History
In 2012, a group of friends decided to get together and do something very simple: enjoy intentional art. It wasn't enough to chat about it, but to actually pursue a greater, shared appreciation of the music and poetry they enjoyed individually. A few months later, in 2013, it was given a name, inspired by the debut album by hip-hop group Little Brother, and this platform was called "The L
istening". The idea was that people could still get together and create art and memories while also engaging with each other and learning about one another. Throughout that year, a small community began to take form, joining the creative renaissance already taking place within the city of Lynchburg, Virginia. Using the open mic format, they discussed themes like "Confessions" and "Classics". After a brief hiatus, The Listening returned in 2014 with the theme "Legacy". Since then, the concept of creating art with intentionality and performing with passion and purpose has grown. A far cry from what it looked like in a loft-style living room session, the pursuit is still the same: to engage with people, to change people's perceptions of what performance art can do and look like, and to save lives with our stories.
