To say that Guante’s performance last night was powerful is an understatement.  His poetry, rich in soul, quieted and captivated the filled up chairs at the Moonshine Lounge.  The Heartland Poets opened the show, created the mood and some laughter with their diverse writings.  No doubt Guante will continue success with his relating  and passionate words.

Guante is a hip hop artist, two-time National Poetry Slam champion, social justice activist and educator. His work, which explores the places where progressive politics, magical realism, working-class identity and the power of perspective intertwine, has been featured in URB Magazine’s “Next 1000” list, City Pages’ “Artists of the Year” list, CMJ and the Progressive, and he’s shared bills with Tal…ib Kweli, Atmosphere, Dead Prez, Sage Francis, Brother Ali, Mr. Lif, P.O.S. and many more of the top names in indie hip hop. Apart from these artistic endeavors, Guante also founded and manages the MN Activist Project, freelances as a music writer, curates the Hip Hop Against Homophobia concert series and facilitates writing and performance workshops for youth. See www.guante.info for more information.