-Inaugural program to feature Marquette Shaw on April 16, 2016-

(DOVER, Del.—April 12, 2016)— The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will launch its year-long spoken-word program “Listen Up!” with a performance by noted Delaware poet, singer, dancer and actor Marquette Shaw. Entitled “Marquette Shaw: A Delaware Poet for All Seasons,” the program will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 1 p.m. at The Old State House located at 25 The Green in Dover, Del. Admission is free but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-744-5054.

Spoken word is an oral art-form that focuses on the aesthetics of word play, intonation and voice inflection. It includes any kind of poetry recited aloud including hip-hop, jazz poetry, poetry slams and traditional poetry readings, and can include comedy routines and prose monologues.

“Listen Up!” is a year-long series of programs and workshops in which participating Delaware youth (ages 10 to 18) will research and develop their own spoken-word presentations based on events in Delaware history. Workshop leaders, including Marquette Shaw and other seasoned spoken-word artists, will help participants create their own compositions for performance in mini programs that will be offered throughout the year culminating in a major performance during National Poetry Month in April 2017. (“Listen Up!” workshops and rehearsals are not open to public. Members of the press may attend by prior arrangement.)

Potential topics that participants may utilize in creating spoken-word compositions include The Ride of Caesar Rodney; Eldridge Johnson: An Original Jazz Man; Delaware Has Some Heroes, Let’s Name a Few, Can You Tell Me What Did They Do?; Delaware History Matters to Me Too; Nipper Heard the Music Loud and Clear; Good Gangstas: Sam Burris, Thomas Garrett and John Hunn; and Laws and Laws and Laws and Laws: How We Got to Where We Are. Participants may also come up with their own topics within the parameters of Delaware and/or Kent County history.

Upcoming “Listen Up!” performances are listed below. All of these programs will take place at The Old State House located at 25 The Green in Dover, Del. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5054.

Saturday, April 16, 2016
“Marquette Shaw: A Delaware Poet for All Seasons.” Poet, singer, dancer and actor, Marquette Shaw will entertain audiences with his unique rendition of all things Delaware. Opening performance of the “Listen Up!” spoken-word program. Program 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-744-5054.

Monday, July 4, 2016
“Independence Day.” Performance at 1 p.m. by youth participating in the “Listen Up!” spoken-word program on the meaning of Independence Day. At 2 and 4 p.m., the bell of The Old State House will ring in celebration of the nation’s birthday, followed immediately by site interpreters, dressed in period clothing, who will recite the Declaration of Independence aloud from the spot where the document was first read to the citizens of Dover in 1776. Museum open 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016
“The First People of the First State: A Celebration of Heritage.” Fifth annual celebration featuring the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware as they honor mother earth and Native-American culture with dancing and demonstrations. Celebration from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Performance celebrating Native-American culture at 1 p.m. by youth participating in the “Listen Up!” spoken-word program. First Saturday in the First State program. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

“Listen Up!” is sponsored by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Delaware Division of the Arts and local community organizations. The goals of the program are as follows:

• Provide opportunities for youth to learn, research, create and present various aspects of Delaware and Kent County history, and to learn how to compose prose and poetry in a manner that is comfortable and fun
• Familiarize youth with the museums of the State of Delaware and the historical knowledge that they offer to residents and visitors
• Create strong and positive collaborations among Delaware organizations that will enhance their presence in the community and encourage positive connections with youth in Kent County and the state of Delaware

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Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-736-7413
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

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