Award-winning artist Zbey tha Poet has felt a connection to the Center of the Universe ever since recording with Free Jambalaya at Slipped Disc Recording Studio in Downtown Ashland. Now, the spoken word hip-hop artist aims to amp up Ashland Fourth Fridays on July 28.
“As an artist, I feel it is my obligation to share uplifting messages with audiences by designing works of art through words and sound,” Zbey tells Downtown Ashland Association. “I’m motivated to share my gift and inspire others to do the same.” Zbey’s empowering tunes have been featured by Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ 2021 Community Makers and YWCA’s Outstanding Women Awards. She is going to be featured in Ashland Fourth Fridays next.
Zbey Tha Poet recording with Matt Treacy of Free Jambalaya
“Working with Free Jambalaya Studios as an independent recording artist brought me to Ashland,” says Zbey. “As a community advocate, I’m looking to connect with the people of Ashland to build community through artistic expression.”
Zbey has already connected with Ashland Fourth Fridays as a vendor. In May, she showcased the grassroots non-profit Community 50/50 with t-shirts, giveaways, and affirmations. Guests were encouraged to write down their positive “I Am” statements on a board which would be taken to other events with hopes the messages encourage positive self-talk. “Affirmations are one of the things we encourage at Community 50/50,” says Zbey. “Affirmations reprogram negativity out of your mind, out of your thinking, and just lift your spirits.”
Zbey plans to lift spirits as Ashland Fourth Fridays live entertainment next. On Friday, July 28 she will perform spoken word hip-hop at the Ashland Town Hall pavilion from 5-8pm with Free Jambalaya’s Matt Treacy. “I’m excited to connect with the audience and to use my art to touch other human beings,” smiles Zbey. “The feedback I receive from families, teens, and elders in the community is all the motivation I need to keep writing and performing.”