Brian Sonia-Wallace

RENT Poet Brian Sonia-Wallace writes custom poems on the spot for event patrons based on a single word or theme they give him. He uses an antique typewriter to create one-of-a-kind art that patrons share with each other through the night and take home at the end as a memento of the event. After writing each poem, Brian gives its commissioner a one-on-one reading. Patrons share secrets, shed tears, and treasure these gifts, immortalized snapshots of the event, for years. RENT Poet goes beyond event entertainment to create meaning and connection through ink in a wired-in world.

Poet Brian Sonia-Wallace is a published author who has paid his rent with poetry since 2014. He has been an Artist-in-Residence for the City of Los Angeles, National Parks, Amtrak Trains, and Dollar Shave Club, and has lived and performed in the US, Europe, East Asia, and South America. Brian was educated in the UK and also speaks and write fluent Spanish. He works alone or with multiple poets from his typewriter ensemble, Melrose Poetry Bureau.

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