Free event  

RSVP

May 6: Black, Write, & Wrong: Writing Through Sound, Memory, & Emotion, with Tony Maddox

This evening will be a catalyst of creative expression, and tonight we’re going to explore writing in a different way—not from the mind, but through feeling. Music has always been one of the most powerful storytelling tools in Black culture. Long before many of our stories were written down, they were sung. They carried pain, joy, resistance, love, survival—and truth.

The songs I’ll be sharing tonight come from artists who are no longer with us, but whose voices still speak. Artists like Billie Holiday, BB King, and Bobby “Blue” Bland, who didn’t just sing songs—they lived them. As I perform each piece, I want you to listen beyond the lyrics. Listen for what’s underneath—the emotion, the history, the weight, the beauty.

After each song, you’ll have a few minutes to write. Don’t overthink it. Don’t try to be perfect. Just respond. Write what you feel, what you see, what the music unlocks in you. It isn’t about being right or wrong – there is no right or wrong way to write – it’s about being honest, vulnerable, and authentic. That’s why I call this exercise. ‘Black Write and Wrong.’”

Tony Maddox is a dynamic vocalist and his style is a soulful blend of jazz, Motown, and classic favorites. Tony weaves storytelling with humor, emotional depth, and connectivity. The Tony Maddox band is a family of skilled musicians who have shared the stage and recorded with such greats as Tina Turner, Katie Perry, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, Patti Labelle, Celine Dion, Nancy Wilson, Bobby Caldwell, Natalie Cole, The Jacksons, and many others. Tony is also an artist, author, poet, photographer, designer, and producer.

“Writers in the Gallery” meets on the first Wednesday of each month (from 6:30pm to 8pm) with different hosts conducting experiential workshops to inspire writers (and nonwriters) of all genres – fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, storytelling, etc. – to improve the quality of their work. Check out the prose, poetry, essays, and experiential writing exercises at www.WritersintheGallery.com.