Lyrical Sanctuary

Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Derrick Harriell

Derrick Harriell is the Interim Director of the Black Student Cultural Center and Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His previous collections of poems include Stripper in Wonderland, Come Kingdom, Cotton, and Ropes, winner of the 2014 Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Poetry Book Award. His short story, “There’s a Riot Goin’ On,” was the recipient of the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award. He holds an MFA from Chicago State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His forthcoming coauthored book with celebrated rapper 2 Chainz, The Voice in My Head is God, will be published in March 2026. 

Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring *aya

*aya is a Palestinian singer/songwriter based in Milwaukee, creating a unique blend of indie and soul that resonates deeply with listeners. With a smooth, jazzy voice, *aya writes about universal themes like self-reflection, love, loss, mental health, and personal growth, making their music both intimate and relatable. Inspired by the artistry of Jill Scott, Ari Lennox, Faye Webster, Amy Winehouse, and Outkast, they seamlessly weave together genres to create a sound that’s unmistakably their own. 

Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Social Cig

Born & brewed in Wisconsin, Social Cig is the ‘Indie-Skate-Rock’ music project of Parker Schultz. Consisting of contagious authenticity, cheery live shows, and cultivating an original story with an attitude of gratitude, Social Cig is creating full-circle moments. While leafing through US music scenes with an ambitious DIY approach and writing songs that capture a genuine outlook from a modern-day Midwest cowboy, Social Cig has become a well-rounded grassroots venture. 

Lyrical Sanctuary Presents Student Showcase

Celebrate the final Lyrical Sanctuary of the semester with an evening dedicated to the incredible talent within our own UWM community! Join us as our amazing student poets take center stage, sharing their voices, stories, and artistry. Come be inspired, uplifted, and reminded of the power of creativity as we close out the year with this special showcase of campus brilliance.

Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Tasneem Jassar

Tasneem Jassar is a Palestinian writer and poet. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Creative Writing bachelor’s degree and a minor in Women and Gender studies. Jassar was also 2024 Woodland Pattern’s Milwaukee Emerging Poet fellow. She hopes that the words she writes and shares, inspire others and give them a deeper insight into themselves and the world they live in. Her poetry often includes themes of motherhood, sisterhood, and Palestinian storytelling.

Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Carmen Alicia Murguia

Carmen Alicia Murguía is a proud U.S.-born poet and writer whose work explores love, Latinidad, politics, queer identity, and culture. She’s the author of six poetry collections and has been featured in academic journals, anthologies, and interviews on NPR, PBS, and other media outlets. Carmen began her poetry journey at The Loft Literary Center through the Inroads: Emerging Chicano/Latino Writer’s Mentorship Program and has since performed at festivals and venues across the country, including New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, and San Antonio. 

Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Shelly Conley

Milwaukee native, Shelly Conley, is Milwaukee’s newest Poet Laureate. She has always had a Love for words. Her writing is reflective, forgiving and creates a call to action for the listeners. Shelly is a 7 time member of Milwaukee’s National Poetry Slam Team. Her talent has led her to numerous shows, panels, documentaries and musical collaborations with local and national talent.

Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring RJ Riddle

Whether working with city youth or performing music, RJ Riddle has a unique and authentic way of uplifting and empowering the people he interacts with. Riddle began creating a buzz for himself just barely being 21 performing at spoken word events and open mics throughout Milwaukee. With his combination of spoken word, rap, and the occasional jazz/ funk sound, Riddle has a way of fusing different genres in his arsenal to make his words come to live by painting vivid pictures and staying genuine in his words!