Become a fan! I just did!

The video is casting, BUT the message is SO VERY CLEAR! JUST LISTEN & LEARN!! Performed at Classic Books in Trenton, NJ – Oct. 2011.

For more information on Narubi Selah, check her out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1576208520

CentricSpotlight is an Open Mic & Talent Showcase which gives a platform to all talents including: Poets, Musicians, Singers, Dancers, Rappers, and Comedians. It is a nurturing environment for artists to display their talents and to network. During Open Mic sessions, complimentary gifts are rewarded occasionally for best performances.

Great Music! Affordable Drinks! Great Talent!

CentricSpotlight Open Mic Night’s at Brooklyn’s Voodoo Lounge is sponsored by Telfair & Co. and UrbanWritten – Bringing you an Open Mic & Talent Showcase every FIRST & LAST Thursday of the month. Come out to share your talent or be entertained with New York City’s most intimate crowd. Enjoy a night of music, economy friendly drinks, and most of all, TALENT! CYPHER SESSION AT EVERY SHOWCASE!!

***CentricSpotlight is currently seeking acts – Poets, Singers, Comedians, Musicians, Rappers and Dancers. Please contact info@centricspotlight.com or info@urbanwritten.net for more info. Or call Kim: 347.326.1013 or Tee: 646.546.7526 to sign up.

CentricSpotlight Presents – Thursday Night Open Mic & Talent Showcase at Voodoo Lounge

Every First & Last THURSDAY of the MONTH

Doors open at 7:00pm
Last Sign-Up at 7:30pm
Showtime at 8pm SHARP!

$7 Cover Charge before 9PM (INCLUDING PERFORMERS)

$10 Cover After 9PM (INCLUDING PERFORMERS)

$5 cover College Students w/ valid I.D.

18 and Older – 21 to Drink (BRING I.D.)
(In-house Drink Specials ALL NIGHT)
Official Site: http://www.centricspotlight.com/

VOODOO LOUNGE
138 5th Avenue (Corner of St. John’s Place & 5th Ave.)
Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Park Slope)
Cross Streets: Sterling Place & Douglass St.
Travel: Take the 2,3,4,5,B,D,M,N,R,Q or LIRR train(s) to Atlantic or Pacific Avenue

**Parties and various Events are Welcomed

TICKET PURCHASE AVAILABLE HERE:

http://centricspotlight.eventbrite.com/

***CentricSpotlight is currently seeking acts – Poets, Singers, Comedians, Musicians, Rappers and Dancers. Please contact info@centricspotlight.com or info@urbanwritten.net for more info. Or call Kim: 347.326.1013 or Tee: 646.546.7526 to sign up.

Be sure to ‘LIKE’ CentricSpotlight Open Mic on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/CentricSpotlight?sk=app_200193303353101

“The Artist” Collective presents “Anatomy of an Idea” – Every 1st Sunday of the Month

Hosted By: Andre Rainey aka N00dle

New Featured Artist Every Month

Doors Open at 5pm – Open Mic Starts at 6pm

Cover: Donations Accepted (all donations go towards supporting “The Artist” Collective)

When: Every First Sunday of the Month

5:00pm until 8:00pm

Location: 835 Dawson St., Bronx, NY

Directions: 2 or 5 Train To Prospect Ave. Exit near intersection of Longwood Ave & Westchester Ave. Head South East on Longwood Ave towards Hewitt Pl. Make Left on Dawson St.

6 Train To Longwood Ave. Exit Near Intersection of Southern Blvd & Longwood Ave. Head North West on Longwood Ave Towards Fox St. Make Right on Dawson St.

For more information about “The Artist” Collective and “Anatomy of An Idea” Open Mic & Showcase, contact: Ibrahim “P.O.E.T” Siddiq at: FreedumbMovement[at]gmail.com OR http://www.facebook.com/FreedumbMovement

BYA (Bring Your Art) will be returning on Saturday, January 28, 2012. There will be an amazing jam session with some of the HOTTEST artists in NYC from 5-10pm IMMEDIATELY followed by an equally amazing AFTER-PARTY. BYA is an art showcase that welcomes all forms of art to come and jam together on one stage. Musicians, Poets, Singers, ect. ALL ART IS WELCOMED. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & FREE – every forth Saturday of the month.

“This isn’t one of those jam sessions that has three people sitting around watching a poet and a guitarist. And the after-party isn’t going to have 5 people dancing to an iPod. This jam session promises to be BEYOND dope with appearances from some of my favorite artists, including: Narubi Selah, Emcee Jermaine, Blue, Brokyn Sylance, Chris Slaughter, Shane Kora, Lo Anderson AND there’s going to be MORE. OMNI Blaize and his band, “Two Shades Darker” will be playing, as well. Believe me, if you love great entertainment, you want to be at this show.” ~ Poet, Jamica Hardwick

DJ PRETTYNYCE DaCURE will be spinning music for the ENTIRE AFTER-PARTY.

BYA (Bring Your Art) – FREE ARTIST SHOWCASE – Every Forth Saturday of the Month

Hosted by Jamica Hardwick & Gerald Trotman

New Featured Artists Every Month

WHEN: SATURDAY, JAN. 28, 2012

TIME: JAM SESSION–5-10pm  AFTER-PARTY–10pm – until……

PRICE: FREE! FREE! FREE!

