Detroit’s Poet Laureate Takes the Stage at Movement Festival
This weekend, the vibrant city of Detroit is gearing up for its annual Movement festival, a celebration of techno music that brings together artists and fans from around the world. Among the diverse lineup, one name stands out: Jessica Care Moore, Detroit’s Poet Laureate. Although her performance slots may be brief—a mere five minutes on both Saturday and Monday—Moore is determined to make every second count.
Moore’s Dynamic Performance
Moore’s electric presence will resonate throughout Hart Plaza, not just through her poetry but also with the help of dancers, visuals, and collaborative forces. Scheduled to perform in tandem with renowned electronic artist Carl Craig, she is eager to create a memorable experience. “If I’m gonna have this five minutes, I’m gonna destroy,” she asserts, expressing her intention to deliver an extraordinary performance that captivates the audience.
A Celebration of Techno Roots
The backdrop of Moore’s performance is naturally intertwined with a lifelong passion for dance music. She’s busy working on her upcoming project, “The House That Poems Built,” an album that fuses poetry with dance music influences, showcasing collaborations with artists like Nick Speed and Stacey Hotwaxx Hale. Scheduled for release this summer, the album celebrates her deep-rooted love for the genre, which blossomed in the underground scenes of Detroit during her teenage years.
“I have been in love with techno and house music my entire life,” Moore reflects, explaining how her early days of attending parties to see acts like Underground Resistance shaped her artistic trajectory. This upcoming performance is not just another gig for her; it marks a culmination of years spent in Detroit, surrounded by a music culture she fiercely cherishes.
A Journey to the Stage
Although Moore has attended the Movement festival multiple times, this marks her debut as a performer. Her path to the stage began when she participated in last year’s Detroit Jazz Festival alongside renowned DJ Jeff Mills. Following her performance, she took the initiative to send a clip to the programmers at Movement, reinforcing her desire to share her voice at the festival.
“When I saw my name in the lineup, people thought I was DJing,” she jokes. “I’m like, ‘hell no. I’m not doing a DJ set.’” It’s evident that Moore is keen to redefine the perception of poetry within the context of music festivals, highlighting that poetry and music have shared a symbiotic relationship long before it became mainstream.
Captivating the Audience
Moore’s performances include features with both Hotwaxx and Speed, the latter of whom will be performing their collaborative piece “Not For Sale,” available on limited edition 7″ vinyl at the festival. The excitement extends to her poetry, particularly the piece she plans to pen over the weekend to pay homage to Detroit’s techno greats.
Feeling a sense of comfort in this vibrant environment, she describes her upcoming moments on stage as a “sweet spot.” “I haven’t been this excited about doing some poetry for some time,” Moore admits. This enthusiasm signals her commitment to showcasing what is possible when poetry meets the electrifying pulse of dance music.
A Festival for Everyone
The Movement festival, marking its 20th anniversary, features a stellar lineup of performers including Sara Landy, Carl Cox, and Dom Dolla. Scheduled from Saturday to Monday, the event promises an eclectic mix of sounds and experiences for attendees. With ticket options ranging from daily general admission to VIP passes, there is something for everyone.
For fans of both music and art, Jessica Care Moore’s performances are not to be missed. Her unique blend of poetic expression and a celebration of Detroit’s rich musical heritage showcases the festival’s spirit—where creativity knows no boundaries.
