Dave G

2026 makes two years sober 🫗

This year I only want what's for me. That means more shining, less shrinking. More connection, less gossip (unless the tea is boiling hot). More posting whenever and whatever I feel like, less anxiety about the algorithm and looking cringe. More DIY projects centered on impacting my community, less waiting for the same ol' risk adverse gatekeepers to fund and validate my work. More love and vulnerability, less avoidance and defensiveness. More friendship, less self-isolation. More comedy, less drama. More rest, less doing too much. More gratitude and mindfulness, less obsessing over status, perception and money. More crash outs, less keeping the peace!

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Gabardine, 2025.

Two weeks ago my debut one person poetry show opened to the public!!! This is the first time I’ve written, produced and starred in a project like this. AND WE SOLD OUT ❤️‍🔥 ❤️‍🔥

I’m still processing it all. But in short, I feel so proud. Proud of myself. Of my team. Of my family and community, who, despite Valentine’s Day, Eagles parade and terrible weather, chose to share space with me and witness to my most vulnerable and raw work to date. If you came I’m forever grateful 🥹

Not long after I got home from closing the show, I learned that my great aunt passed. She was the matriarch of my family and the last living sister of my grandmother. Safe to say I’ve had a lot of emotions to navigate. Though her memory was slipping towards the end, she still remembered my show and I’m most proud of being part of her artistic legacy 🕊️ 💜

So what’s next? Gabardine will evolve in two ways: a short film and a tour. Preorders are also available for my upcoming poetry book, CECIL, which feature poems from the show (link in bio 🔗). I’ll be posting about all this later on so make sure you stay tuned 🙏🏾

In the meantime, I’ll be posting more content and BTS from the show. My goal is to be less mysterious/more present this year so you’ll be hearing more from me soon! I want to get back to reading (for fun), catch up on my movie watch list and invest more in my friendships and community. If you see me outside say hi 🫶🏾

Thank you , Independence Public Media Foundation and Philadelphia Cultural Treasures for making this project possible with your funding and support!

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