"Tuaca Kelly — Tilda Swinton-y even while performing as 'the entire cast of Star Trek' — seemed comfortable portraying everything from Queen Elizabeth to an 8-year-old nerd." — BackStage West
ABOUTHailing from multiple generations of Irish poets and musicians, Tuaca Kelly is an American poet, spoken word artist, and singer-songwriter, most known for her unique wordplay, uncanny improvisation, unpredictable humor, presence and ability to connect with the audience.
Originally from San Francisco, she represents the Generation X. Tuaca’s unique perspective provides intimate, empathic and bold glimpses of humanity - in its myriad hues - in relationship with sacred divinity, by integrating themes of love, religious mysticism, spiritual discernment, personal development, unbridled sensuality, neuroscience, forgiveness and service above self. Unwanted Words Nominee for Poet of the Year (2023), Tuaca lives and breathes the importance of poetry with the understanding it is not a luxury, but an essential experience for mental health and a vital pathway for the human spirit to express the soul's wisdom, touch ephemeral empathy and connect with others. Through sharing her poetry, music, storytelling, comedic improv and skills as an engaging event host, Tuaca has performed at (US:) Gay Pride San Francisco, McCallum Theatre, The Improv, Highways Performance Space at the 18th Street Art Complex, Molly Malone’s, Blue Bird Cafe, Chick Singer Night; (CAR:) Olivia Cruises, Cayman Rooster Radio, Grand Cayman Music Union; (EU) International Women’s Festival (Lesvos); Kunstinstituut Melly, Poetry International Festival, LantarenVenster, WORM, Tell 'Em Festival (Rotterdam); Moving Arts Center Amsterdam (MACA), Pride Photo, Meervaart Theater, KALEIDO, Queer Amsterdam, Poeting Queer History, Pakhuis De Zwijger, Labyrinth, NieuweVide Artspace, De Nieuwe Anita, Pride Photo, Framer Framed, Spotlight Jazz and Blues Fundraiser, Milkshake Festival, Paradiso, Van Gogh Museum (Amsterdam) and more. Based in Amsterdam, Tuaca is very active in poetry and spoken word culture, serving as a local and transnational creative producer for Unwanted Words Project. As a spoken word and voice over artist, Tuaca can bring nuance, engagement and vitality to your audio book, documentary narration, public service announcement or animation and contribute to your music project with top line, ad lib or feature. When otherwise engaged with the creative arts, Tuaca can also be found teaching and caring for others in her clinical spiritual counseling and healing arts practice remotely, in-person and on tour. Tuaca Kelly (zij/haar/femmeDaddy) is een Amerikaanse dichteres, spoken word artiest, emcee, singer-songwriter en muzikante. Ze is vooral bekend om haar unieke woordspelingen, ongekende improvisatie, onvoorspelbare humor en vermogen om een band op te bouwen met het publiek. Ze komt oorspronkelijk uit San Francisco en vertegenwoordigt Generation X als een fierce femmeDaddy. Tuaca is gevestigd in Amsterdam, is zeer actief in de poëzie en spoken wordcultuur en dient als een lokale en internationale projectmedewerker, talent curator, creatief producent en muze bij de Unwanted Words Project Foundation.
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APHORISMS"Art isn't a luxury. It is an essential experience for mental health and a vital pathway for the human spirit to express the soul's wisdom, touch ephemeral empathy and connect with others." - Tuaca Kelly
"Inspiration is curated through intimate internal dialog. Resolutions evolve from amity with self." - Tuaca Kelly  Tuaca Kelly, Amsterdam 2023
photo: Anastasiia Mykytiuk
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ENDORSEMENTS FOR BESPOKE WORK
I had the pleasure of co-producing events with Tuaca Kelly and witnessing her spoken word poetry in action, and I can wholeheartedly say that her presence is transformative. As a collaborator, Tuaca is a force of creativity and professionalism. She brings a clear vision, dedication, and adaptability to every project, ensuring that each event is impactful and meaningful.
As a spoken word artist, Tuaca has a rare gift for capturing deep emotions and delivering them with a raw authenticity that resonates powerfully with audiences. Her performances are not only beautifully crafted but are also deeply soulful, often leaving a lasting impression on those who experience them. Tuaca's ability to blend vulnerability with strength in her words creates a space for both personal reflection and collective connection.
I highly recommend Tuaca for any project that seeks to uplift, inspire, and engage. She has an incredible ability to bring people together through her artistry and her thoughtful, compassionate approach to collaboration."
- Evelina Kvartunaite, Founder of Circle K and Word Up Amsterdam
I recently experienced Tuaca's brilliance at a co-creation event. As a design thinking facilitator, I know the importance of opening events the right way. Tuaca spoke about 'genius listening,' and prepared participants to be fully present. Her own presence is a sweet combination of power and ebullience. I encourage everyone to consider Tuaca's art as a major contribution to any gathering - but especially in the corporate realm, where we can all use more self-reflection. It was the highlight of my day."
- Julie Krohner, Founder of Lighting Up Rooms, Social Scientist, TEDx Speaker
Tuaca makes deep, strong and embodied poetry that I can highly recommend for every occasion! She is a highlight of our professional events, creating a spot on tailor made piece every time!"
- Aafke de Groot, Hatch - Immersive Learning Experiences
Fan-boying over getting to share the stage with Tuaca Kelly.
Probably one of the most sensual and provocative poets you SHOULD have the pleasure of seeing."
- Phillip Melchers Ue, Canadian-Dutch Storyteller
My husband and I asked Tuaca Kelly to write and perform an original bespoke poem on for our wedding. The poem,
God Gave Me You, was such a beautiful surprise! The Love expressed in the personal poem touched our hearts and many others who have the honor to read this beautiful treasure.
With her enormous passion it is clear that Tuaca writes and performs with heart and soul and shines bright light on her audience. She is very talented and we definitely recommend Tuaca Kelly to perform during your event."
- M & F, newlyweds.
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we shall obey - Scholastica's plea (to Benedetto)
beloved brother ausculta muffled by the Rule and the weave of your tunic my plea failed to brush immaculacy my prayers, received and answered through the vault, insisted il mio gemello blame me my beloved reflection for obliging you to bide so dutybound faithful in Covenant and simple habits we are subject to forget what we deny one night dear brother we shall be rebels and speak of things we won’t write down and think of things we won’t say aloud and render a final hymn until the earth absorbs the tears of men one night dear brother our last night dear brother let us share innocence and warmth lest wisdom make fools of us let your labor be mine dear brother it is winter I’ll take my rest there one night dear brother we shall be rebels and speak of things we won’t write down and think of things we won’t say aloud and render a final hymn until the earth absorbs the tears of men one night dear brother we shall be rebels we shall obey ©2024 Tuaca Kelly |
