A Raisin In The Sun Promo Photo
The Mic Check Spoken Word Show
Michael Diallo McLendon is The Poetic Motivator! As an experienced actor and Stellar Award-nominated spoken word artist, he has had the opportunity to speak to audiences in various cities throughout the continential United States. He shares spoken word and motivational messages with youth groups, churches, at festivals and on television, radio and the internet. You can visit his website and find out more about his services. He is a Christian artist who can tailor his presentations to fit a variety of audiences who want to hear inspirational messages about family, culture, God, homelessness, achieving dreams, setting goals and overcoming obstacles.
1 review
William C.
February 26, 2015Michael "Diallo" McLendon, along with Kenny Dozier and Willie Robbins III, rolled into Champaign-Urbana last night. They performed Jeff Stetson's award-winning play, The Meeting, a fictional encounter between Rev. Dr. Martin L. King and Malcolm X. As someone who lived through the times portrayed, I found myself sitting at the edge of my seat watching a seething cauldron. While Robbins (Malcolm) and Dozier (Martin) brought the fire and water, respectively, McLendon brought that tense spark signaling the dangers that the two men faced at all times because of the character of their objectives. McLendon's every entrance brought a palpable presence onto the stage. Kudos!
Michael Diallo McLendon
Thank you sir!
Price range: $500-$10,000
Languages: English
Gig length: 5 - 120 minutes
Depending on the nature of the audience, members can get ready to either have a nostalgic experience rooted in apprecication for family, an inspirational experience grounded in an appreciation for goal-setting obstacles or a simply cultural experience rooted in poetry and acting that allows them to access various personal memories and contemplate as well as challenge their paradigms.
If you love spoken word and by some stretch of the imagination are not familiar with the riveting poetic presence of Michael “Diallo” McLendon, your time is here. Broaden your scope, engage your sensibilities and prepare for a succession of creative explosions in the recesses of your soul. Genius, passion and vocal sensitivity all take center stage whenever this gifted thespian embraces the microphone. With a recent Stellar Award Nomination for his debut spoken word cd, The Diallo Experience and development of his one man show as well as a score of theatrical credits, this Tougaloo College alumnus has established himself as an undeniable breakout artist for 2012.
The spoken word project, recorded primarily in a small room in producer Quintin X. Coleman’s two bedroom apartment, has created a buzz that has music lovers who usually pass over spoken word projects doing a double take. “We just wanted to do a project that was honest and wholesome as well as gritty and soulful,” said Diallo, a native Mississippian. The cd includes collaborations with various artists such as spoken word artists Stephanie Pruitt and Church, as well as soul duo Descendants of Reality and gospel singer/songwriter Kenny Springs Jr.
Also a prolific actor, Diallo has appeared in various theatrical productions and studied the craft under verteran performers Richard Lawson, Mykelti Williamson, and Tasha Smith. He recently starred as Walter Lee Younger in Circle Players production of A Raisin In The Sun and made brief appearances in country music artist Jewel’s video Satisfied and the FX pilot Outlaw Country.
The technical requirements for Michael Diallo McLendon's performances vary. However, minimally he will need a wireless lavalier microphone. Depending on the set-up, he may also need a laptop, video projector, cd player, spotlight, and two to four direct boxes as well as two additional microphones.
As a poet, Michael Diallo McLendon has been influenced by Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Sonia Sanchez and my grandmother, Lilla Williamson. As a motivational speaker he has been influenced by Les Brown, Norman Vincent Peale, Bishop T. D. Jakes and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. As an actor, he has been influenced by Paul Robeson, Denzel Washington, Danny Glover, Harrison Ford, Al Pacino and Sylvester Stallone.
microphone (laptop, projector and screen depending on presentation)
Motivational Speaker