Open Your Eyes and Stand Still

Poet, educator, singer, songwriter, thespian - Born Michelle Singleton on December 26, 1975 to Baptist ministers, “Micki”, nickname given to her by her family as a child, spent her years growing up in South Carolina with her three siblings. She added “Barocca” as part of her name - meaning a uniquely shaped pearl in Portuguese, a great fit to mirror her unique style. She began writing poetry at age 15 and quickly learned how wonderful a gift she had after being acknowledged by her high school English teacher. After winning many talent competitions in her community, at her university and at the state level, for her gift of song, she was then approached by a producer in 1997 to go into the studio. It is there that she began writing and creating her own style of music. In 1998, she received her B.A. in English Education from South Carolina State University, where she also studied theater for a period of time. For four years she taught English in the public schools of South Carolina, and continued writing poetry and making music. Shortly thereafter in late 2002, she relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an entertainment center, where she found herself in front of many audiences rendering beautiful songs and the spoken word. She has since blessed stages in and throughout Philadelphia and has also made appearances in New York. On a never ending quest to nurture young minds, she earned her Masters in Education in 2007 and continues to teach English in the public school system. In 2005, she birthed a daughter, Ala Michelle, who is the ultimate highlight of her life. In 2010 she entered the stage in a different light – as an actress. She has appeared in the stage productions “The Mirror Affect”, written and directed by Philly native and renowned author, Stephanie Owens and “It’s More Than Just Words”, written and directed by poet and Philly native Sylvia Towns. She began her journey as a poet/writer as a teen and has kept a pen in her hand ever since. “Open Your Eyes and Stand Still” is her first book of poetry, which is comprised of some of her favorite and most electrifying pieces throughout the years with topics ranging from love and heartbreak to family and community to revolutionary words encouraging humanity to open their eyes and to take a stand on issues that affect our world. Micki Barocca currently resides in Philadelphia, Pa. and is working on her second book of poetry, a biographical novel and the release of her first album.