Carrying the Torch: A Season of Poetry, Power & Hip Hop Across Ontario

The journey continues.

After an unforgettable National Poetry Month I’ve been busy. I closed out the school year strong performing at BBQs and a variety of different school events. June is also National Volunteer Month and I had the opportunity to perform at a ‘battle of the chefs’ fundraiser for Food For Kids Halton a local charity I’ve been volunteering with for the past three years. I also created a custom poetry piece for an organization called Applaud, they used it as a part of their appreciation certificates that went out to the community to celebrate their efforts.

After taking some time to reset at the gorgeous Valleyview retreat space, some time with family and friends to enjoy the Summer, I’m hitting the road again—this time bringing the energy, the rhythm, and the truth of Hip Hop and poetry to communities all across Ontario.

It all kicks off August 11 in Malton, ON where we’ll be celebrating Hip Hop’s 52 Birthday at the Jonathan Davies Youth Centre. This will be a vibrant community gathering with Graf writers, Breakers, Mc’s, Dj’s and more. Join in as we take time to commemorate the global phenomenon that is Hip Hop culture.

From there, I take the torch North.

August 12–14, I’ll be in Thunder Bay ON, connecting with artists, students, and community builders. I’m looking forward to the land, the stories, and the people. Northern Ontario holds a unique rhythm, and I’m honoured to support the work of Applaud during the workshops I will be hosting while in town at Lakehead University.

August 20 I make a stop in Mississauga, ON as host for Amphitheatre Unplugged. A night featuring 7 local talents including musicians, singers, dancers, poets and comedians.

As summer turns to fall, the tour continues:

• September 12– Waterloo, ON (League of Poets Reading and Talk)

• September 17–19 – Ottawa, ON (Cranium Festival)

• October 21–23 – Kingston, ON (Applaud workshop series)

• November 13 – Kitchener, ON (Applaud workshop series)

• November 17–19 – London, ON (Western University workshop, Antler River poetry reading)

Each stop is more than a performance—it’s a dialogue. A chance to gather in schools, libraries, community centres, and auditoriums to explore language as a force for transformation.

But there’s one night I want to highlight, a true moment for the city and the culture.

On September 27 @ 8PM, join me in Mississauga, ON at the Living Arts Centre for ‘A Celebration of Hip Hop and Poetry: Words. Power. Sound.’ This event is going to be electric. Expect lyricism, storytelling, exciting surprises, giveaways and more. It's more than a show—it’s a movement.

As Ontario’s Poet Laureate, I’m here to remind people of these simple truths: Everything is created in language and what we say shapes the world in which we ALL live.

I can’t wait to build, to share space, and to witness what happens when communities come together in the name of Words, Power, and Sound.

With gratitude,

Matthew-Ray Jones

Ontario’s Poet Laureate