Artist, Social Entrepreneur, & UofM Professor Aaron Dworkin
Join us in welcoming the Poetjournalist-in-Residence of Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial
As we continue to celebrate the 200th year of our favorite city, the Roadhouse is thrilled to announce a treasured experience connecting you with poetjournalist, social entrepreneur, musician, filmmaker, and UofM professor Aaron Dworkin. Aaron is a sought-after global thought leader, and his advocacy for diversity and inclusion, excellence in arts education, entrepreneurship, and leadership has been incredibly impactful to not only the Ann Arbor community, but also on a global scale. We are honored to have this opportunity to invite you to a profound one-night-only evening listening to Aaron explore his latest book, The Poetjournalist, on Tuesday, April 2nd!
Named a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, President Obama’s first appointment to the National Council on the Arts and member of President Biden’s Arts Policy Committee, Aaron P. Dworkin is former dean and current Professor of Arts Leadership & Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance. While his critically-acclaimed writings are extensive, Aaron will be reading from his latest work, The Poetjournalist, a unique collection of poetry which captures the beautifully woven diversity of our community through his rhythmic word. The collection explores four themes: Personal Identity, The Arts, The Black Experience, and Inequality, all through the lens of “Poetjournalism.” Aaron is the founder of the Institute for Poetjournalism and originated the term “poetjournalism”, which refers to a news story or other experience is expressed in poetic form, incorporating elements of emotion, opinion, and creative illustration. He developed this process during his role as Poetjournalist-In-Residence at a variety of institutions, including Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial, for which he has created poetry compositions offering residents emotionally expressive insights celebrating Ann Arbor’s past, present, and future.
With a background in classical music as well, Aaron’s talent with rhythm, alliteration, and asymmetric rhyme creates vivid connections for his audience to evocative social encounters, whether they are familiar or entirely new. His readings and presentation will create an atmosphere of introspection into our world and how we interact with each other, and create impactful commentary about the diversity of our community. Join us for an unforgettable evening with Aaron as we celebrate the 200th year of Ann Arbor with his extraordinary poetry and delicious appetizers!
More About Aaron Dworkin:
Dworkin has performed his poetry as a prominent spoken-word artist including Carnegie Hall, Galapagos Theater in New York, Harvard University, Chautauqua, University of Michigan, Minneapolis Orchestra Hall, NJPAC and the Wright Museum and Orchestra Hall in Detroit amongst others and is a member of the Academy of American Poets.He has been featured on The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, CNN, Jet Magazine and named one of Newsweek’s “15 People Who Make America Great.” His Emmy award-winning film An American Prophecy was honored by numerous festivals, while his digital art project, Fractured History, has exhibited to rave reviews.
Aaron is also a leading social entrepreneur having founded the globally-recognized Detroit-based Sphinx Organization, the leading arts organization with the mission of transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. He also serves as host of the nationally-broadcast Arts Engines show with a weekly viewership of over 100,000. Aaron is a member of the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences and is the recipient of honors including the National Governors Association Distinguished Service to State Government Award, BET’s History Makers in the Making Award and Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Lifetime Achievement Award and been named Detroit News’s Michiganian of the Year and the National Black MBA’s Entrepreneur of The Year.
A sought-after global thought leader and passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, excellence in arts education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, as well as inclusion in the performing arts, Aaron is a frequent keynote speaker and lecturer at numerous universities and global arts, creativity, and technology conferences and is on the roster of the prestigious APB speakers bureau. He is a member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) and has served on the Board of Directors or Advisory Boards for numerous influential arts organizations including the National Council on the Arts, Knight Foundation, National Association of Performing Arts Professionals, Avery Fisher Artist Program, Independent Sector, League of American Orchestras, Ann Arbor Area Foundation, Michigan Theater and Chamber Music America. Having raised over $50 million for philanthropic causes, Aaron personifies creative leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service with an unwavering passion for the arts, diversity, and their role in society.
Doors will open at 6pm for cocktails and mingling, before Aaron’s presentation at 6:30pm.
Appetizer Menu
- Roadhouse Buttermilk Biscuits (V)
With Assorted Jams - “Chicken-Fried Mushrooms” & Grits (V)
- Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese Shooters