Joe Hernandez-Kolski

Two-time HBO Def Poet Joe Hernandez-Kolski blends spoken word poetry and comedy to create an experience that is hard-hitting, truthful, and incredibly funny. Having rarely left an audience without a standing ovation, he is fervently committed to both entertaining and challenging people with his intimate, cutting-edge performances. World-renowned Professor Cornel West says, “Joe’s work offers a fresh perspective that is both honest and insightful.” A graduate of Princeton University, Hernandez-Kolski is helping shape the dialogue and minds of today’s youth.

As a spoken word poet, Hernandez-Kolski opened for John Mellencamp in his hometown of Chicago. He has performed at over fifty colleges and universities around the country. He also opened the “Say Word” Hip-Hop Theater Festival at Lehigh University with his hip-hop solo show—“You Wanna Piece of Me?” — which includes DJ Jedi. He's performed his show all over the country, including Ars Nova NYC and the San Francisco Hip-Hop Theater Festival. He appeared in “The Bomb-itty of Errors,” a rollicking hip-hop version of Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” and received thunderous applause for both of his performances on HBO's Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry.

With remarkable energy and searing commentary, Hernandez-Kolski draws audiences in, evoking both laughter and personal reflection. Unafraid to reveal all truths, he takes chances and cleverly engages audiences in what proves to be an unforgettable experience.

Based in Los Angeles, Hernandez-Kolski’s credits as an actor include the summer blockbuster "Hancock," starring Will Smith, and a scene with Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx in "The Soloist," directed by Joe Wright.