It’s not too often that the words poetry and concert are used in one phrase. The thought of live poetry conjures up the image of quiet, funky cafes and passionate accapella readings, while it is easy to imagine a concert as loud music and screaming fans going ballistic for their favorite artists. But what would happen if a live poetry performance united with loud music and a thunderous audience? You will then have the 1NESS Poetry Series, a unique urban concert showcase featuring spoken word poetry and dynamic live music.
This series is unique from other poetry showcases because of its atmosphere, its excitement and its vibe, which can often feel like a Hiphop concert. The 1NESS Poetry Series house band, the Soulmates, plays euphoric rhythm throughout the show. Some of the artists do choose to rap or sing but the medium of choice is spoken word.
“We wanted to create a platform for artists with positive messages to share their talent in an uplifting and supportive environment,” says Al St. Louis, the 1NESS Poetry Series host and co founder. “Our love of spoken word, music and poetry brought together a team who wanted to up the ante where poetry performance is concerned.”
This team includes spoken word artist heronJones of PoeticSoul, co founder of the series, Roz of papparozzi.com and Wayne Clarke a.k.a. DJ Casanova. Each team member envisions the 1NESS Poetry Series as an opportunity to promote community support, education, love and quality entertainment.
“For me this is Hiphop, and spoken word is the foundation of rap,” explains heronJones. “Spoken Word originated with the values of raising social consciousness and awareness of socio-political issues such as racism, tolerance, empowerment, and unity through an honest and passionate delivery. Our show is about supporting the voice of change and education, and we collectively embrace the potential of Hiphop’s original expression.”
The 1NESS Poetry Series initiative is to put together 4 showcases for 2006, each with its own progressive theme. The first, Souls Speak, was held on February 4 and the second, Sowing the Seed, was held on June 24. Both shows were packed houses and the messages were carried away with the audience. The upcoming themes will be, The Warriors Cry and The Movement which are slated for September and November. “The intent is to communicate the themes throughout each show so that the audience will carry its message out into the community and to their families. Our artists exemplify this and they are expected to bring their A-game to the show and allow the audience to experience this confidence,” says Al St. Louis.
Artists who have graced the 1NESS Poetry Series stage have been award-winning poets Naila Keleta Mae and Dwayne Morgan, Motion, Sage Sundiata, 7-time juno nominee singer Lorraine Reid and saxaphone soloist, Carlos Amaran. Artists to look forward to for the upcoming two shows are SPIN, d’bi young and the 1NESS Poetry Series founders, heronJones and Al St. Louis.
www.poeticsoul.ca
www.whenwordsarespoken.com
