Lane Shuler and Jonathon “Courageous” Clark, known collectively as I.N.K., are a poetry duo whose live shows involve fast-paced, high energy spoken word with a comedic twist. “The Penn And Teller Of Poetry” have taken their act to the National Poetry Slam, where they reached group finals and placed 6th in the nation.

Biracial poet and event host, Courageous, collaborated with Knoxville artist, Lane Shuler, and crafted a show that blends poetry, comedy, hip-hop, romance, body positivity and diversity together into an energetic live show that is equal parts educational and entertaining.

Since 2012, they have performed at colleges nationwide and have shared stages with Russell Simmons, Saul Williams, Buddy Wakefield, G Yamazawa and The Asia Project. They have also been featured on HGTV, GSN and Oprah Winfrey’s Oxygen Network. Due to their differing racial and life backgrounds, their perspectives on life are perfect for diversity events, emceeing, writing events, comedy nights and more!

I.N.K. brings the party to poetry.

I.N.K. is...

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Jonathan "Courageous" Clark

Jonathan is a multidisciplinary artist, activist and Executive Support Manager at The Carpetbag Theatre, Inc. He is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee and alumnus of the University of Tennessee. His professional performance career began at the age of 13 with Carpetbag’s Youth Theatre Ensemble, and he has remained a working performance artist ever since. Courageous is an administrator, writer, playwright, director, event host, actor, digital storyteller/listener, spoken-word poet and teaching artist.

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Lane Shuler

Lane is a poet, hip hop artist and professional speaker from Maryville, Tennessee. He began his music career in 2007 with the release of his debut LP, The Best Way to Get There. Three years later, he found himself on the final stage at the Southern Fried Poetry Slam, and in 2011 on the group finals stage at the National Poetry Slam. In 2018, he joined the National Speakers Association and began performing custom poetic experiences for corporate events and non-profit galas. 

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