Bluz - Writing Workshop - "FUNNY SIDE-UP" 4-26-25

Location: ArtsXchange | Robeson Theatre

"FUNNY SIDE-UP"

You don’t want to miss this writing workshop that explores the funny side of a poetry with exercises and prompts that will add to the catalogue and skillset of the poet.

ABOUT

Boris “Bluz” Rogers has risen through the ranks of spoken word entertainment. He is an Emmy Award winner, a featured artist on a Grammy Nominated project, been honored with a recognition in Excellence in Leadership from the NAACP, the former Director of Creative Engagement for Blumenthal Performing Arts and current Poet Laureate for the Harvey B Gantt. Bluz is also the slam master of SlamCharlotte. The competitive team of poets whom he led to back to back National Poetry Slam victories in 2007 and 2008 and a historic 3rd win in 2018. Bluz is also the 2024 Ill List Poetry Slam Champ.

He has featured and hosted at the LA Poetry festival as well as the National Poetry slam and the Individual World Poetry Slam . Bluz also served as a delegate and writer at the All-America City awards where he helped Charlotte win the very sought-after award of All-America City.

Channeling human experience into gifts of metaphors and similes, Bluz has published “Articulate Slang” and produced three audio releases. His poetry is universal, dismantling social, economic, and ethnic barriers reaching into the heart of the community where he is an active member. Along with his stage and writing capability Bluz is also an incredible Voice over Talent. Using his words, writing and voice to work with several organizations such as the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Red Bull, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, The National Museum of African American Music, The Dance Theater of Harlem Junior Achievement, Wachovia, CBS Radio, Radio Disney, Raycom Sports, ESPN and SPEED TV, where he wrote and performed several intros for the nationally televised showed NASCAR. Today, Bluz’ voice is a progressive tool used to foster transformation.

Nowhere has Bluz’ impact been more apparent than when he performed at the 2010 induction ceremony for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a symbolic culmination of the city of Charlotte’s passion for winning the bid for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and Bluz’ passion to communicate his human-centric prose to audiences who have yet to enjoy slam poetry as an art form. The Hall of Fame opening and Bluz being, not only the first performer, but also the first African-American performer, is an historic event.

Bluz has shared the stage with many distinguished poets, writers, and international recording artists ranging from Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, Nikole Hannah-Jones, and Gil Scott Heron to Outkast, John Legend, and the Tony Award winning show Freestyle Love Supreme, but his greatest accomplishments is the time he gets to spend with his family, his wife and three children.

Always looking for the next innovative idea, the next creative project and whether it’s street clothes or Tuxedos, Bluz is always ready to lend his talent and share his passion for entertaining, educating, and inspiring the world. This is Bluz.