Tickets
Cafe Table Seat: $25
Regular Seating: $15
WORD, our popular series of spoken word and readings, returns! We welcome you to explore the program’s third iteration Spring Cleaning. Featured writers include Rev. Houston R. Cypress, Rachel DeLoache Williams, and Adriana Devers. Writers may opt to share a previous work that never left the pages of their journal or write a new work to cleanse themselves of a lingering idea that they’ve been eager to explore. Our writers have been asked to reflect, declutter, and invite ideas, stories, and inspirations that may have been tucked away to resurface, releasing them into the universe as we enter a new season.
An open mic will follow the segment of curated writers. Audience members are encouraged to sign up for the open mic portion and read their own works or pieces from a beloved writer or friend. Please note that only 3 spots for the open mic will be available. If you want to share your work make sure to arrive early and leave your name on the sign up list at check-in. Open mic participation is limited to 3 minutes when read, no exceptions!
At The Church, one of our core missions is to honor Sag Harbor as a Maker Village; the WORD series is meant to honor Sag Harbor as a welcoming home for artists, writers, and creatives while celebrating the power and range of the written and spoken word. The reading will offer café table seats (limited tables available that seat 2-4 guests), regular seating, and light refreshments.
ABOUT THE WRITERS
REV. HOUSTON R. CYPRESS
Photo Courtesy the Artist
-
Rev. Houston R. Cypress is a Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer Artist and Environmentalist from the Otter Clan of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. He grew up in the River of Grass region of the Greater Everglades – a place of refuge for his ancestors and the source of traditional plant medicines. Early on, he appreciated art as a form of knowledge production by learning woodcarving from his grandfather and collaborating with his mother to produce her Miccosukee fashion shows. He embraces poetry as a foundation of his artistic and spiritual practices, including his audiovisual work.
RACHEL DELOACHE WILLIAMS
Photo by Nick Rogers
-
Rachel DeLoache Williams is a multidisciplinary creative. Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, after graduating from Kenyon College, she moved to New York City and quickly landed her dream job in the photo department at Vanity Fair, where she worked for nearly a decade, first as an assistant and later as an editor and producer, helping to orchestrate photoshoots with photographers such as Annie Leibovitz and Mark Seliger. After leaving the magazine, she authored her first book, My Friend Anna (Gallery Books, July 2019), which went on to become a New York Times bestseller and one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Must-Read Books of the Year.” Today, she works as a freelance writer, photographer, and creative producer.
ADRIANA DEVERS
Lisa Dawn Photography
-
Adriana is an Award-winning Author, Poet, Educator, Cultural Programmer who is deeply committed to serving her community and creating immersive cultural enriching experiences for all ages. As the Founder of Cuentos de Triadas INC. she utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to provide unique and engaging cultural programs that address the needs of underrepresented youth.
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, her cultural heritage and pride of her Afro-Caribbean ancestry serves as inspiration for many of her literary pieces. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Language and Literature, a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies, and a Teaching Certificate from Stony Brook University, NY. Based in Long Island, NY, throughout her career, she has 15+ years teaching experience and has served as a Teaching Artist and Cultural Partner for the Patchogue Arts Council PEACE Project, and Huntington Arts Council. She is also a presenter for the Eastern Suffolk BOCES and Nassau BOCES Arts-In-Education programs, spreading the joy of arts and literacy among our youth.
Passionate about community empowerment, Devers has been actively engaged with various non-profit organizations in Long Island. Her commitment to her cultural heritage and desire to foster open dialogues on current issues is evident in the programs she develops.
As a writer, storyteller, and cultural "artivist," Adriana has been recognized as a recipient of the Huntington Arts Council NY Regrant Program in both 2022 and 2023. And was selected as a recipient of 2024 NYSCA’s Fiscal sponsorship for her upcoming project “Bearing in mind, Poems and Vignettes of an Afro-Latina on Long Island, demystifying existence.” Through her works, including the award-winning bilingual children's book "Mi Chiquitica en Luna Llena" and the short story book "De cuento en cuento," Adriana aims to inspire, uplift, and celebrate the diverse voices within our communities. Through her work Devers nourishes safe spaces, encouraging community support, and promoting a deep appreciation for our cultural heritage.