bio

Orlando Watson is an acclaimed artist, entertainment executive, and curator originally from Cleveland, Ohio. As the founder of Prose & Concepts LLC, Watson has built a reputation for merging artistry, strategic curation, and cultural influence into unforgettable experiences. With over a decade of experience shaping the live entertainment and arts landscape, he has managed several national festivals and premier arts programs across Ohio and Pennsylvania, working with elite institutions and partners to deliver visionary programming.

He currently serves on the Songwriters & Composers Committee of the Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter, is Board Chair of the African Peach Arts Coalition in New York City, and Chair of Arts & Development for Heart of the Art in Washington, D.C., demonstrating his commitment to advancing the creative economy and empowering artists across disciplines.

As a recording artist, Watson released his debut EP Everything’s Personal in 2017, followed by his full-length album Corner Stories in 2021—both of which cracked the iTunes Top 20 R&B/Soul charts, cementing his voice and vision as a dynamic force in contemporary music.

On stage and in the studio, Watson has shared space with celebrated artists such as Lalah Hathaway, Terence Blanchard, Bilal, Tye Tribbett, Sean Jones, Chantae Cann, Keyon Harrold, Dominique Farinacci, Marquis Hill, Ella Bric, Braxton Cook, and John Clayton, among others. As a producer, he has managed events that include a distinguished roster of internationally renowned talent such as: Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Robert Glasper, Samara Joy, Christian McBride, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Adam Blackstone, Karriem Riggins, Rapsody, aja monet, PJ Morton, jessica Care moore, Slum Village, and the late Dr. Nikki Giovanni to name a few.

Watson’s commanding baritone voice and poetic storytelling have made him a sought-after MC and voiceover artist, with collaborations spanning the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, NCAA, Cuyahoga Community College, and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center where he currently serves as Senior Director of Programming. His work, both on and off the stage, is rooted in authenticity, cultural resonance, and a deep commitment to excellence.

Through Prose & Concepts LLC, Orlando Watson continues to champion diverse, equitable, and artistically rich programming, bridging artists and institutions and setting a new standard for luxury entertainment and cultural curation.

Man in a blue suit sitting on ornate stairs, posing
  • Poster for the 15th Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival 2025, held September 18-21. Features colorful, abstract microphone design, artist lineup, and mention of a free street festival on Saturday and Sunday. Sponsors and jazz festival website included.
  • Concert poster for Herbie Hancock on March 27, 2024 at 7:30 PM, co-presented by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Features a smiling Herbie Hancock in dark sunglasses and attire.
  • Promotional poster for "The Century Cycle Poetry Slam" event at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, scheduled for Saturday, January 18 at 6 PM. The event features 10 poets, 5 judges, 4 rounds with 3-minute performances, hosted by Orlando Watson with DJKB providing music. Admission is $10, with a $1,000 grand prize. Additional info at awaacc.org.
  • Promotional poster for The Music Expo Master Class Series featuring Adam Blackstone. Event on Saturday, March 22 at 4 PM at Tri-C Metropolitan Campus, Cleveland, OH. Free but requires registration. Organizers include Cuyahoga Community College, Recording Arts and Technology, and Full Circle Audio.
  • Poster for The Family Reunion Festival on August 4, 2023, 6 PM-10 PM, at Union Home Mortgage Plaza, Cleveland, OH. Featuring performances by Dietrick Haddon, Red Hands, Anita Wilson, Gene Moore, among others. Hosted by Red Hands, free entry. Sponsored by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and others.
  • Event poster for Poetry Unplugged at August Wilson African American Cultural Center, April 18 at 7 PM. Features The Last Poets, Queen Sheba, Jasmine Mans, and more. Hosted by Orlando Watson with sounds by DJ KB and live painting by Morgan Overton and Marlon Gist. Sponsored by Citizens.
  • Promotional poster for Christian McBride's jazz performance on April 9, 2024, at 7 PM at The August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Tickets available at awaacc.org. The background features a starry night theme.
  • Poster for "The Music Expo" master class series featuring Derrick Hodge on October 14 from 1-4 PM at Tri-C Metropolitan Campus, Cleveland, OH. Hosted by Orlando Watson. Event is free and open to the public. Logos of sponsors and arts organizations included.
  • Poster for the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival 2023 featuring dates September 14-17, artist lineup including Gregory Porter, Kurt Elling, and others, with a colorful abstract design of a woman's profile on a blue background.
  • Promotional poster for "The Power of Presence" workshop featuring poet and recording artist Orlando Watson. Event hosted by MIT Music & Theater, scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 2 PM. For students only. Includes images of Orlando Watson performing.
  • Promotional poster for Mumu Fresh performance at Soul Sessions, August Wilson African American Cultural Center on Nov 18, 2023, at 8 PM. Tickets available at awaacc.org. Features image of a woman with red curly hair and statement jewelry.
  • Promotional poster for MIT's 17th Annual Herb Pomeroy Memorial Concert titled "All Possibilities" featuring Marquis Hill with Orlando Watson. Event on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 8 PM. Hosted by MIT Music & Theater, held at Kresge Auditorium, Cambridge, MA. Open to public admission for $15.
  • Promotional poster for the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival 2024 taking place on September 19-22, 2024, featuring artists such as Robert Glasper, Shemekia Copeland, and more. Event sponsored by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and Highmark. Details include website pittsburghjazzfest.org.
  • Flyer for "The Poet's Corner: August Wilson House Edition" event on September 28 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM featuring host Orlando Watson and poets Diarra Imani, Mike Smalls, and Maya Write. Includes images of two men, details of drinks, small bites, and open mic. Venue: August Wilson House, Pittsburgh, PA. Sponsored by August Wilson House, RAD Works Here, and Well Said Records. Free event with themes of storytelling and cultural heritage.
  • Flyer for MetroHealth Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest featuring a person in a red shirt and cap with hands to mouth, holding a microphone. Hosted by Orlando Watson, June 15th, 11 AM - 8 PM, Mall C. Includes #juneteenthcle, @lingo.lando.
  • Promotional poster for the Hooks & Phonics Festival featuring Slum Village performing on January 21, 2024. Includes two men with casual clothing, festival date, and sponsors' logos.
  • Promotional poster for the 'Truth Sayers Speaker Series' featuring Nikole Hannah-Jones. Event details: March 7 at 7 PM at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Ticket information available at AWAACC.org. Image shows a woman with red curly hair wearing a floral patterned jacket.
  • Promotional poster for the Hooks & Phonics Festival on January 20, 2024, featuring the artist Rapsody. Includes logos of sponsors and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.