Writing a poem for his great aunt’s retirement celebration is where Orville Walker Jr. discovered a passion that would ultimately shape the course of his life. What began as a single heartfelt piece became the foundation of a lasting artistic journey.

Born in Takoma Park and raised between Jamaica and Seat Pleasant, Orville has spent years using poetry as a vehicle for truth, reflection, and human connection. Although he had been writing for years, he officially began performing spoken word in Washington, D.C. in November 2009, quickly becoming known for his emotionally honest storytelling, commanding stage presence, and ability to connect deeply with audiences.

His work explores the realities of being an artist, the importance of consistency, and the challenge of remaining authentic in a constantly changing world. Over the years, Orville has shared his voice on numerous respected stages and platforms including The White House during President Obama’s final term, Howard Theatre, Busboys and Poets locations throughout the DMV, with the Washington Wizards in 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Kellogg’s Cereal Peace Conference, Howard University, West Virginia University, as well as countless colleges, youth organizations, and spoken word venues across the country.

In 2018, Orville released his spoken word/music project, The Soul of a Man Vol. 1, available on all major streaming platforms.

Beyond his work as an artist, Orville is also the founder, owner, and host of PurePoetryLive, one of North America’s premier spoken word platforms. This June, PurePoetryLive proudly celebrates 14 years of cultivating community, amplifying voices, and creating impactful experiences through the art of spoken word poetry.

Kacey Williams McClain

Kacey Williams McClain is the lead vocalist of Black Alley, the internationally acclaimed Washington, DC-based band known for blending Trap, Rock, and Go-Go into a sound that is uniquely their own. As a performer, songwriter, and cultural ambassador, she has appeared on stages across the United States and around the world, helping introduce new audiences to the energy, creativity, and cultural significance of DC’s indigenous music.

Known for her dynamic stage presence and authentic connection with audiences, Kacey uses music as a vehicle for storytelling, empowerment, and community building. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for the artistic traditions that shape Washington, DC, while continuously pushing creative boundaries and inspiring the next generation of artists.

She is honored to serve as a judge for the 2026 Spoken Word to Go-Go Championship and to support platforms that uplift the voices, stories, and creative expression of the District’s artists.

Tone P

Tone P, a proud Southwest Washington, D.C. native, is a leading force in the preservation and evolution of Go-Go music. A Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer and RIAA Gold Artist, he is known for bringing Go-Go’s signature sound to mainstream audiences while remaining a dedicated advocate for D.C.’s cultural identity.

His production work helped propel Wale’s career, including platinum-certified contributions to Ambition, where he co-wrote the title track featuring Meek Mill and Rick Ross. He also produced and performed the hook on “Bait,” a Go-Go-inspired anthem that introduced the genre to wider audiences.

Beyond music, Tone co-founded the Don’t Mute D.C. movement in 2019, helping secure Go-Go’s designation as the official music of Washington, D.C. In 2025, he founded GOGO Global, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding Go-Go culture worldwide, and co-founded National Mambo Sauce Day, a celebration of D.C.’s unique culture and community.

Signed to Universal Music Publishing and CEO of District Funk Records, Tone continues to push boundaries through Tone P & Tha Carry Out and GOGOPUNK, his fusion of Go-Go and punk rock. From the studio to community leadership, Tone P remains committed to ensuring D.C.’s sound and culture thrive for generations to come.

Cookie B

Cookie B  is an acclaimed Washington, D.C.-based spoken word artist, recording artist, and multi-disciplinary visionary whose work provokes thought, driving deep personal and cultural connection. Renowned for her captivating stage presence and sharp lyrical depth, Cookie stands as a prominent, definitive voice in the national poetry and contemporary arts scenes.

Her elite performance pedigree includes being crowned the 2023 National Spoken Word Champion at How Sweet The Sound (HSTS), alongside recognition within the Recording Academy ecosystem. Bringing poetry to the forefront of commercial media, Cookie is currently the featured face and voice behind major regional television commercials and multi-channel marketing campaigns for Giant Food, anchoring the brand’s deep cultural connection to the DMV. As a professional recording artist and registered BMI writer, she masterfully bridges the gap between raw literature and widespread distribution, releasing heavily streamed studio projects and audio series such as Affirmercials and Atoms of a Broken Brain.

Beyond the mic, Cookie is an active cultural curator and entrepreneur who champions local creators through her brands, Bloom Roar Bee and Connativity. As a judge for the DC Art2GoGo competition, Cookie brings a seasoned, award-winning artistic perspective, a deep mastery of the intersection between sound, soul, and visual storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to celebrating the grit and brilliance of D.C.’s creative community.

DC Lance Reynolds

Known as “The People’s DJ,” Lance Reynolds is a veteran radio personality, programmer, and DJ, a native of Hampton, VA, and a proud Hampton University Pirate rooted in the community and culture of Washington, DC.

Currently, Lance hosts and programs “The House of Soul” on Pacifica Radio’s WPFW 89.3 FM in Washington, DC, a role he has held for the last eight years. He also hosts “The Sunrise Light Show,” which streams weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Twitch. “Sunrisers” wake up to an hour of jazz, followed by two hours of broad music and conversation to help ease into the day. Both shows are curated and programmed by Lance and stand at the intersection of funk, jazz, and soul. Prior to WPFW, he served as host of SiriusXM’s “The FLOW,” the satellite network’s leading soul/progressive format.

Starting his career at the age of 12, Lance has spent decades entertaining audiences across the United States while building a reputation as one of the region’s most respected tastemakers and music curators.

Over the years, he has opened for greats such as George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Bootsy Collins, Kamasi Washington, Gregory Porter, Lisa Fischer, Living Colour, Stephanie Mills, The Emotions, Maze, Roy Ayers, Eric Benét, Marsha Ambrosius, and a host of others in legendary venues including The Kennedy Center, DAR Constitution Hall, The Howard Theatre, 9:30 Club, The Barns at Wolf Trap, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Fort Dupont Park, and the Carter Barron.

Best known for breaking progressive artists from around the world both online and in the DC market, Lance holds the unique position of spotlighting emerging talent while celebrating the legendary artists who paved the way.

Ada Vilageliu-Díaz

Ada Vilageliu-Díaz received her Ph.D. in English from Howard University and her B.A. in English Philology from Universidad de La Laguna, Canary Islands. Her poetry has been published in in Beltway Poetry Quarterly, Al pie de la casa blanca: Poetas Hispanos de Washington, DC, American University’s Festival Latino-Americano de Poesía, Knocking on the Door of the White House: Latina and Latino Poets in Washington, DC, and Community Literacy Journal. Her creative writing explores her indigenous Guanche ancestry through myths and stories about women in the Canary Islands. She teaches literature, creative writing, and spoken word poetry at the University of the District of Columbia. Recently, she was a judge for the 2024 Poetry Out Loud National Semifinals.