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John “Survivor” Blake
“John “Survivor” Blake enters a place in his writing that few others I know dare to. With a pristine voice of epic magnitude, Blake’s words pull the reader or listener into the heart of his raw, fragmented truth of unshakeable power. He understands the incredible responsibility of being an artist; as much as anyone I have ever known.” – Carlos Andrés Gómez
Visit http://www.myspace.com/httpwwwmyspacecomsurvivor for more info.
January 2010
January 27th – The WordSmith Poetry Jam @ 7:30, Random Row Books, 315 West Main Street
January 30th – UVA Poetry Slam – Para Coffee on the Corner. Show Starts@ 7:30 pm
2010 Poetry Jam Dates:
For those of you are in anticipation, the next WordSmith Poetry Jam will be on Wednesday, December 16th.
Location: Random Row Books (315 West Main Street). Its on the corner of Main and McIntire across from Greyhound.
Time: 7-10pm – Open Mic Sign Up Starts at 7pm. Show Starts at 7:30pm. Open Mic All Night
Cost: Just $5
Expect some of Charlottesville’s most dynamic poets and spoken word artists all night. We will also have soulful selections from Lester Jackson & Naughty Dynamic and the Design.
This month’s feature is upcoming actress and poet Sabrina Gilbert. Sabrina has performed at college conferences, venues and theaters along the east coast and in the Midwest. In 2008 she became the Grand Slam Champion of Slam Richmond’s 2008 team, making her the first woman to do so! She also helped start Lyric Ave in 2003, which today is the largest poetry show on the east coast (consistently serving an audience of over 800 people). Her debut album ‘Come Get Me’ took her colleagues by storm with it’s electrifying tracks and powerful messages!!! The album (executive produced by Ainsley Burrwos) has earned rave reviews from several internet radio shows, magazines and has not only touched fans in the U.S. but also those living in Toronto, Paris, London and Germany.
Sabrina is definitely a hard worker as she is currently on a 2009 tour (that started in the U.S. and will extend to the Canada and Europe) while writing her first book (to release in the winter of 2009/2010) and preparing for the world premiere of the play ‘Great George’ which is scheduled to run in early 2010. Visit www.burrowsink.com for more information.
ANOTHER LOCATION? Like your favorite local band, you might see us anywhere around. We are looking for a permanent home, but in the meantime we are the traveling poetry jam. This month and until further notice, we will be at RANDOM ROW BOOKS.
WHERE IS THAT? This is the new used bookstore on the corner of West Main and McIntire Road (Directly across the street from the Greyhound Station). 315 West Main Street.
WHEN? WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28TH, 7-10PM. DOORS 7 – SHOW 7:30
WHAT TO EXPECT? A ”meltingly charming” host, music from DJ Double A I K, great poetry, a dynamic feature spoken word artist and even musicians, singers and emcees. Show starts @ 7:30 and its $5 (only $5!!!).
WHO IS THE FEATURE? Nikkea Smithers is a Spoken Word Artist, Celebrated Award Winning and Essence Magazine Best Selling Author. Nikkea Smithers has performed in front of crowds of thousands! She is the author of two poetry books, Reflections of a Woman & Attitudes of a Woman, two anthologies, Bedtime Stories & Afterdark Delights and four novels, Gold Diggin’, Keith’s Story, Sweet Dreams & On The Flip Side. Nikkea began self publishing her work in 2003 and has been performing spoken word for more than a decade. She has performed from NY to LA and has shared the same stages as poetic geniuses Taalam Acey and Sunni Patterson. For a preview of what you will see visit www.youtube.com/auset360 To read excerpts from her books visit www.nikkeasmithers.com
DOORS 7PM- SHOW 7:30PM
ATTENTION THIS EVENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO RAPTURE ON THE DOWNTOWN MALL (303 EAST MAIN STREET)
An evening of original poetry performances by featured poet Lee “Narrator” Jones, local artists, local musicians, and an open mic session.
WordSmith Poetry will be hosting its 7th poetry jam. It promises to be a dynamic night with Ebony “Black Violet” Walden as the lovely emcee, Lee “Narrator” Jones as the featured poet and DJ Double A 1 K providing the latest music.
Audiences can expect a wide variety of artistic voices including poets, spoken word performers, open mic enthusiasts, musicians and vocalists. Come for the show, be a part of the official line up or rock the open mic set. Expect to be moved, expect it to be packed and above all come with an open mind and ear.
Open mic sign up starts at 7pm.
Lee “Narrator” Jones is an M.C., Spoken Word artist and member of Lyric Ave, the nations biggest poetry based variety show and Slam Richmond’s Poetry team for 4 consecutive years. Lee has been in numberous poetry ensembles and comedy skits for the last five years. His accomplishments include: 07 Grandslam Champ, the 08 Grandchamp of the sister Richmond team, Slam Team Semi Finals in NPS 08, 3rd in Southern Fried 09 and the Just Poetry Slam Champ twice.
CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE 9/11 PEACE CONCERT
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th 4:00pm – 7:00pm
WordSmith Poets Gary J, Bernard Hankins and Suzanne “Comma” Saxon will be performing at 6 pm.
@ CENTRAL PLACE (THE FOUNTAIN) ON THE DOWNTOWN MALL, CHARLOTTESVILLE
The concert will take place on and will feature performances by The John Wyant Band, Laurence Elder, the Music Resource Center, plus a special contribution by the Wordsmith Poets. There will also be free face-painting for the kids and participation by local celebrities and elected officials.
This is the third year that the City of Charlottesville has participated in this international event to form the largest free concert offered across the world.
The public is encouraged to join members of City Council and the rest of the community for the free concert of diverse music to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation… one individual, one community at a time. Seating will be available and the event will be held rain or shine.
Ok, so just when you thought that the WSPJ was absolutely amazing, it got better last night. Packed again, it was not just hot but, sizzling with talent and creativity. We had original songs from singer, songwriter & poet Camille and Lester jackson who takes soul music to a new level with just his voice, lyrics and acoustic guitar (the brotha is bad). Gary J always takes the audience to new heights – sucking us into his plot, taking us to the edge and jumping into our hearts and minds. (he is simply an amazing poet and storyteller). Then we had Bernard and Annie take us back with a freestyle be boxing, singing combo. Iman Shabazz, the feature, i dont even have words for. He was a powerful, prolific poet and performer. His presence ushered the WSPJ to a new level. Lastly was the War of the WordSmiths – a short poetry competition. The competition was thick, but Iman emerged as Wednesday nights WordSmith. Check back for pics and video.
Do not miss this months excitement.
WordSmith Poetry Jam= One Mic /25 Poets * The power of words expressed through performance
