POETS IN AUTUMN
Tour 2019
POETS IN AUTUMN
#ThePiaTour is the largest spoken word/poetry production in the world. After 4 consecutive years of touring with over 120 dates (domestic and international) and 47 total cities, the tour is the second largest inspirational tour domestically. Over 90,000 total people have witnessed this amazing theatrical production, and it continues to exceed expectations and captivate crowds worldwide.
The purpose of Poets in Autumn is to present the Gospel in a creative and compelling way using the arts. With a focus on engaging millennials with a message of hope, The PIA Tour addresses culturally relevant topics with from a biblical view.
click here for: STATEMENT OF FAITH
Ezekiel Azonwu
“When the raw truth of the gospel and skillful penmanship collides you get the artistry of Ezekiel, lyrical evangelism. After acknowledging his talents from freestyle battling in high school Ezekiel found himself at a halt. He gave his life to Christ in his second year of college and he realized something had to be done with his gift. Ezekiel began to surrender him self to his calling and a few years later released his first album with Vinyl Cut Music entitled, “Fully Delivered” in 2008.
Unsuspectingly Ezekiel would begin to a explore a whole new genre that would transform his mind, Spoken Word. Ezekiel teamed up with Passion for Christ Movement and became one of the voices of their poetic army. With YouTube videos being bombarded with hundreds of thousands of hits, the hunger for his explicitly powerful message is undeniable. As a husband, father and minister, Ezekiel values the importance of a Godly balance in his life.
Yet his passion is to ignite hearts for Christ through his gift with words. “Speak now, or forever hold your “click click” PIECE. As Ezekiel emphasizes the deadliness of silence, he promises to speak Life in to a broken generation.”
Preston Perry
Preston Perry is a spoken word poet, performing artist, and teacher from the Southside of Chicago. Preston heard the gospel for the first time in a church in Decatur, Georgia at the age of sixteen, and understood why people needed to be saved. That truth was the first constant for the young man who spent his upbringing moving from state-to-state in a single-parent household. He lived in public housing, nice neighborhoods with family and friends gaining a plethora of experiences. Survival and adaptation were a central part of Preston’s reality. Anger was another. His uncle’s murder and a harsh childhood left Preston with a heart full of hatred. When he grew older, he lived as he wanted: running the streets, getting money, and doing whatever he found pleasing.
God in his mercy moved Preston away from that life after he watched one of his closest friends die. Man’s depravity was evident again in the lifestyle he witnessed and lived. He moved back home to Chicago and God pursued him. A young believer named Gary Brown took Preston under his wing and discipled him. Through Gary’s life Preston saw the weight of his sin. Preston sought help from the scriptures because He wanted to change, but doubted that he could. But God showed him, and a new-found zeal for truth replaced anger and became central. That truth, found only in the gospel of Jesus Christ, has become the foundation of Preston’s life. Preston uses his gifts to spread the good news and witness more radical change through God’s redeeming grace. He is known for his previous work with P4CM, and his vlogs on YouTube. He hopes to live a life worthy of the gospel and is passionate about spoken word poetry, discipleship, urban ministry, and teaching. Preston currently serves with Legacy Fellowship and lives in Chicago with his beautiful wife Jackie and their daughter Eden.
Jackie Hill Perry
Jackie Hill-Perry is a writer and artist whose work has been featured on The Washington Times, The 700 Club, Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition and other publications. Since being saved from a lifestyle of homosexual sin and the like, Jackie has been compelled to share the light of gospel truth through poems that have reached over one million views on YouTube. She is signed to Humble Beast Records and released her debut album “The Art of Joy” in 2014. Jackie serves locally at Legacy Fellowship Church in Chicago Illinois. At home, she is known as wife to Preston and mommy to Eden.
Chris Webb
YEARS AGO THERE WAS AN ASSIGNMENT AT COLLINWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL IN CLEVELAND THAT WOULD CHANGE CHRIS’S LIFE FOREVER. A TEACHER CHALLENGED AN UNRULY CLASS TO TRY THEIR HAND AT A NEW FORM OF CREATIVE WRITING; POETRY. AS THE CLASS UNWILLINGLY OBLIGED, CHRIS OBLIVIOUSLY PUT PENCIL TO PAPER AND SOMETHING HAPPENED THAT HE DESCRIBES TODAY AS “GOD-SENT.” POETRY SOON BECAME AN OUTLET FOR CHRIS, AND AS HE GREW, HIS SKILLS AND MESSAGE DID AS WELL. CHRIS WENT ON TO COMPETE INTERNATIONALLY WITH POETRY, BECOMING A FINALIST IN THE WORLD-RENOWN “BRAVE NEW VOICES” COMPETITION WHERE, IN 2007, HIS TEAM WON THE TITLE OF 4TH IN THE WORLD. CHRIS LEFT THE COMPETITIVE SCENE SOON AFTER TO PRIMARILY USE HIS GIFT AS A TOOL TO EXPRESS HIS FAITH IN GOD. HIS CHRISTIAN-BASED POETRY LED HIM TO AN ORGANIZATION CALLED P4CM, WHERE HE’S BEEN A PARTICIPANT FOR 6 YEARS. HE HAS TRAVELLED TO ENGLAND, THE BAHAMAS, MEXICO, CANADA, AND ALL OVER THE U.S. TO PERFORM HIS PIECES IN CHURCHES, JAILS, SCHOOLS, AND ANY PLACE THAT NEEDS A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND OF ENCOURAGEMENT.
Janette...IKZ
MissTerious Janette…ikz (pronounced mysterious genetics) is simply a young woman in love with her Savior Jesus Christ and has decided to use every gift He has given her for His glory. Few can mirror her raw energy, with an array of talents which span from poetic expression, singing, rapping, dancing, and even playing multiple instruments.
Impressive is an understatement when considering Janette…ikz’s artistic strengths. Its staggering to fathom her ability to attempt to perfect her writing while co-owning a performing arts company and also being the worship leader at her home church.
Life dealt her some very strenuous blows at a very early age. She went through sexual, physical, and verbal abuse. Yet amidst what she describes as this brilliant storm, Janette…ikz has found a way to penetrate countless lives with her God given gifts. Channeling all that energy and using it to touch others. Although she has been performing for over 21 years, many became more familiar with her ministry after after her YouTube performances went viral. Her single youtube video “I Will Wait For You” currently has over 3 million views. While her sequel poem has over 13 million Facebook views. Her influence has allowed her to be featured on the cover of Testify Sister magazine and Spoken Vizions Magazine. Her presence remains in high demand and has granted her access to appearances on the 700 Club, and BET to name a few.. She has performed internationally and also had the opportunity of performing along side International personalities including Chris Tomlin, Toby Mac, Francis Chan, Lecrae, Donnie McClurkin, Kierra Sheard, Yolonda Adams and Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds and many more. Janette…ikz is not afraid to push all limits in attempt to restore souls to Christ, reminding people that we have access to the power of transformation through Christ and that which was meant for evil can truly turn out to be for our good.
