Tuesday, June 29, 2010

God's Trombones Wrap-Up


This past Sunday, I had the honor of performing in God's Trombones at the Bessie Smith Hall. Before that, we had a rehearsal on Thursday, the 24th, and I was awed. It was the first chance I not only had to meet the people I'd be sharing the program with, but also to see them in action. The choir did a stellar job, and the assorted voices lending their talents to the poems were amazing. I knew that Sunday was going to be something special.

At the show, my expectations were not only met, but exceeded. Even though I was familiar with the poems and James Weldon Johnson, seeing the work executed in the manner that it was really presented it in a different and touching light. Shane Morrow, who culled this event together, performed with a dancer playing Death. She was on her way to bring a woman to Heaven. Brilliant.

I was responsible for running through "Let My People Go" accompanied by Shane Morrow (the marathon man). He sang and played piano behind me. I got amped up while I was running through the text, and I wish there was video of the show, because I'd love to see how it looked. A lot of times when I perform, I venture to another place. It would be interesting to see things from a different perspective.

I'm very proud of what we were able to do on Sunday. This marks my second event with Shane and TheCreativeUnderground. Make sure to stay up on the events that they'll be promoting, and, of course, if I manage to get into another function, I'll put the info out on here and the other tried and true media outlets.

Blessings

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

God's Trombones & More


Some of you might already be aware of this, but I've agreed to take part in a staging of James Weldon Johnson's "God's Trombones" later this month. It will be taking place on Sunday, the 27th from 4-6 at the Bessie Smith Hall. Tickets are $10. I'll have the duty of tackling "Let My People Go" with the Chattanooga Choral Society for the Preservation of African-American Song.

"Let My People Go" tells the tale of the Exodus, so it's going to be a lot of fun lending my voice and emotion to the poem. Plus, I get to be both God and Moses. How grand is that? I hope that a good number of people come out. It's going to be a fantastic experience.

Aside from that, I've been working on a lot of new poems. Some are for the page, others will be for the stage, so stay tuned. I'm very excited with what's been coming out, and I can't wait to start debuting the pieces once they're finished. I'm officially expecting. Mua ha ha.

Blessings

Monday, June 7, 2010

Table Space



Last Friday, I had the honor and privilege to perform (and kind of host) the most recent session of the Table Space series at Hamilton Community Church. This was my first time having the opportunity to do anything solely for a Seventh-Day Adventist audience, so it was a lot of fun. it was a really relaxed experience and everyone who came proved to be very attentive.

I was glad to have a few people that I know show up and perform, as well. I managed to mangle both the poems that I did, but it happens. It's proof that I'm human after all. I'm glad to have that be the extent of the bad. Honestly, if that's the worst that could happen, you've had a great night.

I'd love to come back to the church in the future. Several members of the church asked if we'd be returning, so that's a good sign. If anything else develops in the future, I'll happily throw the info on here (and everywhere else), and maybe, just maybe, we'll get some of you good folks out there to come out as well. Time will tell.

Blessings

Saturday, June 5, 2010

New Reason New Renaissance Wrap-Up


Hey Boys & Girls,

The New Reason New Renaissance show went very well. I, myself, had a great time. I ended up helping to host the poetry part, but it was all good. By the night's end, I was exhausted.

I'm very proud of my Speakeasy poets (yes, I'm claiming them like a father). They definitely did their thing, and I couldn't have been happier with the outcome.

I was told by Swirl, one of the organizers, that the next show they have, we definitely have a spot in it. So, for all of you that didn't get the chance to attend this go round, there should be another chance to come out.

If you're interested in seeing pictures from the show, you can check them out here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thespeakeazy/sets/72157624068582647/