Expressions in the Dark
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per and violinist.

Since its inception, Expressions in the Dark has provided platforms for dozens of artists. Some have been expressing their creativity through word and music since childhood, while others have begun performing at various events after being bit by the “spoken word bug” during Expressions’ openmic segments. Most have been from Springfield or parts of the Midwest, while others have traveled from as far away as California and Georgia to have their voices heard. And while spoken word events have “blown up” in larger cities across the country, the word is that the atmosphere at Springfield’s spoken word shows is infectious and like no other.

“The vibe and the energy in Springfield is incredible,” says Chill Williams, a St. Louis resident who for the first year traveled to Springfield to host Expressions in the Dark.

“This event is always well put together. They [The Network Group and JPEK Productions] really care about the art, and not just making money. The crowd there is really genuine and attentive. And, they respect the microphone,” added Chill, who is well-known on the spoken word circuit in St. Louis.

Carson agrees: “The crowd here just embraces you. The people are very receptive to new and different talent. There’s nothing like it. It’s not duplicated anywhere in the area.” Carson regularly performs a montage of poetry, lyrics and prose.

Kim Connor moved to Springfield from Champaign in 2004. Though she had penned a book of poetry, she had never read her work in public until she attended an Expressions in the Dark show. “The crowd and environment itself make you feel warm and welcome,” she said, adding that performing at Expressions in the Dark has given her the courage to read her poetry at other venues.

In its seven years, Expressions has indeed come a long way. In addition to the shows in Springfield, The Network Group and JPEK Productions hosts monthly shows in