Last-Minute Plans: Gil Scott-Heron - Passages, Interludes, Subtext N' Understandin'

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 8, 2012 9:40PM

Gil Scott-Heron's impact as a poet, activist, musician and social critic was already secured by the time he passed away last May, and across soul music, hip-hop, R&B and jazz equally.

The Chicago-born, Tennessee raised musician's life and career is the subject of a tribute at 7 p.m. tonight hosted by the Guild Literary Complex at the Experimental Station on the South Side. The Experimental Station is a non-profit organization that produces cultural, educational, and environmental projects and small-scale enterprises such as the 61st Street farmers market, a bicycle works, exhibits and artists residencies.

Hip-Hop collective The Primeridian, singer Maggie Brown, poet singer Avery R. Young, poet Krista Franklin and rapper/poet Keith M. Kelly will pay musical tribute to Scott-Heron, while a panel discussion on his life and career will feature Carol Adams, Salim Muwakkil, Quraysh Ali Lansana, Travis Jackson and David Stovall. Poet and radio host Mario Smith of WHPK-FM will emcee the event. This event is free to the public.

The Experimental Station is located at 6100 S. Blackstone Ave.