THE CYPHER | HARLEM ART HOUSE COLLECTIVE
🎤 THE CYPHER S2E2 AT HAHC
Season 2 continues! Join us for THE CYPHER - a monthly series where Harlem's emerging artists gather to perform, connect, and build community.
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WHAT IS THE CYPHER?
Rooted in hip-hop tradition, a cypher is where artists come together to freestyle, support, and elevate each other. At HAHC, we extend this tradition to ALL art forms - poetry, music, spoken word, comedy, storytelling, and more.
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SCHEDULE
DOORS OPEN: 7:30 PM
OPEN MIC & FEATURED PERFORMANCES: 8:00 PM
MINGLE & MIXER: 10:30 PM
Open mic slots (5 min each) are first-come, first-served. Arrive by 7:30 PM to sign up.
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FEATURED ARTISTS
LILO
@lilo_marz
Lilo is a spoken word poet, educator, and performer whose work blends lyrical storytelling with raw honesty. Her poetry explores duality, healing, and social justice. With over a decade on stage, Lilo has performed for Hamilton: The Musical, Michelle Obama, MTV, and the United Nations, creating moments of recognition and release for audiences everywhere. What to expect: "The audience should be prepared to laugh, cry, and participate. Keep an open mind for some important conversations."
ELI THE ENTITY
@eli_the_entity
I want to create cultural diffusion through music by listening to what art is out here in the world and gain share my artistry on this canvas with words and capturing it all around to create perspective,unity,harmony and living breathing history. I also do calisthenics to inspire, motivate and embrace being imperfect and uncomfortable to grow and love together. What to expect: "Expect the unexpected. I don't want to put myself in one box but I want to move and open your world"
AC LIGHTNIN
@theaclightnin_
AC Lightnin is a Spoken Word-Emcee who weaves faith, culture and Hip-Hop rhythm into his performances that challenge, uplift and captivate his audience. Raised in New York and shaped by the open mic scene in NYC, he delivers a commanding stage presence that resonates with audiences across the East Coast. AC has performed at Busboys and Poets in the DMV, The Cutting Room, The Delancey, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Pianos, SOB's and multiple Off-Broadway stages like Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater and The Triad Theater. As well as multiple poetry festivals including the NYC Poetry Festival (2023, 2025) and Paterson Poetry Festival (2024). His work reflects the lived experience of a Black Christian man navigating culture, love, and identity, and has been featured on MNN, Rapzilla, Trackstarz, and in several published anthologies. What to expect: "A mixture of music and spoken word poetry"
"AJ" THE POET
@mr_stupendous
AJ the Poet is a Christian poet who has been composing and performing poetry since his teenage years. He discovered early on that writing poems was therapeutic for his mental health. During performances, AJ focuses on captivating and inspiring his audience to create and draw closer to GOD. Notably, he has performed at various venues across the states, including a particularly notable performance in Nashville, TN, where he recited for renowned gospel artist and pastor West Morgan at Recovery Fest. What to expect: "A series of heartfelt personal anecdotes from my life. I craft my writing to captivate the attention of all onlookers. I plan to combine creative sentences to evoke relatable memories."
FREDDIE JULEE
Rap artist.
@freddiejulee
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WHO THIS IS FOR
Emerging artists, creatives, and community members in Harlem and NYC who want to:
• Share their work in a supportive space
• Connect with other local artists
• Be part of a creative community
• Find their tribe
All experience levels welcome. Whether this is your first time sharing your work or you're a seasoned performer, The Cypher is your space.
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FAQs
Q: What time should I arrive for an open mic slot? A: Doors open at 7:30 PM. Sign-up is first-come, first-served, so arrive early.
Q: Are there refreshments? A: Light snacks and beverages available for purchase while supplies last. VIP ticket holders get one complimentary snack and beverage.
Q: What should I bring to perform? A: Whatever you need for your 5-minute set. All art forms welcome.
Q: What's the vibe? A: Community-first. Supportive. Real. This is a space where artists uplift each other and the audience becomes family.
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🌍 WHEN YOU PERFORM HERE, YOU HEAL THERE
This event is part of the HAHC Fund Event Series, raising essential funds for the August 2026 Medical Missions Trip to the Dominican Republic.
Every ticket purchased directly supports:
• Essential medical supplies
• Community healthcare services
• Sustainable care initiatives
HAHC events between January-June 2026 help bring critical healthcare to underserved communities in the DR. Your presence at The Cypher makes a difference both here in Harlem and abroad.
Learn more about the mission: tinyurl.com/DRMedMissionInfo
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ABOUT HAHC
Harlem Art House Collective is dedicated to building community, empowering artists, and changing the (art) world. We create accessible platforms for BIPOC artists through exhibitions, performances, and community programming. HAHC is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
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CONNECT WITH US
📱 @harlemarthousecollective