Chicago’s inaugural Poet Laureate, interdisciplinary artist and educator avery r. young  [him, him, his] is a Leader for a New Chicago 2022 awardee, a Cave Canem fellow and a co-director of The Floating Museum. His poetry and prose have been featured in BreakBeat Poets, Teaching Black, Poetry Magazine and alongside images in photographer Cecil McDonald Jr’s, In The Company of Black. He is the composer and librettist for a new commissioned work from The Lyrics Opera of Chicago titled safronia. His full length recording tubman. is the soundtrack to his collection of poetry, neckbone: visual verses. 3Arts Awardees Cailtin Edwards and Justin Dillard both respectfully are accomplished composers and musicians who have worked with avery on several projects. They join him in this special performance in consideration of this year’s theme, and in dedication to the honored guests.