WHERE: NOVA BAR & GARDEN LOUNGE

884 PACIFIC STREET (CORNER OF UNDERHILL AVE)
BROOKLYN, NY
www.info@novabrooklyn.com

TRAVEL: C TRAIN TO CLINTON-WASHINGTON AVENUE

For more information about BYA (Bring Your Art), visit: www.facebook.com/gerald.trotman OR www.facebook.com/jamicahardwick

If you are interested in growing your poetry business and increasing your profits, there are three ways you must market your poetry online through social media. Three essential marketing elements for any business are Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These social media outlets will gain exposure for your poetry business and work to increase your brand’s overall online presence.

Taking Advantage Of Facebook

Facebook is one of the most popular social networking sites in the world. Any social media marketing effort for your poetry business that does not include Facebook will be incomplete. Facebook has expanded the ways businesses can market on their site and introduced a classified ads listing service called “Marketplace”; the “Beacon” which allows subscribers to monitor Facebook user’s activities on partner sites; and also introduced the use of polls which allow a business to conduct intro areas such as new products and customer satisfaction. Plus, you can use Facebook Ads to serve up information to customers by demographic.

Using Twitter To Gain Exposure

As a a professional poet, spoken word artist or brand, you can market inexpensively and effectively through Twitter. It is a great place to network with other businesses, followers/fans, customers, and potential customers. It is very simple and easy to get your message out there by posting a short 140 character tweet. Search engines recognize your tweets, if done properly, which increases exposure for your brand and/or product and draws in new customers.

Making Use Of LinkedIn

The popularity of LinkedIn is growing and should be one of the social media outlets you access as a professional poet, spoken word artist or brand for your online marketing strategy. LinkedIn is a site where business associates can connect and share services and contacts. It has a much more professional feel and look to it than the other social networking sites. Anyone who is serious about establishing themselves as a serious professional of their craft will use LinkedIn in their social media marketing efforts.

By making full use of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, you are well on your way to increasing online exposure for your poetry business and growing your customer base. If you feel overwhelmed by setting up social media campaigns, be sure to contact me. I’ll assist you every step of the way. It can be fun and easy.

If you have been online for any length of time, you have probably already heard that you need to start your email list. But why is that even important? You may not even have products (book of poetry & prose, chapbooks, album, etc.) or your blog set up yet. But is it really time to start worrying about that all important list? The answer is very much YES.

Go To Where Your Followers/Fans Are

Not all of your followers/fans will find you through your blog or your website. In fact, many of your followers/fans and potential customers will learn about you through word of mouth from friends and relatives. Those helpful friends and relatives may find it easiest to simply forward your newsletter; blog link; email and/or Facebook information, building your list once they sign up. Through your emails and newsletters, these new customers will eventually find their way back to your website or blog which they may not have done otherwise.

Take Advantage Of Having A Target Audience

If you build your email listing correctly,  it will be full of people who are already interested in what you have to offer. Whether it is your poetry; latest book; track off of an album; whatever. You don’t have to worry about the hard sell with them, because they know you and your product and want to know what the latest information is. Your email list is also a valuable mine of feedback. These are the people whose opinions you care most about, and you will have them as a captive audience.

Show Your Expertise Via Your Emails

With your email list, you can now show your followers/fans that you can keep them up-to-date with your upcoming shows; book releases; features; guest appearances; what’s new and what to be on the look out for. It’s also a great way to stay connected to your fan base. Communication via email allows for a feel of knowing. Leverage that fact to keep your followers/fans and customers coming back to know more information. Once your readers trust the information you bring them, your list will grow by leaps and bounds. Remember that your readers will share powerful information with their friends and families. Someone trying to gain exposure and keep their existing fan base is far more likely to have their newsletters, networking pages, blog links and email shared than someone who fails to leverage their expertise.

The Inspired Word was designed to bring forth people of all cultures and backgrounds to work together in bonding the poetry community. If you have been to an Inspired Word event, you have witnessed the many different types of spoken word and styles of poetry that are offered in this art. Surely, you have been inspired and walked away with more appreciate for the art. The Inspired Word brings you NYC spoken word poetry – LIVE!

The Inspired Word helps unite the novice with the veteran, allowing the novice to see what their future as an artist can look like. It brings together the poetry community; caters to the palates of those who crave poetry and other forms of stage art; gives poetry fans a place that can become home to them for WEEKLY poetry events; and most importantly, gives the poetry community a place to gain exposure of their talent. From the Open Mics to the Featured Performers, there are no BIG or SMALL at The Inspired Word, only a community of ARTISTS.

With a lineup of some of NYC’s HOTTEST Spoken Word/Poetry artists and musical performers all on one stage, and at one show, there will be more than just a “buzz” in the air after this 2-Year Anniversary Show. This show is sure to have more artists wanting to see how they, too, can get involved in The Inspired Word and will also have poetry lovers flocking in the doors to see more great artists.

