April is a special month honoring the literary art of poetry (National Poetry Month), jazz (Jazz Appreciation Month, also known as JAM), and conservation (Earth Day, April 22). Twenty-five years of JAM, 30 years of National Poetry Month, and 56 years of Earth Day. Broward kicks off the month with a special children’s poetry reading and closes out April with a powerful exhibition on memory, transformation, and recycling.
National Poetry Month Events
Sidewalk Chalk Poetry Event at Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library
Children experience the joys of poetry with a special reading of Carole Boston Weatherford’s “Sidewalk Chalk” at Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library on April 13. This National Poetry Month event includes a poetry-writing project where kids write their own poems using sidewalk chalk, inspired by Weatherford’s 2001 poem “Sidewalk Chalk.” Carole Boston Weatherford, the 2025–2026 Young People’s Poet Laureate and a Newbery Honor recipient for BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom (2020), brings her celebrated work to life in this interactive reading.
The “Sidewalk Chalk” poetry event is a free event.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Sidewalk Chalk
WHERE: Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library, 2800 Northwest 9th Court, Pompano Beach
WHEN: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, April 13
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-7670 or register on the event page
BEST FOR: Kids and Teens
Say Sumthn – Youth Poetry Slam & Showcase at African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Art Prevails Project presents the “Say Sumthn – Youth Poetry Slam & Showcase,” on April 15 at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. Under the direction of professional poets and educators, students created original poetry inspired by their personal experiences and honed their creative skills during a five-week poetry workshop, culminating in the Poetry Slam & Showcase event on April 15 where participants will have the chance to perform their poetry for the community.
Since its founding in 2015, Art Prevails Project has served more than 1,500 South Florida students through workshops, performances, and original productions that blend poetry, music, theater, and visual art.
“Say Sumthin” is a free event open to the public; guests of all ages are welcome to attend.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Say Sumthn- Youth Poetry Slam & Showcase
WHERE: African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-6282 or contact info@artprevailsproject.org and visit the event page
BEST FOR: Adults
Our Voices: Festival of Words
Art Prevails Project returns with their fourth annual “Our Voices: Festival of Words,” a community festival celebrating the joy and power of words. Designed to engage all ages and encourage literacy, this three-day festival includes four special events across Broward:
The Lit Lounge at African American Research Library and Cultural Center (Our Voices: Festival of Words)
The Festival opens with “The Lit Lounge,” an evening reception at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center on April 23. Hosted by South Florida R&B and Hip Hop singer, rapper, and songwriter, Marnino Toussaint, “The Lit Lounge” features live music, performances, live painting, and of course, poetry. Other local talents performing during the event include:
Inez Barlatier – Actor, singer, musician, and songwriter whose credits include music for award-winning films like the documentary, “Razing Liberty Square” on PBS, acting in Adrienne Arsht Center’s “I am Me” play, and her children’s show “AYITI: Stories & Songs from Haiti.”
Marlo Vashti – South Florida singer and actress whose work spans one-woman shows like her performance in the theatrical jazz concert, “Blue Notes: Standards & Survival” to ensemble performances with Art Prevails Project, and singing-songwriting with “Muse” and “Any Thang.”
David H. Hepburn – South Florida actor and artist, Hepburn is a member of Miami’s theatre improv company, Just the Funny, and often performs with Art Prevails Project. He played in the short film “The Mark of Spice.”
Other local artists performing at Lit Lounge include DP Soul, Bertrand Boyd, and Tif Clare.
This is a ticketed event; food and drinks are served during the evening.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: The Lit Lounge
WHERE: African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 23
COST: $40
INFORMATION: (954) 357-6282 or contact info@artprevailsproject.org and register on the event page
BEST FOR: Teens and Adults
Book Fair at NSU Art Museum (Our Voices: Festival of Words)
Broward students from participating schools have a chance to join Art Prevails Project at NSU Art Museum on April 24. Kids get a tour of the Museum’s current exhibitions, visit the bookfair (and get free books), watch a performance, and join an art activity.
