Nic Hampton and Tiya Kunaiyi

(SCENE) Metrospace presents an evening of poetry with Nic Hampton and Tiya Kunaiyi/Saturday, May 30th/7:30/No cover/Suggested donation

Nic Hampton, a 25-year-old poet from Kalamazoo, has been writing since he was 12 years old. His writing is focused on stark imagery, an ever increasing diction that strives to find the balance of layman's entertainment and the expression of a globalized metaphysical framework. Known for thoughtful, humorous writing, Hampton has read and performed his poetry locally at a number of venues, including Magdalena's Tea House in Lansing.

Born to a Mexican-American mother and Nigerian father, from birth poet Tiya Kunaiyi was in a world made of worlds. Raised in Rivers State, Nigeria, Kunaiyi spent her childhood exposed to the largely diverse culture that existed in the oil-rich state. It is that unique state of cultural complexity that has shaped the voice of her work. Alumna of Michigan State University’s Black Poets Society and a long time member of the NuPoet Collective, Kunaiyi has helped to organize and perform at a number of regional events and festivals.

(SCENE) Metrospace is East Lansing’s City-funded contemporary art gallery and performance space. It is located at 110 Charles St. in the colorful Division Street parking structure, next door to Georgio’s Pizza. Contact Tim Lane at scenemetrospace@gmail.com or visit www.scenemetrospace.com for more information about (SCENE) Metrospace.