I love to perform my own original poetry in front of diverse audiences. In addition to being a poet and performer, I am also a writer and educator. Have had extensive experience doing public speaking as a speaker, poet, and writer. I have also won speaking and writing contests. Have acted in plays throughout my life.
5 reviews
Estela V.
September 28, 2024Marlana has definitely shown me, after reading her book, Taking off my Black and White Saddle Shoes, that she could move me with her powerful and engaging poetry full of history, family, and tales of her neighborhood in Ohio and more. She is a powerful voice that should be heard!
Hired as: Spoken Word Artist
Jodi L.
December 11, 2023Marlana-Patrice warmed the hearts of our audience at the Reproductive Freedom for All Rebranding Celebration. After over 50 years of advocating for abortion rights, we are changing our name, and in so doing, making sure that people understand we fight for ALL reproductive rights, not just abortion, but birth control, and child care support as well as access to all kinds of reproductive health care- throughout a woman's lifespan. Marlana-Patrice's thoughtful choice of readings, and her professional, deeply felt delivery showed a perfect read of her audience, our organization, and the event's purpose. The entire crowd, young and old, resonated with her sensitive observations on the seasons of life women move through, and the power and purpose of each one. She totally "got" us-- and we LOVED her!
Hired as: Spoken Word Artist
Laura C.
November 17, 2023I was a guest at a recent event
(A Celebration of Surviors). The event honored those that have survived breast cancer, other cancers, domestic violence, and other tragedies.
How does one create a spoken word to touch such honorees and those in the audience? Such a sensitive topic but important as well.
Might I introduce you to Ms. Marlana -P??!!
She filed the room with compassion and hope, uplifting us with each word of her original creation.
It was truly a blessing to be in her presence!
The standing ovation she received was but a small "Thank You" we could give to her as a collective group. She gave us much more than we could ever return!
I can't wait to hear her again...and again!!!
Hired as: Spoken Word Artist
Marlana-Patrice
Thanks very much for posting such a positive review. It was an honor and pleasure writing a special poem for the Survivors event. Doing so deeply inspired me. Presenting it after hearing all of the moving testimonials inspired me even more. I am very happy I was able to be a part of such an uplifting program. I would be honored to participate again.
Laura C.
August 14, 2023The private/custom poem that Marlana-Patrice created and recited during our 2nd Annual Queen Creek Juneteenth Celebration was a masterpiece! So elegant, yet poignant - it was loved and well received by the audience. Marlana-Patrice is a gifted artist with a lovely flow of spoken word delivery. We plan to invite her back again in 2024 for her to share another thought-provoking word for our 3rd Annual Queen Creek Juneteenth Celebration. Thank you, Marlana-Patrice! We appreciate you! ~ Laura Craft - Queen Creek, AZ Juneteenth Celebration Organizer.
Hired as: Spoken Word Artist
Mia M.
May 17, 2023I had the pleasure of booking Marlana-Patrice for a recent corporate event, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the experience. Marlana is not only incredibly talented, but also has a true passion for her craft that was evident in every word she spoke.
What really stood out to me was that Marlana-Patrice went above and beyond to create a custom poem that perfectly fit the messaging and theme of our event. Marlana's ability to capture the essence of our brand and convey it in a powerful and engaging way left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.
I can't recommend this artist enough. Their professionalism, creativity, and sheer talent made them a joy to work with. If you're looking for a spoken word poet who will bring your event to life with their passion and skill, look no further.
Hired as: Spoken Word Artist
Price range: $200 and up.
Languages: English
Gig length: 10 - 120 minutes
Most recently, I have performed my own original poetry for the designated time (Usually no more than 10 minutes on the average). My poems are suited to the occasion and audience. Initially, I address the audience and get them involved in order to establish a real connection prior to presenting my poems. I let them know a little about myself and why I am honored to be at the event. Then, I present my poems in a dramatic and lively manner. At the end, I thank the audience. Afterwards, I stay and interact with my audience to keep that connection going.
Marlana-Patrice Pugh Hamer is a poet, writer, performer, and educator. She has a BA in English and an M. ED. This Cleveland, OH native penned her first poems at just age 9! In 2009, she moved to San Tan Valley in order to live near her eldest sister and extended family members.
Throughout the years, Marlana has contributed poetry and nonfiction to anthologies. She has also won writing and public speaking competitions. Her tribute poem to Langston Hughes is set to appear in the upcoming poetry anthology, 1619 Speaks. She is currently working on her debut poetry book.
Also throughout the years, she continues to present her own original poems at cultural events. For instance, she has performed her own poems at five separate MLK events in Arizona. Most recently, she performed her original tribute poem to Dr. King at the Second Annual San Tan Valley MLK Celebration (2023). At least two of her MLK event appearances are currently available on her YouTube channel.
Marlana continues to actively volunteer and give back to the community. She is a Project Humanities 101 Founder (ASU) and was named a Mission for Arizona All-Star Volunteer (2020). Previously, she was the STV/QC Neighborhood Team Leader (Organizing for America). Her creative nonfiction piece about the latter can be found in Indiscernibles in Arizona (2021), an anthology chronicling living in Arizona from the perspectives of several Black writers.
If you would like to purchase this compelling book, please contact Clottee Hammons: (link hidden).
Contact Marlana-Patrice via Instagram if you would like to book her for an event. She would love to create an Occasion Poem especially for your event. @marlanapph.
I require a podium and microphone. But we can make adjustments as needed. For instance, I can bring my own music stand for my poems. The stand will not be needed if I have my poem(s) memorized.
Wednesday
Corporate Event
11:30am - 12:15pm
•
Tempe, AZ
Thursday
Nonprofit Event
6:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Phoenix, AZ
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
5:00pm - 5:15pm
•
Mesa, AZ
Sunday
Festival
11:00am - 11:15am
•
Queen Creek, AZ
Thursday
Corporate Event
10:00am - 12:00pm
•
Scottsdale, AZ
This will depend upon the occasion.
I have been strongly influenced by a variety of poets and writers, most notably Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, Rita Dove, Patricia Smith, Russell Atkins, and Walt Whitman.
Microphone and Podium (or stand).
Spoken Word Artist