Smoke, Lilies & Jade

Sat., Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m., $10 (suggested donation), Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., 215-828-6453, liliesandjade.org.

by Deni Kasrel

dance/spoken word

Did you know that Philly's HIV infection rate is five times the U.S. average? That alarming statistic surely needs to be better communicated. Enter the Smoke, Lilies & Jade Arts Initiative, dedicated to increasing awareness of sexual health issues in the black and LGBTQ communities. Company director Zane Booker believes movement often speaks louder than words, and so he presents "Black Men's Health Part II: Let's Focus on the Youth!" featuring dance, spoken word, plus a panel discussion to creatively consider topics of sexual responsibility and health. It's all about being positive and nonjudgmental. Booker notes: "The performances are created to stir a person's emotional connection to the issues. Once we open the spirit ... the discussion hopefully becomes valid to the observer."