Every Thursday in February from 6:00–8:00 p.m., we are excited to celebrate Black arts and culture with special programming in the Frist Café. Join us for live music, poetry, local contemporary art, food trucks, and good vibes!
On February 9, enjoy poetry by Wisdom, a musical performance by Crystal Rose and band, and visual art by Xpayne
Wisdom
Wisdom Way is a locally known spoken-word healer whose original poetry is meant to encourage introspection of the ego, promoting a better understanding of self so listeners can step into alignment as they journey through change and transformation for their highest good. Born in Seattle, Washington, she’s a graduate of Fisk University, a local educator, and a disabilities advocate serving in the North Nashville area.
Crystal Rose
Crystal Rose is an artist that makes music not only for her audience but also for the sake of her own survival. It’s the cathartic release she found in writing and performing that keeps her sane. Music became the most healing avenue to process her life, and naturally her music is deeply personal, bold, and straightforward. Growing up she was influenced by power in the voice of Whitney Houston, the vulnerability in Kirk Franklin’s writing, and the soul and intimacy of artists like Jonny Lang, Frank Ocean, and Etta James.
Crystal appeared on the sixteenth season of The Voice on NBC and was featured on NPR as a part of their Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf series for her original song “House of God (Golden Child).” She’s shared stages with the likes of Trombone Shorty, Alice Merton, Medium Build, The Greeting Committee, and more. After cutting her teeth in the live music scene of her hometown Kansas City, in 2020, Crystal decided to take the reins of her career and move independently, trying her hand at producing. Solely self-taught, she released Arena, a three-song EP all about what it takes to make it while being whole and human at the same time. Crystal Rose is now based in Nashville, and you can find her latest release, “Proper Goodbye,” on all streaming platforms.
Xpayne
XPayne received a BFA in graphic arts and illustration from Watkins College of Art and Design. After graduating, Xavier worked during the day as a graphic artist for corporate clients. By night he worked as a painter and illustrator, cultivating an audience and gaining the attention of high-profile clients. Since 2017, XPayne has worked as a full-time designer and artist highlighting social and existential topics. “I think that art should go to people; it should tell a story,” he says. “It should interrupt a person ‘s day and change their mood.”
In 2022, XPayne received the Nashville Scene’s Artist of the Year Award following the success of his latest exhibition,Past, Present, & Afrofuturism, which debuted in August of the same year. He has been part of group shows and live engagements since 2014 nationwide, and has had projects featured in The Source Magazine, Buzzfeed, and Complex.
Upcoming dates:
- February 16: Poetry by Guru, a musical performance by Quez Cantrell, and visual art by Jamaal Sheats
- February 23: Poetry by Mama, a musical performance by Raemi, and visual art by Megpie
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