Antonio Edwards Jr.
Overview
Spoken word as an art form has historical roots in traditions such as oral storytelling, poetry, and performance art. When performed with skill, it brings a sense of history and tradition that complements the modern elegance of a well-executed event. As a spoken word artist, Antonio crafts his work using vivid language, rhythm, humor and relevant experiences. The depth of his creativity and expression will enhance your event leaving a lasting impact.
Antonio engages directly with the audience, creating an interactive atmosphere. His ability to captivate and hold the room’s attention adds an element of sophistication, keeping guests intrigued and invested in the experience.
Reviews
9 reviews
Guadalupe G.
February 29, 2024Antonio did an amazing job
Antonio performed for the senior community I work for and he did an absolute amazing job at spoken word.
Hired as: Spoken Word Artist
Rosa R.
January 28, 2016Outspoken, outstanding, Optimistic
It's not often I feel compelled to write a review for anyone or anything. However, Mr. Edwards was such a highlight to our Third grade classroom that my students and I felt it was important to share the good news! He came in with such a positive intensity that the children had no other option than to be glued to his every word. He was entertaining yet informative and the skills he shared with our class were more than an inspiration, they were practical and useful. Thank you, Mr. Edwards, on behalf of myself and my students!
Hired as: Spoken Word Artist
Antonio Edwards Jr.
I visit many classrooms, how receptive the student is much to the credit of those who teach them. Thank you Ms. Ronquillo, your students are the "cake" and that made it was easy to add the frosting...
Alana F.
October 6, 2015Outstanding Presentation!
Antonio came to our junior high school in September 2015. He gave a poetry presentation to approximately 35 7th and 8th graders each of our six periods. They loved him! His enthusiasm and high energy captured their attention and they were engaged in listening and actively participating in his poem-writing activity. At the end of each period, students consistently asked, "When is he coming back?" I highly recommend Antonio Edwards Jr.!
Hired as: Spoken Word Artist
Steve B.
September 25, 2014A Motivating Poet. An Inspirational Person.
My experience with Mr. Edwards Jr., was awesome from the start. He promptly contacted me and we had a great conversation and I knew immediately that he was the person I wanted to book. I teach in a middle school and needed a motivational speaker to come and talk to my students. I reached out to Mr. Edwards Jr. and I was not disappointed. He showed up on time and gave us an event that my students are still talking about a week later. If you know middle school kids, they don't usually remember what we did in class yesterday, let alone last week, but Mr. Edwards Jr. really moved them and inspired them.
Here are some quotes from students:
"You made me feel strong, to never give up my dream..."
"I wish when I am big I want to be like you and learn a lot like you."
"I loved the poem you did it made me happy,inspired."
"You have inspired me to be a teacher and thank you for those words you said it was very fun having you with us I can’t tell you ,because you told us about our passion that is why you made me think about what I wanted to be, a teacher and thank you so much for everything you did for us."
"Your poems are really inspiring and if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be following my dreams, which is to become the next new singer, so i want to thank you for that."
"Thank you for sharing you beautiful PASSION with us students. You helped me remember my passion to SING you have helped me remember why i started to Sing so i wrote you a little poem:
YOU have your passion and I have mine.
Thank you for coming and giving us your time."
What more can I say. A true gem of a person. I highly recommend him. For a person to positively touch the life of my students, I couldn't have been happier than with Antonio Edwards, Jr.
Hired as: Motivational Speaker
Booking information
Price range: $150 and up
Languages: English , Spanish
Gig length: 30 - 240 minutes
What to expect
Motivational speaker, poet and spoken word artist, Antonio Edwards Jr. is recognized for delivering a high energy message to inform audiences how to shake off mediocrity and live up to their greatness. It is a message Antonio has learned from his own life by using the power of words to transcend beyond unfavorable conditions.
Presentations Include poetry and spoken word performances on love, racial identity, social justice, spirituality, overcoming obstacles and celebrating triumphs.
About
Spoken word poetry allows me to combine my love for writing and performing. By sharing my experiences, I aim to inspire and entertain audiences in a unique way while demonstrating the power of words. I encourage others to speak positively and bring their passions, talents, and abilities to life.
Antonio Edwards Jr., performs at public schools, universities, community events, and conducts poetry workshops. His partnerships with arts organizations in Washington State and the Inland Empire have made him a prominent voice and advocate for poetry and spoken word.
Currently, Antonio is facilitating workshops for the Ontario Montclair School District. The workshops aim to create an environment that promotes critical literacy, artistic self-expression, and poetic social dialogue while breaking down barriers of race, class, gender, and culture.
Antonio served as Poet Laureate for the city of Tacoma Washington and is a former member of Tacoma, Washington's Arts Commission, promoting the arts as a vital tool for building communities and increasing exposure to a wide variety of art forms.
Additional booking notes
I possess a powerful speaking voice, no microphone required at smaller venues. However, if a microphone is required, I prefer wireless only.
I also do not require any special lighting. I prefer the house lights at full brightness so that I could engage the audience. I consistently move about the stage and make full use of the physical space using body language, constant eye contact and hand gestures to communicate.
Services offered
Past booked events
February 2024
29
Thursday
Surprise
2:00pm - 2:30pm
•
Valencia, CA
February 2023
04
Saturday
Birthday Party
9:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Corona, CA
May 2018
05
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:30pm - 7:15pm
•
San Bernardino, CA
Set list
Mr. Edwards/Rogers - Definition of Poetry - Many Poets
1. Ancient Egyptians to Hip Hop
2. Evolution
3. Hope
4. One of a kind rhymes
5. Yaw Yaw
6. The Handshake
7. Over
8. IOVERCOME
9. We represent God
10. HILLTOPIA
11. God Pod
12. Puerto Rico
13. Once Upon a time on Hilltopia
14. Write to Delight
15. Trying to knock my shine
16. Submission
17. Poiema
Pieces by other writers
18. He who knows not (Persian Proverb)
19. A Blues for Nina (Love Jones the movie)
20. A funk upon a time (George Clinton - Parliament - Funkadelic)
Influences and inspiration
HBO Def Poetry
Tacoma Arts Commission
Seattle Rainbow Bookfest, Langston Hughes Performance Arts Center
Washington's Center “Curriculum for the Bioregion” – Works in Progress, University of Puget Sound
Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Service, “Redeeming the Prophetic Vision”
Washington State Arts Commission - Poetry Out Loud Puget Sound Regional Final 2 Judging
Eleven Days in the Life of Dr. King, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, Co-wrtten by Antonio Edwards
“Voices of the City”, Broadway Center of the Performing Arts, Community Arts Festival
Setup requirements
Wireless Microphone only
Report Antonio Edwards Jr.
Spoken Word Artist