Mixed Use

Various artists based in and around the Statten Island borough will come together for this event. These include:

Hailing from the concrete jungle of Staten Island, New York, Manners and Respect is a rap-reggae fusion duo that's been bringing the vibes since the early days of the millennium. Formed by brothers Imanuel I-AM-I Stennett and Jahfree Jah Jah Beats Stennett, their sound is a melting pot of their experiences growing up on the East Coast, heavily influenced by the golden age of hip-hop and the infectious rhythms of reggae blasting from local Caribbean shops.

Thomas Fucaloro is the winner of numerous grants from the Staten Island Council of the Arts, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes and NYC Commission of Human Rights to name a few He has been on six national slam teams, holds an MFA in creative writing from the New School and is a co-founding editor of Great Weather for Media and NYSAI press. He is also an adjunct professor at Wagner College and BMCC where he teaches various poetry and literature courses, and the co-founder of Poetry in the Park, WORDPLAY, Creating Space, Poetry in Motion and Creativity Meets Geek. Thomas has released 2 full lengths: It Starts From the Belly and Blooms and Inheriting Craziness is a Soft Halo of Light by Three Rooms Press. He also has 4 chapbooks: Mistakes Disguised as Stars (Tired Hearts Press), Depression Cupcakes (Yes, Poetry), There is Always Tomorrow (Mad Gleam Press) and The Only Gardening I Do is When I Give Up by Finishing Line Press.

Cynthia Rodriguez is a multi-talented artist who expresses herself through words and paint, often using both hands ambidextrously in her creations. Driven by a desire to inspire others, she seeks to encourage individuals to share their stories and embrace their authenticity, living life fully in their truth. You can see what Cyn is currently up to by visiting her Instagram @Cyn.is.Cyn and clicking on the link tree in her bio.

M.A. Dennis contains multitudes. He is a National Black Writers Conference Emerging Poet, lover of free refreshments, and a survivor of homelessness. Johns Hopkins University Press Blog describes him as “a hilarious but also heartbreaking performance poet.” M.A.’s work has been published in many anthologies and a few public bathroom stalls. Dennis lives in Shaolin Island, NY with his four pet rocks (Chris, Fraggle, Gibraltar & Plymouth). IG: m_a_dennis575

Matt Figgz is an educator who loves reading, anime, and cold leftovers. He is also the co-founder of "Poetry in the Park" (@official_poetryinthepark), a free outdoor open mic series that started in response to the weight of Covid. Matt Figgz has a poetry collection, "Adolescence", that is available on Amazon.