Children must be with a participating school to join the event; contact Art Prevails Project for more information.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Book Fair
WHERE: NSU Art Museum, One East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 10 a.m., Friday, April 24
COST: Contact Art Prevails
INFORMATION: Contact info@artprevailsproject.org to participate and visit the Our Voices event page for information
BEST FOR: Kids
An Evening with Aja Monet at the Broward County Main Library (Our Voices: Festival of Words)
Night two of “Our Voices: Festival of Words” brings the surrealist blues poet, writer, and musician, aja monet, to the stage. A decorated poet, aja monet is the author of “My Mother Was a Freedom Fighter” (2017) and “Florida Water” (2025), along with two chapbooks (a short book of collected poetry), “Inner-City Cyborgs and Ciphers” and “The Black Unicorn Sings.” At age 19, monet became the youngest Grand Slam Champion of the Nuyorican Poets Café, the legendary poetry and arts organization in New York, and she received a Grammy nomination for her debut album, “when the poems do what they do” (2024).
WLRN journalist Wilkine Brutus joins monet for a conversation, followed by a lively poetry performance.
“An Evening with aja monet” is a free event; refreshments are included.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: An Evening With aja monet
WHERE: Broward County Main Library, 100 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, April 24
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-7444 or contact info@artprevailsproject.org and register on the event page
BEST FOR: Teens and adults
Our Voices: Festival of Words at Ali Cultural Arts Center
“Our Voices: Festival of Words” culminates in an all-day community event at Ali Cultural Arts Center on April 25. Featuring local authors, a panel discussion with local journalists, live music and performances, poetry readings, interactive workshops, film screenings, art, and book giveaways, this free event is right for all ages. Featured writers include aja monet (poet) and Wilkine Brutus (journalist). Also in attendance is Richard Blanco, the first poet laureate of Miami-Dade County and winner of the National Humanities Medal from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and Fabienne Josaphat, author of the 2023 winner of the PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction for her historical fiction novel, “Kingdom of No Tomorrow.” The panel discussion with local journalists includes writers from the Miami Herald, WLRN, and an independent journalist.
Featuring local authors, journalist panels, live music, poetry readings, workshops, film screenings, and a small business market, this free, all-ages event offers a full day of literary and cultural programming.
“Our Voices: Festival of Words” is free to attend; registration is strongly encouraged.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Our Voices Festival of Words
WHERE: Ali Cultural Arts Center, 353 Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Pompano Beach
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 25
COST: Free, register on Eventbrite
INFORMATION: (954) 786-7877 or contact info@artprevailsproject.org; see the event lineup and register on the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Jazz Appreciation Month Events
Jazz Appreciation Month brings a dynamic lineup of performances and hands-on experiences across Broward.
The Art of Improvisation: A Jazz Craft Experience at African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Dive into JAM at this interactive music and art workshop with Hued Songs, the multidisciplinary performing arts group celebrating Black voices and experiences through their dynamic performances. Open to guests of all ages, this workshop explores the spirit and history of jazz through guided listening sessions, guided prompts, and an art-making project. Participants will decorate a blank vinyl record as part of the project; supplies are provided and guests are encouraged to bring personal memorabilia (photos, letters, fabric, clothing, and other personal mementos) to help inspire their project. Project Coordinator for Hued Songs, Sharlia Gullay, leads the workshop.
