The Big Muddy Dance Company recognizes the tight knit dance community in St. Louis by featuring our city’s own choreographers. The dance makers in St. Louis range widely in age, race, background, and style, but they all work towards a common goal: to bring great dance to the stage. Each creator has a different story to tell, and they express their thoughts through the athletic and graceful movement of The Big Muddy dancers. Join us as we celebrate these artists and showcase all that St. Louis dance has to offer.

Presented by Garden View Care Centers

Since 2012, Poetic Justice Open Mic has been a platform for poets and artist locally, nationally, and internationally. What started as a listening party for a poetry EP has grown to a staple in the literary community for artists and was voted 2017 Favorite Open Mic Night by The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The vibe is indescribable, and the energy is beyond powerful.

JANUARY FEATURE: Rudy Francisco

Artist Bio: Rudy Francisco was born and raised in San Diego, California. At the age of 21, Rudy completed his B.A in Psychology and decided to continue his education by pursuing a MA in Organizational Leadership. As an artist, Rudy Francisco combines activism and poetry to enlighten the minds of those who witness his performance. Rudy eloquently absorbs the experiences of those around him, synthesizes them and converts their stories into poetry. Furthermore, Rudy has made conscious efforts to cultivate young poets and expose the youth to the genre of Spoken Word Poetry through workshops and performances at schools and community centers. Rudy has also received admiration from institutions of higher education. He has conducted guest lectures and performances at numerous colleges and universities around the nation.

In addition to his contributions to education, Rudy Francisco is also the co-host of the largest poetry venue in San Diego and has featured at countless venues and won the hearts of many with the honesty and conviction held in his words. Ultimately, Rudy’s goal is to continue to assist others in harnessing their creativity while cultivating his own. Rudy Francisco is the 2009 National Underground Poetry Slam Champion, the 2010 San Diego Grand Slam Champion, the 2010 San Francisco Grand Slam Champion and the 2010 Individual World Poetry Slam Champion.