Sam Rise

samantha rise (they/them) is a black, gender-expansive performer, teaching artist, and human-amplifier based in Lenapehoking, known widely as Philadelphia. Samantha’s passion for their community is at the heart of their work, feeding spaces that are curiosity-driven, participant led, and abundant in joy! 

sam rise’s artistry and songwriting is a trans-genre practice, drawing on a wide root system of traditional Black American music– jazz, folk, country and avant-garde, and the music of social justice movements in America. Reminding audiences that “Music is our Birthright,” rise leverages their own creative practice to encourage participants to engage with their own creativity, inviting them to collaborate in real time. 

In addition to their work as a songwriter, arranger and performer, rise is an abolitionist, committed to using art to facilitate creative direct action with community organizers and leaders shaping change from the socio-political margins. They are dedicated to artistic interventions that address the lethal lack of imagination we face, embracing the challenge and the opportunity of reimagining a more just and equitable world. 

sam rise is grateful for Philly's brilliant artist community, and is especially thankful to contribute to the work of the Bearded Ladies Cabaret, Ninth Planet, Spiral Q, Trust Your Moves Chorus, Philly Artist Against Apartheid, and the Black Opry family. Samantha Rise is a 2023 Pew Fellow, and an WXPN Artist to Watch.