“The Art of Improvisation” takes place at the African American Research Library on April 4. The workshop is a free event; no prior art experience is required to participate.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: The Art of Improvisation: A Jazz Craft Experience
WHERE: African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 4
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-6282 or register on the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Latin Jazz Concert at West Regional Library
Afro-Latin Jazz group, Ceviche con Flan, holds a special performance at West Regional Library on April 11 for Jazz Appreciation Month. Ceviche con Flan combines the musical traditions of Peru and Cuba through their Afro-Latin rhythms, jazz harmonies, and improvisation. Afro-Cuban and Afro-Peruvian music come together with this seven-piece band led by percussionist and disability advocate, Jen Martinez-Bre. Martinez-Bre brings together her Cuban and Peruvian ancestry in her work; organizations from Fort Lauderdale’s Gold Coast Jazz Society to the National Endowment for the Arts have recognized her work in the form of grants and scholarships. Hector Neciosup and David “Lazco” Velazco join Martinez-Bre on percussion, Renée Cruz is on bass, and Mauricio Silva and Justin Miranda on guitar. Miranda is also a recipient of the 2025 Artist Support Grant from the Broward Cultural Division.
“Latin Jazz Concert” is a free event.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Latin Jazz Concert
WHERE: Multipurpose Room 103, West Regional Library, 8601 West Broward Boulevard, Plantation
WHEN: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 11
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 765-1560 or register on the event page
BEST FOR: All Ages
Gold Coast Jazz: Grace Kelly 20th Anniversary Tour at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Acclaimed saxophonist, singer, songwriter, and composer Grace Kelly and the Grace Kelly Quartet come to the Broward Center April 15 for the Grace Kelly 20th Anniversary Tour. Presented by the Gold Coast Jazz Society, the Grace Kelly 20th Anniversary Tour pulls from Kelly’s large catalog of music (15 albums total), with Kelly performing classic favorites from her early career alongside her more recent music. Her latest release, “At The Movies: Grace Kelly with Strings,” is her first jazz record since her 2016 album, and includes reimaginings of her favorite music from films such as “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “James Bond Medley, “The Flying Theme (from E.T)” and “Circle of Life.”
Grace Kelly’s long career started when she was a young teenager; she performed as a soloist with the Boston Pops (Boston Symphony Orchestra) at age 14, and at 16, she performed at President Obama’s first inauguration. Over the years, she’s performed with artists like Questlove, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jon Baptiste, and Gloria Estefan.
Purchase tickets through the Broward Center website.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Grace Kelly Quartet, Grace Kelly 20th Anniversary Tour
WHERE: Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Southwest 5th Avenue , Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 7:45 p.m., Wednesday, April 15
COST: Tickets start at $76.70
INFORMATION: (954) 524-0805 or purchase tickets through the event page
BEST FOR: Adults
Jazz Fest Pompano Beach at Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier
Pompano Beach’s signature Jazz Fest celebrates its fifth year with a two-day lineup of local and national jazz musicians who bring the diversity of jazz music to Broward. “Jazz Fest Pompano Beach” starts Saturday, April 18 with flutist Kim Scott. Known for her skills as both a classical and jazz flutist, Scott received BEATS Magazine’s (of the Smooth Jazz Network) Best Artist of the Year award in 2024; she has performed internationally at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Florida and the Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival in Portugal. Also in the first night’s lineup is Brian Culbertson, the multi-talented musician who plays on piano and trombone, mixing funk, soul, and jazz, and the Grammy-nominated saxophonist, Richard Elliot. On Sunday, Grammy-nominated pianist, Martin Bejerano and The Purple Project (including South Florida vocalist, Nicole Yarling), perform a funky jazz fusion of music from Prince. Singer and saxophonist Walter Beasley follows, and the funk fusion band, Ghost-Note, closes the night.
Other local performers appearing during the weekend include: jazz vocalist Nicole Kidd, Kizie the Violist, music trio Garçon de Kilimanjaro, funk, soul, and blues fusion band, The Fella Band, Latin jazz fusion band, Inner Court, and jazz singer Haley Cover.
Admission to “Jazz Fest Pompano Beach” is free; registration is required for entrance.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Jazz Fest Pompano Beach
WHERE: Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier, 222 N Pompano Beach Blvd, Pompano Beach
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19
COST: Free, registration required
INFORMATION: (954) 545-7800 and register through the event page
BEST FOR: All Ages
Jazz at The Circuit at Midtown Commerce Center
Return to the roots of jazz with The Florida Collective’s performance, “Jazz at The Circuit” on April 23 in the historic Sistrunk neighborhood. Presented by the Broward County Cultural Division, “Jazz at the Circuit” brings jazz music to audiences in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area with free jazz concerts for the community. The April 23 concert honors Jazz Appreciation Month and features The Florida Jazz Collective performing popular songs and jazz standards (important and well-known songs in the jazz world).
