Poetry Matters to feature multi-media poetry performance by Roy Anthony Shabla

DOWNEY – Downey poet and painter Roy Anthony Shabla will deliver a multi-media poetry performance Thursday at Stay Gallery, part of the gallery's regular "Poetry Matter" series. 

The performance is titled "Travels With My Rant" and is a poem about two days in Paris, and how it compares to life in Downey. 

Downey does not compare well the first day. On the second day, however, a compassionate connection between the two cities is made. 

Shabla will be backed by live improved music by Downey musicians Josue Quiquivix, Andrew Ariza and Gabriel Armenta. A short film by Shabla will also be played. 

Shabla is currently an artist-in-residence at Stay Gallery. His 18-ft. paintings will be on display during the performance. 

An open microphone precedes the event, starting at 7:30 p.m. 

"Poetry Matters" is a Downey Arts Coalition monthly poetry event hosted by Stay Gallery. Lorine Parks curates the series and the weekly poetry column in the Downey Patriot.