SIMEON TAYLOR
Spoken Word Honor
Honors Awards 2026
May 24 | Gem Theater | Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District
A Voice That Moves the Room
The 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation is proud to honor Simeon Taylor as the 2026 Spoken Word Honoree — recognizing his impact as a poet, curator, host, and cultural architect within Kansas City’s creative community.
Simeon Taylor does more than perform poetry.
He builds platforms.
He creates rooms.
He cultivates culture.
From Oakland Roots to Kansas City Soul
Originally from Oakland, California, and shaped by a lifetime in Kansas City, Simeon brings a rare blend of West Coast cool and Midwest soul to every stage he touches.
His voice reflects rhythm.
His delivery reflects jazz.
His presence reflects intention.
Over the years, he has helped create and shape some of Kansas City’s most influential artistic spaces, including:
• Soul Sessions
• Last Poet Standing
• Soulful Sundays
• Urban Literation
• UnFramed
• The Art of Conversation
These platforms have amplified countless artists, storytellers, and creatives — strengthening the city’s spoken word ecosystem.
Recognized Across Genres
Simeon’s impact extends beyond the poetry stage.
His work has been featured on projects connected to artists such as Tech N9ne, Jo Blaq, and Kim Keys. His contributions have helped projects reach Billboard 200 and iTunes chart recognition.
He has received multiple honors, including:
• NAACP Honors Award
• KCPCA recognition
• Award of Appreciation from the American Jazz Museum
But beyond accolades, his influence is felt in rooms where community gathers.
A Cultural Curator
Simeon Taylor represents more than performance.
He is a host.
A connector.
A builder of intentional environments.
As a husband, father, entrepreneur, and advocate, he approaches his work with care — creating inclusive, authentic spaces that reflect the jazzy, lounge-rooted spirit of Kansas City.
His brand, Simmy and The Jets, has become synonymous with Black arts excellence in the city.A Legacy of Authenticity
In a fast-moving industry, Sean Tyler has built a career on consistency, credibility, and connection.
He is a broadcaster.
A performer.
A mentor.
A cultural connector.
And Kansas City knows his voice.
Why This Spoken Word Honor Matters
Spoken word preserves voice.
It documents emotion.
It challenges thought.
It strengthens identity.
The Honors Awards recognizes artists who have shaped Kansas City’s cultural dialogue — and Simeon Taylor has done exactly that.
Honoring him at the Gem Theater in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District affirms that spoken word is foundational to the city’s artistic rhythm.
What to Expect on May 24
At Honors Awards 2026, Simeon Taylor will be celebrated through:
• A cinematic tribute highlighting his cultural impact
• A live spoken word tribute performance
• An official City Proclamation
• A formal Spoken Word Honor presentation
This moment honors the architects of creative community.
🌹 Join Us May 24
📍 Gem Theater
Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District
🗓 May 24, 2026
🎟 Red Carpet: 6:00–7:00 PM
🎭 Program: 7:00–9:00 PM
🎟 Be in the Room
Celebrate voice.
Honor creative leadership.
Support cultural platforms.
Give flowers — while they can still be received.