And what had happened...

So, on my last post, management had placed me on probation. Nevertheless, in an effort to retain my genius and wisdom “the man” sent me on Vacation! I went to Jamaica and had an excellent time. Well, seeing as how I’m broke I couldn’t do a whole bunch while I was there, but I’ve been several times before. Usually, we peruse the island and party endlessly, in between visiting family and partying endlessly. This trip, I kicked it at an Ocho Rios beach resort, slept, and ate. And boy did I eat! Curry goat, oxtails, chicken, salt fish, callaloo many of my favorite dishes and the food was superb. Besides that, I sacrificed a pig, fought a Jamaican Bobcat, and climbed up a 600 ft. waterfall. Okay, I’m lying, but I did climb 600 ft. up Dunn's River Falls. For me it was one of those “are you serious?” moments. First, the patrons were making chains to get up the waterfall and I’m just not one of those types. Holding hands with people, some strangers, yeah right. And, as my life would have it, out of the four people with me, I only knew one. So I didn't feel like congregating. Anywho, I had a great time resting and relaxing.

On another note, I have had another revelation. By nature, I’m not into taking pictures. Behind the camera is not my position! Therefore, I have decided to solicit photos from those who enjoy taking pictures. I am traveling with my camera but not very successful at it. As far as the probation thing, we're giving it one more try.

Spoken X: Probation!

So, now I see why no other poet had decided to do this before me, its hard! Yeah I said it! I didn't realize trying to committ to these other shows was so hard. It's been a while since I frequented the circuit, and now I understand why. Honestly, I thought I had stopped going to the shows so much because I had gotten bored. But, I think, it's because I don't have the patience.

See, for me to go to a poetry show and enjoy myself involves alcohol. I'm not the most social person, I'm nice but I don't like a lot of people talking to me and taking my attention. When I drink, I change. I become subdued, and friendly, able to share with people. Looking back, I realize that I would drink at every show, maybe only a few drinks, but I had alcohol. That's why I went out so much, it was always a party. As I have aged, I don't agree with so much drinking (I need my liver) so I don't feel like socializing as much.

So where do I go from here? Well, this week, I must attend 3 shows. I have officially put myself on probation with threats of termination. We're gonna establish that as the weekly minimum going forward. Let's set some standards.

.....As for the alcohol......we will see how that goes!

L.A. Temporary Closing?

I'm told that Lyrical Aspiration is temporarily closed. I sent JB a text message to confirm this and he didn't text me back. So until further notice, go at your own risk. (I don't want to be the reason someone finds themself on 7th Ave. pulling on locked doors!) When I find out something different I will post it.

Black on Black Rhyme-Tampa Tues. 7/14

Last night I went to the show at the Jerk Hut, it was a cool show. Sania was the spotlight for the evening. She's a good poet "brother told me my poonani so good it made Satan fall from grace and start telling lies, I ain't lying" this line kills me everytime I hear that poem. Which you might think she's getting into some erotic, lick and suck type poem, but its actually about domestic abuse. Among those in attendance, my homie Ken-Sation was here from Ft. Lauderdale. It was good seeing that dude, haven't seen him since 2005! I was extremely tired so I didn't get on the mic, I just observed. As always, the crowd was great! Obviously a group of people dedicated to absorbing as much of the spoken word as possible. Of course, L.I.F.E. was his usual unpredictable self, but it makes the show interesting. And they had a wing special that was worth coming out for all by itself. Now here comes the shocker, brace yourselves, I didn't have one drop of alcohol! Thats how tired I was. I wanted a drink, but wanted rest more. So I sat, mostly quietly, until Shawna, in her usual inebriated state, decided to harass me with her camera and antics. Im gonna need security soon! The show ended around 11:45pm and we all parted, peacefully. Next week's show is youth night, so you should definitely come out and see what the young people have to say.

Poet Reviews

Many poets/spoken word artists borrow their styles and flows from those who’ve come before them, some create their own flow and craft it over the course of their artistry. Lyric, is one of these artists. Since he first appeared on Tampa’s spoken word scene, he has managed to keep a style and repertoire that is all his own. Usually, his poetry has a sing-song appeal that engages the audience and brightens the mood of the room. While some claim they are not impressed with his choppy, rap-like flow, I maintain that he is definitely a poet who can turn a drab somber energy to an excited array of words and pictures.

Drawing from a deep southern heritage, and infusing her trials into her poems, Aries is a poet that is sure to be a hit with the female members of the audience. Usually a male bashing diva, this poetess knows how to keep the men at bay and the women in rage. Her performances are an all inclusive tale of love and heartache, joy and pain, right and wrong. If drama is your forte, then you will love this artist.


Some poets are cookie cut-outs of their predecessors. Cain is not one of these poets. Always controversial, this poet will definitely shock you. Whether he’s ranting on conspiracy theory or his ban on conventional medicine, this poet’s electrifying deliverance and well cooked verbiage will leave you wanting more. Possessing a larger than life stage presence, one word from his booming voice is enough to quiet the rowdiest crowd.

