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News Blog

Poet Saul Williams To Perform at CSUMB

Poet, writer, actor and musician Saul Williams will perform at Cal State Monterey Bay 7-9 pm this Tuesday, Feb. 1, in the University Center Ballroom in celebration of Black History Month.

The high profile artist will deliver a trademark spoken word performance followed by a book signing.

Williams holds an MFA in acting from NYU/Tisch School of Arts and a credential from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His work as a writer and actor in the film Slam won him Sundance’s Grand Jury Prize in 1998 as well as Cannes’ Camera D’Or Golden Camera Award. William’s work heavily and influenced the international spoken word movement, which helped lead to the birth of Def Poetry Jam.

His first album, Amethyst Rock Star, produced by rock/hip-hop producer Rick Rubin, received the title “Album of the Year” by The Times of London. In his newest album, released in November 2007, The Inevitable Rise and Fall of NiggyTardust, Williams collaborated with Trent Rezner, CX Kidtronik and Thavius Beck.

Lyrics from the song Black History Month off Williams’ most recent album provide an appropriate preview for the event: “All my trill NGHs know who be bringin da funk. Lees and shell toes like it’s Black History Month. Yo the banana peels are carefully placed! So keep your shell toes carefully laced! The illest NGH got peppered and maced!”

Williams also imprints his mark through books. He is the author of four poetry texts, The Seventh Octave, ,Said the Shotgun to the Head, She, and his latest The Dead Emcee Scrolls:The Lost Teachings of Hip Hop. “My writings simply chronicle my journey and vision,” he says in his online bio.

This will be Williams’ second visit to CSUMB after a performance in Spring 2008, in celebration of Earth Week. Williams’ connection to CSUMB was formed at the National Association of Campus Activities Conference. CSUMB Activity Coordinators formed a relationship with Williams’ agent and the rest is history. As he raps on Black History Month, “Now amplify this. Turn up the bass.”

Admission is free for CSUMB students with valid identification. Tickets are $5 for the general public and can be purchased at the door on the night of the performance.