Gill Sotu Features at Palabra!

PALABRA
an evening of poetry hosted by Ted Washington

Gill Sotu will be our featured Artist of the week
He isn’t strictly a poet, a musician, a writer, a DJ or host. Effortlessly combining the artistic elements of himself, Gill weaves poetry into musical performances and improvisational songs into hosting gigs. Ever present is a forceful undercurrent of soulful, comedic, thought-provoking passion that engages and inspires his audiences throughout California.

Currently, Gill is the Artist In Residence at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation commissioned to write/direct two full length plays. Gill wrote and performed all the poetic segments to Melissa Adao’s dance theatre showcase, “Hip-Hop CabHooray!” Which won an award for Outstanding Production at the 2015 Fringe Fest. He has opened for Grammy-nominated legend Sheila E, partnered and performed with the San Diego Symphony, has been commissioned to create numerous poetry pieces for the United Way of San Diego, San Diego’s Fashion Week, and performed the closing number for TEDx San Diego in December 2013. The San Diego community continues to take notice of Gill’s talent and charisma, as he’s been featured on NBC 7’s Art Pulse TV and was named the 2012 & 2013 San Diego Raw Performing Artist of the Year.

Amidst regular performances, Gill hosts events throughout the county and also conducts poetry workshops in schools across California and has facilitated poetry workshops within San Diego County’s juvenile detention center for over 2 years. He finds the creativity and honesty expressed by these elementary through high school students to be an incredibly rewarding experience and reminder of the importance of speaking one’s own truth.

Gill Sotu is a paradigm shifter whose audience feels that he’s speaking to them individually, making a performance to hundreds seem more like an intimate dialogue between close friends. Charismatic and with an ability to adapt to any event, Gill quickly garners people’s attention and doesn’t let go until he says “thank you”.

After Gill’s reading we will have an open mic for anyone who wants to read. Everyone is welcome to come and share a poem, song lyrics, reading or a short story or just bring your ears for listening and enjoy the evening. Original poetry is always appreciated. Everyone needs some place to speak their minds and Palabra is that place. We are an inclusive and supportive group that aim to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, positive environment, so all talent levels are welcome.

Doors open at 6:30pm and Poetry starts at 7:00pm sharp! We will have a sign-up sheet available at the counter. Each poet will speak for 3-5 minutes each so that everyone who wants to read can have a chance! Palabra poetry night will be every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.

Thursday August 24th
Doors open at 6:30pm
Starts at 7:00pm

La Bodega Gallery
2196 Logan Ave. SD 92113