The Martha's Vineyard Rhythm & Rhyme Hip Hop and R&B Open Mic

Join us at The Martha's Vineyard Rhythm & Rhyme Open Mic Series Monday, August 11 & 18th **7:00 - 10:00 PM** at the Mariposa Museum Oak Bluffs for a night of poetry, storytelling, and spoken word performances. Come party with us as we celebrate the performing arts in style.

Come share your own work or simply sit back and enjoy the talent of professional artists. This is your safe space to share your thoughts, emotions, and creativity in a supportive environment. Whether you're a seasoned performer or trying out the mic for the first time, our welcoming community is sure to inspire you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow creatives and celebrate the power of Spoken Word.

See you there!

Deirdre Renee'- Actor, Author, Director, Producer

Deirdre is a 'Jersey Girl' born and raised on the Jersey Shore. She is a published author, educator, and a thespian of the arts. She is the President and CEO of Center Stage Productions LLC an independent theater and event production company that specializes in monologue and spoken word productions. She produces live monologues and spoken word for the professional and non-professional stage; Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway, Dinner Theater, and private and corporate events. Her experience in the arts spans over 25 years. She was formally trained in acting, poetry writing, and public speaking in college. She has written, directed, and performed Off-Broadway and in Main Stage, One-act plays, and Spoken Word productions. Her credits include performing Off-Broadway in the play “Til’ Death Do Us Part” written by Dr. Daniel Jean and directed by Fulton Hodges at the Dorothy Strelsin Theatre in New York City as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival, “Mad Forest” written by Caryl Churchill and directed by Maria Vail, “The Vagina Monologues” written by Eve Ensler (various directors), “A Lesson Before Dying” by Romulus Linney's theatrical adaptation of Ernest J. Gaines' Pulitzer Prize-nominated novel, “Some Sweet Day” the musical by Mac Pirkle and Don Jones, music by Si Kahn directed by Mary Ellen Allison, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf” written by Ntozake Shange directed by Terra Vendergaw and many stage readings and independent film projects. Her passion for theater is complemented by a gratifying career in education. She earned a Ph.D. from Rutgers University, a Master of Arts degree from New York University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Montclair State University. She is an adjunct professor of Africana Studies and Social Science and an educational consultant. She is a visiting lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana. She brings a broadened worldview to the stage, acquired through her research in the Dominican Republic, France, England, Portugal, Spain, and West Africa. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and Backstage. She is an Executive Council member of The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), The American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE), Jack and Jill of America, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and many other organizations.

Jaquair Gillette- Actor, Poet, Producer

Hailing from Paterson NJ, Jaquair is an actor, poet, producer and a graduate of Ramapo College. He has performed in Theater in New Jersey & NYC in plays like August Wilson's Piano Lesson for The Now Theatre Workshop and Black Issues Issues at Joe's Pub for The Public Theater. Also, he's been featured in television shows like Orange is The New Black, Godfather of Harlem, Tommy, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Law & Order: Organized Crime. He has co-starred and Produced the festival award-winning film, 3rd&4th Chapters. He is the annual open mic host of The Paterson Poetry Festival and has performed in poetry venues across the U.S. From being a three time featured poet at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York City, to rocking the stage several times at Da Poetry Lounge in Los Angeles. He recently released his highly reviewed debut spoken word poetry book entitled "Defiance & Desperation". In addition, he produced a performance art film based on his book release performance that was an official selection of the Garden State Film Festival of 2023. Now, Jaquair has released the first single, "Defiance" from the digital album version of his book that will be available in all digital online stores worldwide. Jaquair continues to stay active in his hometown as a co-founding committee member of Paterson's Green Acre Community Garden and as a Commissioner on The Paterson Arts Exchange.