“If
you build it, they will come”- Field of Dreams
We built it: the buzz, the
excitement, the anticipation to the 1stof many successful poetry and
music events. The Holiday Poetry and Music Fest at Precious Moments Banquet
Hall took place on Friday, December 13, 2013. Many Memphis poets were more than
open to come together and showcase their talents. The magnitude of this event
was heavy. The hype had been built and nothing could keep people away including
the sleet and rain Memphis was receiving that night. The Holiday Poetry and
Music Fest was an awesome experience!
I didn’t know what to expect but I was definitely anticipating something
great. I mean this was my first time reciting poetry in front of a large crowd.
All I knew was there were a group of poets and singers who were
coming together to share a mutual gift. I could only hope that the poem I
chose would get good reception. Along with the excitement I had inside there
was a feeling that this could be the beginning of something prosperous and
based on the Facebook buzz of who would be performing, who was definitely
coming and who were considering attending, my feeling was right! The artists
performing consisted of poets like me, who were beginning to get their poetic
feet wet as well as seasoned poets, singers and spoken word artists. The artist
list consisted of Emerald LoveJones Liggins, Aisha NolaDarling Raison, Gerald
Morgan Jr., Timothy Urbanthoughts Moore, who also served as the host, Rhonda Dassia’ Holloway, Sacorsha Golden , Writeous
Soul, Famous Lil’ Fame Taylor, Phokused ThaGreat and the featured musical
artist Travis Funky Buddha Ross.
Upon entering Precious Moments
Banquet Hall the energy was high. The DJ played music that set the atmosphere
and invited the guest to an evening of relaxation, fun and
suggested they prepare to enjoy the fantastic evening that was to come. The
music served as the feast for the artist, hyping us up to perform at our
greatest potential. For me it was reminiscent of an athlete preparing for an
event. The meet and greet of all the performing artists was welcoming and
had the family feeling. Everyone was ready and willing to share what they had,
receive what others had to give and to support and encourage those that needed
it. The advice shared was priceless. The artists received a boost/pep talk from
the host, Timothy Urbanthoughts Moore and it was off to the races.
ARTISTS AND PERFORMANCES
The show was started off with me
performing a piece called “Change.” Initially I was petrified at performing
first, but after encouraging words, hearing Robin Thicke's "Blurred
lines" and an introduction I had to live up to, I took a deep breath,
recited my poem and received great feedback. I felt like I had completed a
climb and finally reached the top of the mountain. The stage was set and
performer after performer wowed the crowd and set the stage on fire with their
words, energy and lyrical flow. Rhonda Dassia’ Holloway blessed the
crowd with a mixture of singing and poetry that encouraged the audience spiritually.
Gerald Morgan Jr., hit us with some musical selections, including an
original piece and informed the crowd via his poetry that he is indeed serious
and sensitive about his “shit.” Lol! Emerald LoveJones Liggins and Timothy
Urbanthoughts Moore founder and co-founders of SpeakLIFE Society each
ripped the stage next. Emerald LoveJones Liggins was graceful and spoke
words so powerful that they commanded your attention letting us know who she is
and why she does what she does. Timothy Urbanthoughts Moore left his
heart on the stage with his performances about the type of love needed and the
why he has tears for his daughter. Famous Lil’ Fame Taylor took us to
the moon and back with his poetic talent, while Phokused ThaGreat blazed
the stage with musical rhythm and rhyme. Writeous Soul gave us a different view of what Christmas means, and exclaimed her freedom due to Christ's unconditional love and many chances bestowed on her life personally.Lastly, we had Aisha NolaDarling
Raison to grace the stage with her lyrical artillery. She boldly spit fire
and truth which caused the crowd to ooo, aah, and wow during her performance.
The featured artist for the evening
was Travis “FunkyBuddha” Ross. FunkyBuddha had a stage presence that was
entertaining and captured the audience’s attention from start to finish. His
energy level was through the roof, the band was on point. FunkyBuddha hit us
with various genres and tempos of music. He included as well as entertained the
audience with ease with his sets. He covered songs with perfection while making
them his. We heard Jill Scott songs, Sade songs, Diamond in the back, and more!
Travis FunkyBuddha Ross showed us why he was the featured artist for the
evening.
INTERMISSION, SPONSOR & FOOD
Now you know an event isn’t an event
until dancing is included, right?! Well the Holiday Poetry and Music Fest was
no different. The crowd was also an active participant of this event. The DJ
played line dance music namely “the wobble,” “cupid shuffle,” and “Chinese
checkers” which allowed the audience to mix and mingle with each other and the
poets, rappers, singers and spoken word artists. Everyone was more than eager
to meet on the dance floor and groove to the music. If anyone in the building
was hungry, the sponsor for The Holiday
Poetry and Music Fest, Maja Wings and Things were there
ready to serve up delicious wings and fries for us all to enjoy.
The Holiday Music and Poetry Fest
was an event to put in the books! The performances were awesome and consisted
of different people separately, but combined was an insatiable bowl of poetic
and artistic gumbo. The energy was high and electric from the beginning of the
show to the end of the show. Memphis talent came and showed out on the night of
December 13, 2013. I am proud to have been a part of this event and
my love of language, poetry and performing was reignited. I came into this
event expecting something good and I got that and more. I want to thank Timothy
Urbanthoughts Moore for giving me the opportunity to share my gift. I want to
thank all the other artists for accepting a newbie. Thank Precious Mrs.Nikki
Moments for having the event in her place. I look forward experiencing this
type of love, talent and growth at many other events.
Sacorsha
