WordSmith Poetz Perform @ City 9/11 Concert for Peace

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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.

August 26th Synopsis

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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.  

August 26th – WordSmith Poetry Jam – @ Is Venue

Do not miss this months excitement.

WordSmith Poetry Jam= One Mic /25 Poets * The power of words expressed through performance

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August Feature Poet: Iman Shabazz

Iman “Herukane” Shabazz is an an actor, poet, dancer and MC that seeks to use his talent as a tool for liberation and healing. Iman is quite active and influential in the performing arts culture of Richmond, VA. Now an ensemble member of the African American Repertory Theatre, he also serves as Artistic Director to Virginia’s most unique poetry based variety show, Lyric Ave. Additionally, Iman is a founding organizer of Richmond’s longest running open mic venue, Tuesday Verses.

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August Feature Poet

Iman “HeruKane” Shabazz. Check him out on Myspace…www.myspace.com/herukanemc

C’ville Weekly Feedback

I say “open,” you say…

Last week, Feedback made his first trip to a Wordsmith Open Mic Poetry Jam, a monthly reading series organized by the meltingly charming Ebony “Black Violet” Walden. After a few months at Bel Rio, Walden hosted her first poetry jam at Is last week and brought in a packed house (yet again) and, based on what Feedback heard, one of the more varied collections of performances to grace the Black Violet’s stage. In fact, Bernard Hankins—typically found keeping beats in local band The Hill & Wood—brought down the house with a hearts-and-hand grenades slam poem.

Excerpt From C’ville Weekly 8/3 Edition

July 29th Jam Synopsis

The last jam was amazing, the crowd was thick and the vibe was live. Over 20 poets performed and delivered powerful poetry on the theme of Relationships. Highlights include the soulful sounds of Lester Jackson & Naughty Dynamic and the Design. Bernard rendered a dynamic love as war metaphor, Comma took us down the hip hip hall of fame in describing the love of her life and the feature poet Reggie Johns inspired us with words of faith, hope and love.

Stay tuned…..more to come next month

June 24th Poetry Jam Synopsis

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It was 100 deep at Bel Rio, the theme was love and we were live and smoking as usual. Gary J, the Spoken Word prodigy was our feature and he spun our minds like a DJ with this poems. Aja Simone the poet/songstress vocals were out of sight and Yolanda Cole Jones took us to another soulful level acappela.


May 27th Poetry Jam

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There were 3 feature poets this evening. Bernard Hankins, the talented poet, emcee, pianist, percusionist and videographer. He tantalized our ears with love poems incorporating technology terminology. Comma, so honest and powerful that you have to take a pause (comma) before the sentence continues. Lastly, there was Ralph Williams, reminding use that God has a funny way of showing you things.

April 29th Poetry Jam

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Adam Henry was so awesome at the 1st jam, that we just had to bring him back. He not only came back with a bang, but he brought 5 of his very talented friends with him.  A devoute Christian, all of his poems point to the person, power and work of Christ. If he gave surmons we would all go to church.

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