MIAMI, Oct.17, 2025 – Live Arts Miami, produced by Miami Dade College (MDC), proudly presents Grammy-nominated Surrealist Blues Poet aja monet, performing with her live band on Friday, Nov. 8, at The Ground concert venue in downtown Miami. Known for weaving together poetry and music, monet’s performances embody both intimacy and urgency, offering audiences an evening of profound artistry fueled by tradition and transformation.
This one-night event will feature selections from monet’s acclaimed debut poetry album when the poems do what they do, which earned a 2023 Grammy nomination, alongside an exceptional band of musicians including: Brian Hargrove (keys), Zach Morrow (drums), Micah Collier (bass), and Miami’s own Marcus Strickland (sax). Described by NPR as “a rousing, nearly transcendent experience” and praised by Jezebel for being “entirely arresting and nonstop gorgeous” monet’s live shows are celebrated for their power to move and inspire.
“aja monet’s voice resonates across generations, bridging poetry and music in ways that speak to the heart of community,” said Kathryn Garcia, Live Arts Miami’s Executive Director. “The concert promises to be a gathering that transcends entertainment, offering poetry, music, and spirit in equal measure.”
monet follows in the legacy of poets who have long assembled within social movements. She was the youngest-ever winner of the Nuyorican Poet’s Café Grand Slam and has since built a career that spans art, organizing, and education. As Artistic Creative Director for V-Day, she has amplified voices through projects like VOICES, an audio play centering the experiences of Black women across the diaspora. Aside from her Miami performance, monet will be headlining some of the world’s most prestigious stages this season —from Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC and London’s Barbican Conservatory, to Carnegie Hall. From 2015 – 2021, monet was based in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, where her work with Dream Defenders and Community Justice Project was pivotal in inspiring her most recent work, Florida Water.
What: Live Arts Miami Presents aja monet – Live with Full Band
When: Friday, November 8, 2025 | Doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: The Ground | Downtown Miami – 34 NE 11th ST #2, Miami, FL 33132
Tickets: Here
Digital Assets: Here
About aja monet
aja monet is a Grammy-nominated Surrealist Blues Poet whose art spans poetry, music, and community organizing. Her debut poetry album, when the poems do what they do, was released in 2023 to critical acclaim and nominated for a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album. Her first poetry collection, my mother was a freedom fighter, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and earned the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Award for Poetry. monet also serves as Artistic Creative Director for V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls.
About Live Arts Miami
Live Arts Miami is a trailblazing performing arts organization dedicated to presenting bold, innovative works that inspire and connect our community. Through transformative performances, educational programs, and artist support, we empower creativity and celebrate the power of live art. Rooted in Miami’s vibrant culture, we bring diverse voices and perspectives to the forefront, enriching the city’s cultural landscape. To learn more, visit www.liveartsmiami.org.