Two decades of stories, connection and creative expression will take center stage on Saturday, November 21, 2026, as THE STAGE A Spoken Word Gala(ish) celebrates its 20th anniversary at The Belvedere in West Palm Beach.
Founded by poet, TEDx speaker and community advocate Desiree Karnis Reavis, The Stage will mark the milestone with an evening featuring nationally recognized spoken word artists, student performers, live music by the Matt Brown Band and Digital Vibez. Proceeds will benefit the National Poetry Month Youth Summit, helping young people build confidence, develop their voices and discover the power of their stories.
The celebration begins with The Golden Hour VIP reception from 7 to 8 p.m., sponsored by United Way of Palm Beach County, followed by the main show from 8 to 10:30 p.m. The VIP experience includes hors d’oeuvres, and signature drinks.
Since its founding in West Palm Beach on November 8, 2006, THE STAGE has created opportunities for emerging and established artists to share their work, connect with audiences and become part of a community rooted in expression and belonging.
Over the past two decades, THE STAGE has welcomed voices whose work later earned national recognition, including award-winning WLRN journalist Wilkine Brutus; Chris Bivins, who co-produced songs on Chris Brown’s Grammy-winning album 11:11 (Deluxe); and Grammy-nominated recording artist Chris Redding. Their journeys reflect the remarkable talent that has shared THE STAGE’S microphone.
“Poetry gave me a place to put the things I didn’t know how to say out loud,” said Reavis. “When I created The Stage, I wanted others to have that same opportunity to be heard, to feel seen and to know their stories mattered. Twenty years later, we’re celebrating that legacy while helping the next generation find their voices.”
Reavis’ own journey has grown from spoken word stages to the TEDx stage. The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s inaugural Ambassador of Spoken Wordand a 2026 Nonprofits First Volunteer of the Year recipient, she has connected poetry, public speaking and community service through a guiding commitment: be the person you needed when you were younger.
That commitment inspired the National Poetry Month Youth Summit, which has served more than 700 students, awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships, laptops, journals, gift cards and other resources.
The fifth annual summit is scheduled for April 17, 2027. Funds raised through the anniversary gala will help continue its work of giving students a platform to write, speak and be heard.
The celebration welcomes longtime supporters, first-time guests, arts enthusiasts, business leaders and community partners for an evening that honors the voices of the past while investing in those still discovering their potential.
General admission tickets are $40. Individual VIP tickets are $85, and VIP tables for 10 are $750. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
To purchase tickets or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
EVENT DETAILS
What: The Stage — A Spoken Word Gala(ish): 20th Anniversary Celebration
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026
VIP Reception: 7–8 p.m.
Main Show: 8–10:30 p.m.
Where: The Belvedere, [Full Street Address], West Palm Beach, Florida
Benefiting: National Poetry Month Youth Summit