What's Happening

In Tampa, there are many options as to what both poets and enthusiasts could partake. The most popular and long-running show is unquestionably Black on Black Rhyme-Tampa. This show is part of a conglomerate of poetry shows that are all under the name and style of Black on Black Rhyme. Started on September 18, 2001, (the Tampa chapter of this show was actually supposed to start on September 11, 2001, but due to catastrophic events that day and the subsequent somber mood of the country, the show was pushed back a week) this show has been the foremost leader in spoken word for Tampa. The show has switched locations several times over the past eight years, but has continued to offer consistent entertainment as well as an environment that nurtures poets and would be poets alike. Hosted by L.i.f.e., this show is a sure shot every Tuesday and is currently being held at the Jerk Hut located at 926 E. Fowler Ave. Show time is at 10pm, doors open at 9pm. $5.00 cover before 10pm, $7.00 after.
The overall mood of this show is "Poetry Haven." The people listen attentively as poets spill there hearts (or sanity) and the atmosphere is usually calm and subdued.

Couldn't make it out on Tuesday? Well, every Wednesday at the Lobby, 217 N. Central Ave. (Downtown St. Pete) David Durney puts on a show that will definitely entertain the beast in you. At the Lobby, the people are eclectic, the talent is varying, and the alcohol is free flowing. Definitely the place to be if you want to party and hear poetry in the same sitting. There is no cover but you are encouraged to drop something in the "bucket of truth." With recession proof prices the drinks seem to come endlessly and the party goes on and on. Poetry usually starts around 11:30pm and goes on until 2am-ish with a small intermission about the middle.
The overall mood of this show is "Poetry Party." Poets with the craft and ability can steal moments of silence but the crowd is generally excited and may be a bit rowdy at times.

Thursday's a night to recite. At the Cotton Club, 2502 N. Albany St., former Tuesday night home of Black on Black Rhyme-Tampa, Humble Arrogance hosted by Brandi is Tampa's newest open-mic spot. Hot music + delicious drinks + excellent poetry = A Great Time! There is a $5.00 cover charge.
This venue has not yet been visited.

Join Wally B., Tampa's poetry ressurector, as he brings poetry to the next generation! Heard'em Say, youth poetry show located at 2010 E. Busch Blvd (inside the Mattress Revolution), is the most hopeful open-mic in the area. Targeted towards the teen poetry crowd, Wally B. does an excellent job at helping to hone the talents of these young poets and helping them to develop their own voice and craft. The show is every last Friday of the month and it starts at 8pm. There is no cover and young people are encouraged to attend. This show is a must for all poets and enthusiasts alike. Come and be astonished by these young artists.
The overall mood of this show is "Poetry School." Witness some of Tampa's most gifted young writers take on the world one page at a time.

Sit back on Sunday's at the Good Luck Cafe where poetry takes on a seductive vibe. Lyrical Aspirations is the place to be if grown and sexy is your idea of a good time. Located at 1902 E. 7th Ave., this show is hosted by JB and is always good for a few hearty laughs. The doors open at 8:30pm and the show starts at 9:30. Free entry before 9:00, $5.00 after.
The overall mood of this show "Poetry Hangout" where people come to hear poetry and socialize and the atmosphere is light and easy.

It is my sincerest attempt to provide an online forum that will enable visitors to get a real, up-close peek into the underground poetry and spoken word scene. I will do this by building and maintaining a weblog that focuses primarily on the events and occurrences of local open-mic shows and their patrons. In my weblog, I will create an informative and creative atmosphere for artists of all genres. Although I will highlight and promote artists of many genres, the tying point will be that the artists featured will be those indie artists whose primary mode of operation is the open-mic scene. The blog will serve as a starting point for those who want to know what options are available in terms of nightlife that is not consistent with mainstream industry and as an information source for those who would like to frequent the open-mics, but don't have the resources or other means.

To accomplish my goals for the weblog, I will increase my own presence on the open-mic scene with the intentions of capturing live footage of performances and other interactions that happen during the run of a given show. I will post these clips along with photographs and other media and venue information and critiques. It is my intent to select a different artist on a monthly basis to feature on the site. As a function of featuring a given artist, I will provide bio information, cd samples, photographs, critiques, and miscellaneous information as well as artist tracking for the duration of the feature with up to date performance snippets.

Though the weblog will start out on a local level (Tampa, FL), I intend on expanding the coverage area as the site develops and grows to eventually include the entire nation. I would appreciate if this site eventually creates enough buzz that the numerous daily hits lead to something more permanent and promising for myself and for the open-mic community at large. I will promote this site, as a means to expose the talented indie artists who graciously share their art, with the hopes to help financially support artists with paid features and an annual monetary award contest on the basis of writing, performance, creativity, and other merits.