Posts Tagged ‘poetry’

Heart of the City Phx Showcase Friday

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

The fourth monthly installment of Heart of the City: Phx will take place Friday, Sept. 30 at Coach & Willies in Downtown Phoenix.

The showcase will feature painters, DJs, poets, musical acts, fashion designers, and other special performances.

heart of cityDoors open at 7 p.m. and the live show starts at 8 p.m. Attire is artistically authentic; cover is $10.

Heart of the City: Phx is a local grassroots event, directed by Reginald McKinley, that aims to promote the unification of the Arizona arts communities with the greater masses within Arizona as well as raise the platform for the premiered artists to be recognized within the US and abroad. By booking artists from all over the state (Payson, Yuma, Tucson, etc.) and national artists from Albuquerque and New York, Friday’s Heart of the City: Phx will redefine the expectations for live art demonstrations in the Valley.

The programming will start with live rotational figure models donning the premiered designers’ creations. This hour offers the audience the opportunity to sketch the models, look at the two-level hanging art gallery, order premium drinks and food, or just network with the artist while DJ Sac Fly, resident DJ of Heart of the City: Phx, spins the most eclectic and modern sounds. As time segues into the 8 o’clock hour the sun sets and the live show begins.

Friday’s showcase will premier Chelsea Ellison (painter), Niccolea Nance (painter/poet), Matt Crux (painter), John Garza (painter), Steve Caballero (painter), Cane (graffiti), Jack Ash Art (visual), Sammie Nichs (photographer), Herschel Walker (fashion designer), Think Positive Apparel (fashion line), Brenda Lisa (MUA), Jay Jordan (model), Candace Roberts (model), Tameka Bowen (acoustic singer), Ordained (gospel group), The Original Saku (hip hop), Jeary Sylves (poet), Tricia Moore (special performance), DJ 2 Drop & DJ Smooth (DJ team) with more surprise artists to be named.

What is Heart of the City Phx? Watch this video —> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV4E325amvg&feature=related

Like on Heart of the City Phx on Facebook —> http://www.facebook.com/heartofthecityphx

Hope to see you out for the showcase and remember… everything’s LIVE!

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P Word at Herberger Theater Aug. 27

Monday, August 8th, 2011

Phoenix-based production company Felicia Davis Productions (FDP) announced Friday that poetic sensation Jessica Holter will perform her all-new, one-woman show “Don’t Say the ‘P’ Word” at Herberger Theater Center on Saturday, Aug. 27.

Jessica-Holter-The-Punany-PoetThis show promises to take you on a journey of intense oratorical expression.

Executive Producer Davis has assembled a production cast including local radio personality Karlie Hustle as host. FDP has a signature style of bringing shows that have an eclectic mix of education and entertainment and this show will be no different.

In “Don’t Say the ‘P’ Word,” Holter (pictured, left) expands into the fullness of herself as a producer, writer and gifted orator in a performance that will touch all of your senses. Passionate  and powerful, the show is laced with elements of comedy, poetry and theatrics and full of riveting scenes that will not only entertain audiences but will also make them think.

The script is adapted from the collective works of the author and activist who shocked the world with a HBO feature that put a strangely erotic twist on AIDS awareness. The lawless lover, the humble Christian housewife, and the wholesome hottie all find themselves with an equal stake in a bustling city of words and wisdom, as their tales converge in this witty and thoughtful show about self-love and the laws of urban attraction.

“I’m excited to bring yet another quality production to the Phoenix community for the exclusive purpose of education, empowerment and entertainment,” said Davis. “I’ve worked with Holter in the past and with performances that appeal to a very diverse audience. She has a strong following that spans three generations.

“I’m grateful for the vision and the platform that allows for full self-expression in a unique way that moves the HIV awareness agenda forward.”

Tickets for this one-night-only performance can be purchased at www.herbergertheater.org/dont_say_the_p_word or by calling the Herberger box office at 602-254-7399.

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Downtown Phoenix is the Home of Sensational Spoken Word

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

HomeBaseSpoken Word is fast becoming one of the most preferred forms of entertainment for young and middle-aged Phoenicians.

In any given month, there are more than 30 spoken word/open mic events happening in the Valley of the Sun.

My favorite of all the spoken word gatherings is called “HomeBase: the Poets’ Poetry Set.”

HomeBase is held on the first and third Sundays of the month from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Downtown Sheraton Phoenix. Although HomeBase primarily caters to a professional African American audience, Spoken Word fans of ALL races are encouraged to attend and perform! The cover charge is only $5 and audience members should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early in order to find a seat!

HomeBase events were originally held at Doc’s Place on the northeast corner of Central Avenue and Camelback Road, but due to the overwhelming crowds and limited space, HomeBase moved to the Sheraton in mid-August.

Not only is Harold Branch III (also known as HB) the organizer and emcee for HomeBase, he is an extremely talented poet in his own right. He keeps the crowd laughing with his witty sense of humor and makes his audience members feel like they are a big part of the progress that HomeBase has experienced since it began in January 2009.

It’s truly inspiring to see the poets and singers who grace the stage. I admire how the poets use their wordsmithing skills and clever metaphors to deliver powerful messages. Moreover, I love the fact that HB challenges singers to perform a cappella! No background music – you have to prove that you can blow!

HB and his wonderful staff have managed to turn HomeBase into a MOVEMENT! HomeBase has the chance to be one of the most celebrated black events in Arizona’s history!

Downtown Phoenix is also home to the following African American spoken word events:

Jazzy’s Poetic Experience
Time: 6:30 PM
Date: Last Sunday of the month
Location Bentley’s, 308 N. 2nd Ave. (north of Van Buren St.)
Cost: $5 general

Black Pearl Poetry Phoenix Fridays
Time: 7:30-10 p.m. (every Friday)
Location: The New Fair Trade Café, 424 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
Open Mic, Poetry Slams for adults, ASU students, and teens 14-19
Cost: $5 general/$3 student/$2.00 Teens (14-19)

For more information about Spoken Word gatherings in the Valley, visit PhxSoul.com!

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