Saturday, January 30, 2010

What's Going On


The beginning of this year has given me a lot of projects to be excited about. I'm still waiting for confirmation on a few things, so I can't leak everything yet, but I can report on a few events.

On Thursday morning, I had the honor and privilege of being on Power 94's morning show with Gabriel Newell and Shawnessy Cargile. We had the chance to talk about some community events that we've been a part of, and Gabriel and I performed "Breathless" live on the air. You can see the video below.



Next, for those of you who don't already know, I am a part of a poetry group called Rhyme-n-Chatt. If you're unfamiliar with it, you can find out more info on at the official site at http://www.rhymenchatt.org/

I am proud to announce that I am the incoming president of Rhyme-n-Chatt. There's a really good legacy that precedes me, so I'm excited about the prospect of being able to do some things that can expound on the foundation that's been established.

With that said, mark your calendars! We will be doing two shows on the same day. Both take place on February 12 and will happen at Loose Cannon in Chattanooga (1800 Rossville Avenue). The first show is called SMOOTH GROOVE, and is for teens. If you good people out there know any teens who write and are eager to perform, definitely let them know what's taking place. Admission for the teen show is $5. It will begin at 4PM, and the doors will open at 3:30.



For adults, RNC's Annual LOVE GROOVE will be taking place that night at 8. The doors open at 7:30. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of show. There will be live music provided by Pure Sound, as well as food and drinks.



I'll officially be announced as the new RNC president on this night. In addition to that, I'll be doing a fifteen minute set (which I need to start rehearsing)and I'll be doing a piece with the outgoing president, the Poetic Diva herself, Marsha Morton-Mills. I strongly encourage everyone who can make it out to at least one of the shows to do so. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

Monday, January 18, 2010

The Role


A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to perform a set of my poems. Afterwards, I was speaking with someone who expressed that they really enjoyed what I did, but questioned how I was able to say some of the things that I do considering my spirituality. My response was that I felt it was essentially the role of the artist, regardless of the medium, to tackle hard subjects, interjects the truths of those they make art for or about, etc. A lot of times, a blunt approach tends to be what transcends people who otherwise wouldn't have any interest in what you're doing.

As fate would have it, a couple of days ago I stumbled across an interview that featured poet June Jordan (check her out if you're no familiar with her output), and she was asked a similar question. Here's how she handled it:

"The role of the poet, beginning with my own childhood experience, is to deserve the trust of people who know that what you do is work with words." She continued: "Always to be as honest as possible and to be as careful about the trust invested in you as you possibly can. Then the task of a poet of color, a black poet, as a people hated and despised, is to rally the spirit of your folks." The author also noted: "I have to get myself together and figure out an angle, a perspective, that is an offering, that other folks can use to pick themselves up, to rally and to continue or, even better, to jump higher, to reach more extensively in solidarity with even more varieties of people to accomplish something. I feel that it's a spirit task."

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Mark Your Calendars


Rhyme N Chatt's Annual LOVE GROOVE Show is set for Friday, February 12, 2010 at Loose Cannon Arts (located at 1800 Rossville Avenue; Chattanooga, TN). The band Pure Sound will be performing.

Doors open at 7:30PM and the show starts promptly at 8PM.

If you get there at 8:02, you've missed 2 minutes of the show!

MORE DETAILS COMING . . .