Spoken-word fundraiser to benefit funding-challenged Germantown tutoring program

To combat lack of funding for the free math-tutoring program it offers annually in Germantown, the Chew and Belfield Neighbors Club Inc. (CNBC) will host its first spoken-word showcase fundraiser called “Night on the Ridge” on Saturday.

The event will take place in the backyard of Mom’s Kitchen Table located at 2319 Ridge Ave. at 7 p.m. A Sept. 29 rain date is set if weather becomes an issue.

Mt. Airy resident Celeste “The Sophisticated Poet” Preston came up with the idea for the event as a fun way to unite the community and highlight all the talent in the city.

“I really stress the fact that we don’t really dwell on the negative things that are going on in the city,” said Preston. “I wanted to put together a positive event so we can show how much talent we have, and also encourage more people to share the talents and gifts that they were blessed with.”

List of performers

The lineup includes Smyte IX, Kenya Royale, Shyster and poet and singer Nicole Staci who will perform with the band Transcendence.

Attendees are encouraged to sign up for the open-mic session (as long as their themes are family-friendly).

“It’s going to be great to see how all the age groups can work together in a positive way,” said Rev. Chester Williams, founder of CNBC. “Music brings people together and poetry enlightens them.”

Williams said any donations they receive would be a blessing at the venue which accommodates 300 people. Tickets, which include dinner at the soul food restaurant, cost $20 per person.