Heard 'Em Say: 7/31/09

Friday was the monthly Heard ‘Em Say youth poetry show. Occurring every last Friday of the month, this show has grown exponentially as one of the most anticipated shows in Tampa. On its third year and thriving, the show is a must see because unlike any other show in the area it focuses on Tampa’s youth. It’s really a good feeling to listen to young poets share their work. Some of the youth attending have been with the show for the entire time it has been here and to watch them now, you can really see their growth and development. Once terrified to be on stage and fumbling over their own writing, these kids have grown into aspiring artists who command the stage and perform their poetry like professionals.




Heard 'Em Say crowd 7/31/09

Wally B., co-founder of the Black on Black Rhyme-Tampa chapter, has done an outstanding job creating a place where youth can come to express themselves without fear of being rejected or ridiculed. He targets the pre-teens through teens and his dedication to nurturing young talent is apparent in the way he has groomed the show and the young attendees. Wally B.’s idea is to create a positive space for youth while encouraging self expression through poetry. I believe his mission has been accomplished.




This month’s featured poet was Javonte Adams. Javonte is a long-time member of Black on Black Rhyme-Tallahassee (the original show) and has performed throughout the country winning competitions and recognition alike. He is the founder of the Black on Black Rhyme-Rochester chapter, but now resides in Tampa. An outstanding orator, it’s often said that he is a preaching poet when referring to his style on stage. Whether he is speaking about injustice or moral and social value, Javonte has a way of bringing his words alive much like a Sunday morning sermon.



Javonte



The crowd was great! Children, parents, poets everyone gathered together to enjoy listening to young people do something productive with their time. This is a family show that caters to wholesome, healthy expression. I really enjoyed myself, as always.

See you there next month!

Black on Black Rhyme: 7/28/09

The previous week, Black on Black Rhyme-Tampa held its youth poetry night. Unable to attend, I heard that it was an electric night. It’s always so nice to see the youth artistically express themselves.

To re-enforce why we appreciate being adults, L.i.f.e. bought the show back this week with a grown and sexy theme. The weekly spotlight was Black Beauty who is always a treat for the ladies. With lyrics dedicated to lickin’ and suckin’, she definitely entertains the adult mind. For the most part the show was fairly calm. I had come out to witness the energy released when an adult crowd gets together to share sex stories (i.e. erotic poetry), but found that the spirit wasn’t there. There was some “grown and sexy” content but for the most part everything was at a normal buzz. Generally, such an occasion will call poets and patrons from all corners to put their “two-cents” in. Once you get a room full of sexually charged adults, there’s no telling what may happen. But at this show; no uncontrollable excited laughs, no moaning from the crowd as they are taken into a poet’s bedroom, no sexually charged energy. Regardless, the show was okay. Not really what I had anticipated, but maybe my expectations were off. I had fun though!

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