David Luis 'Suave' Gonzalez on his "Never Give Up Tour"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (April 10, 2024) – Ensemble Arts Philly, the presenting brand of the Kimmel Cultural Campus and the Philadelphia Orchestra, is proud to present acclaimed motivational speaker, activist, Pulitzer Prize winner, and Philadelphia native, David Luis “Suave” Gonzalez on his Never Give Up Tour at the Perelman Theater on May 30, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Gonzalez will offer an empowering message of resilience, personal growth and culture-focused activism.

Known globally for his inspiring speeches and powerful advocacy work, Gonzalez uses his unique life journey to uplift and motivate audiences. His Philadelphia roots saturate his messages, shaping his profound discussions on societal challenges, resilience, and personal transformation.

“David Luis ‘Suave’ Gonzalez is a shining example of the power of storytelling, and the profound impact it can have on individual lives and the wider community," said Frances Egler, Vice President of Programming and Presentations. "We are honored to provide a platform for him to engage, inspire, and empower others with his deeply personal and meaningful narrative."

Gonzalez was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole when he was seventeen. In many states, there are few, if any, college opportunities for people with such lengthy sentences. Still, Gonzalez eventually fought his way into Villanova University’s privately funded college program at Graterford Prison, the maximum-security facility where he was incarcerated. There he earned a bachelor’s in education and marketing. While incarcerated, Gonzalez developed a decades-long friendship with journalist Maria Hinojosa, who he would work with later on the podcast Suave, which won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Audio Reporting.

Suave is a seven-part podcast series about the criminal justice system that sentences juveniles to life in prison — particularly young men of color — and what happens when, decades later, they’re suddenly granted one more chance at freedom. The story follows Gonzalez from boy to man, and explores incarceration, redemption, and the often-unusual relationship between a journalist and a source.

Now, Gonzalez is a support coach with I Am More, a reentry program for formerly incarcerated students at Philadelphia Community College. He also co-hosts Death by Incarceration, which will be featuring episodes this fall focused on the various ways people in prison get an education.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online at ensembleartsphilly.org. In-person ticket sales can be conducted daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street. See ensembleartsphilly.org for more information.

Suave Gonzalez: Never Give Up Tour

Perelman Theater

Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

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Other featured upcoming performances include PHILADANCO! Roots and Reflections (April 12 – 14, 2024, Perelman Theater); Anthony Jeselnik: Bones and All (April 27, 2024, Miller Theater); Brad Williams: Tour ‘24 (April 28, 2024, Miller Theater); An Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr. (May 1, 2024, Miller Theater); and Andrés Cepeda: Tendo Ganas Tour (May 2, 2024, Miller Theater).

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ABOUT ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY

For more information about ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.  

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For photography, please visit www.ensembleartsphilly.smugmug.com