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“Fractures” just won the Midwest Book Award for Poetry!!

Fractures just won the 2021 Midwest Book Award for Poetry, which was completely surprising (considering being a finalist with Khaled Mattawa & Petra Kuppers) and humbling, but what was most significant about the whole thing for me—

I got to virtually attend an awards gala with one of my dearest friends, Adam Falkner (who won in the Debut category), whose work continues to make mine possible. What a special night.
Lastly, I would be remiss to not continue to say thank you to the readers, reviewers, booksellers, librarians, educators (MFA, undergrad, HS, & beyond), publishers, agents, editors, & bloggers who’ve gifted my book with praise, recommendations, & just more love than I could have imagined.

For all this year’s winners: https://bit.ly/3yAyqxR

Watch the announcement & my acceptance speech here: https://bit.ly/3hGBp1e

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my debut studio album: “Opus”

When my best friend, Brent, and I were 13, we’d spend hours in his basement recording music on an old eight-track, freestyling and experimenting with lyrics and sound.

 

We made a promise to each other that one day we would make an album together.

 

Today, that dream has been made real. Ultimately, this project is about a dream shared by two best friends who kept their promise to each other. This is about dreaming big and following through, no matter the challenges and winding roads of this life.

 

We did it, B. Those awkward adolescent versions of us wouldn’t believe how far we’ve come.

 

“Opus” is here.

 

Stream & download the album HERE

Listen now on ReverbNation or SoundCloud

 

Supporters and friends always ask—how can I support?

 

The biggest way to support this project: subscribe to my Spotify (or YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, etc.) & stream the heck out of “Opus.”

 

Thank you for coming along on this ride with me.

 

Much love,

Carlos

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Watch my TEDx talk: “8 Lessons from Fatherhood”

After basically spending a year at home with my partner and two small kids, I finally ventured out into the world and delivered a TEDx talk before a masked, socially-distanced audience at Pace Academy.
These 8 lessons were culled from the pressure-cooker of this strange and difficult year. Although I cite fatherhood as my teacher, many of these lessons are relevant to all parents and anyone, really.
You can watch my talk here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MDye5D3LLys
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What a thrill to see “5 Things” performed on Opening Night!

First date night out in 14 months and what a way to do it—such a spectacular opening night of #WorkingAMusical #UnderTheTent at the Alliance Theatre.
Kristian Bush, Brandon Bush, and I wrote a song called “5 Things” just for this production, inspired by the stories (and from interviews) with activists and organizers from the ATL.
Difficult to put into words what it felt like to watch that song be brought to life last night by the magnificent cast in front of a sold out audience that included Stephen Schwartz.
Tamilla Woodard is a singular genius and visionary. We’re so lucky to be on Earth while she’s here too.
You can listen to #5Things here:
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