Led by guest vocalist Charenee Wade, the quartet includes other jazz artists like Willerm Delisfort on piano, Nolan Nwachukwu on bass, Aris Dolce Jr. on saxophone, and John Lumpkin II on drums. Guest artist Charenee Wade is known for her classic jazz sound, vocal improvisation skills and composing abilities; her 2010 song, “Love Walked In,” earned Wade the NPR Song Travels feature. She teaches jazz music at the Juilliard School in New York, the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University (Maryland), and the Aaron Copland School (New York).
“Jazz at The Circuit” is a free community event; registration is encouraged.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Jazz at The Circuit
WHERE:
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday, April 23
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 545-7800 and register on the event page
BEST FOR: All Ages
Earth Day Events
Earth Day Adventures: Reading and Caring for Our Planet at African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Environmentalism and literacy come together at African American Research Library on April 22. “Earth Day Adventures: Reading and Caring for Our Planet” introduces children to concepts of environmentalism and environmental responsibility through activities and storytelling. Enjoy a reading of Todd Parr’s “The Earth Book” and learn actionable habits kids can take to help protect the environment. Chef Fiefie, known for her fusion of Haitian and Asian influences in her dishes, discusses food waste and sustainability, and leads the kids in a hands-on activity.
“Earth Day Adventures” is free to attend.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Earth Day Adventures: Reading and Caring for Our Planet
WHERE: African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 22
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-6282 and register on the event page
BEST FOR: Kids
Art@Night: Garden Party at Coral Springs Museum of Art
The Coral Springs Museum of Art celebrates spring with Art@Night: Garden Party on April 23. This free evening event brings art, live performances, and creative activities to the community. Watch a ceramics wheel-throwing demonstration; tour the Museum’s current exhibition; and create flower crowns and printed postcards during the art activity. South Florida indie rock surfer band, Surfer Blood, gives a live performance.
On display at the Museum (starting April 10), is “Marmoris 2: A Selection from the Deering Estate Artist-in-Residence Archive.” The exhibition presents a selection of works from the Deering Estate’s Artist-in-Residence archive in Miami. A museum, cultural and ecological field station, and national landmark, the historic Deering Estate supports environmental conservation and continues the Estate’s legacy of art patronage with their Artist-in-Residence program. Art featured in “Marmoris 2” showcases the range and diversity of work produced through the program, highlighting how artistic practice can preserve memory and engage environmental themes.
Art@Night is a free, all-ages event.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Art@Night: Garden Party
WHERE: Coral Springs Museum of Art, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 23
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 340-5000 and RSVP on the event page
BEST FOR: All Ages
Tsunami: Waves of Displacement Exhibition at Ali Cultural Arts Center
Tracy Ann Simmonds tackles sustainability, collective trauma, displacement, and resilience in “Tsunami: Waves of Displacement,” a series of 36 mixed media works on display at the Ali Cultural Arts Center through April 25. Overwhelmed by the flood of junk mail she was receiving and their environmental implications, Simmonds turned her worries into art, transforming shredded credit card mailers, old paint, and other recycled items into intricate, three-dimensional scenes of waves and water. The series also reflects on collective trauma and displacement, with dreamlike waterscapes inspired by the artist’s recurring visions of waves and flooding.
Admission to Ali Cultural Arts Center and “Tsunami: Waves of Displacement” is free.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Tsunami: Waves of Displacement Exhibition
WHERE: Ali Cultural Arts Center, 353 Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Pompano Beach
WHEN: Exhibition Hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, exhibit runs through Saturday, April 25
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 786-7877 and visit the event page