Check out this lineup. Scheduled Performers will be: (subject to change)

Patricia Smith
Lemon Andersen
Oveous Maximus
Regie Cabico
Vanessa Hidary
Ngoma
Jesus Papoleto Melendez
Bonafide Rojas
Erica Miriam Fabri & Robin Andre
Big Mike
Osagyefo
Jamaal St. John
Jane LeCroy
Advocate of Wordz (El Grito De Poetas)
Ocean Vuong
The MarXman
Simply Rob (El Grito De Poetas)
Eliel Lucero
Jane Ormerod
Thomas Fucaloro
Sylvana Joyce + The Moment
Emanuel Xavier
David Lawton
Vince Royale
Eve Brandstein
Aimee Herman
Carolina Hidalgo
Yenny Love (see her video on the homepage of this site)
Amy Leigh Cutler

“The Inspired Word isn’t just a series, it’s a movement.” ~ The Inspired Word

The Inspired Word’s 2-Year Anniversary Show! Hosted by HBO Def Poetry star Gemineye and NYC spoken word legend Nathan P.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Doors open @ 6:00pm

Show – 6:30-11:00pm

Cover Charge: $15

Where – 116 (Formerly The Gaslight Cafe or Village Gaslight)
116 MacDougal Street (between Bleecker Street and Minetta Lane)
Downstairs Lounge
Manhattan, NYC 10012
Phone: (212) 254-9996
(917) 703-1512

http://116macdougal.com/

Directions – By subway, take the A, B, C, D, E, F to West 4th Street-Washington Square.

For more info on The Inspired Word series, please check out: http://inspiredwordnyc.blogspot.com/ or http://inspiredwordnyc.com/

What is online reputation and how does it matter to you? The Internet is a huge collection of information. Everything you do and say online leaves an impact and effects how people perceive you as a person and professional. In fact, 48% of HR professionals and recruiters prefer to browse through personal websites to decide whether to hire a person or not. Consumers basically do the same thing. Meaning, if you are trying to sell yourself as a brand or sell your product, posting too much negativity online about yourself or others can keep you from doing so. Keep in mind that as an artist or business of any kind using the Internet as a tool to gain exposure, you are being watched.

How Search Engines Effect Your Reputation

Search engines catalog everything you do online, from your social media participation to press releases and blog posts. Unfortunately, the Internet has a greater reach than gossip in a small town. So, even if you don’t care what people think about you in your real life, your online activities must be managed well to protect your business as a poet, artist, musician, singer, whatever.

What Causes A Bad Reputation

There are many things that may cause your followers/fans, customers and potential customers on the Internet to develop a negative opinion of you. We have all been known to fly off the handle; act in the moment and vent off anger. But doing so continuously on a social medium such a Facebook is not very smart for business. Posting unflattering comments about your personal and professional life can have a detrimental effect on your business as a poet or artist. Which in turn can cause your readers to re-post or feel the need to comment or respond in a negative manner. Even if what is said is untrue, it’s hard to un-ring a bell. Another way to form a bad reputation online is when people use your photo, logo or other information to post pretending to be you. The most likely way to tarnish your reputation online is by getting a lot of negative reviews from your fan base and customers who have supported your business as an artist and who see your online activities as being too brash and unprofessional.

Managing Your Online Reputation

Just as there are people out there who are going to nitpick at what you say or do online, there are people who will appreciate that you remain true to yourself as well as to your art. Your followers/fans who are loyal will not be a problem for you. But it’s the new followers/fans and potential buyers of your product that you have to be careful of. Establish and keep a positive presence on social media sites. Check your name in search engines and social networking websites frequently and keep an eye on every detail associated with your online presence. Remember to keep personal affairs out of the eye of social media if using it as a marketing tool. And above all else, treat your followers/fans, customers and potential customers well to avoid damaging your own reputation online – which can cause negative publicity, bad word-of-mouth and loss of interest from your fan base.

Mike Geffner’s “NYC Open Mic Joint” will be a weekly TUESDAY night series open to all types of artists – comedians, musicians, storytellers, singers, poets, fiction/nonfiction writers, playwrights, spoken word artists, performance artists, dancers, ANYTHING and EVERYTHING.

Tuesdays, NYC Open Mic Joint will be hosted by the legendary Nathan P.

Mike Geffner and The Inspired Word team offer Open Mic every Tuesday (30 five-minute slots) and virtually every Thursday (15-20 four-minute slots), showcasing not only poets and spoken word artists but comedians, singers, fiction/nonfiction writers, monologists, and musicians.

Mike Geffner’s “The Inspired Word Poetry & Prose in NYC” events on THURSDAY nights will feature some of the HOTTEST performers in New York and the surrounding areas. Thursday nights will also offer an Open Mic (15-20 four-minute slots), showcasing not only poets and spoken word artists but comedians, singers, fiction/nonfiction writers, monologists, and musicians.

Thursdays are hosted by 3-time Def Poetry star Gemineye.

Get out and support the arts in Manhattan’s West Village. Mike Geffner’s – The Inspired Word Poetry & Prose in NYC AND NYC Open Mic Joint!

“Hope to see you there. And I dare you to walk away without feeling inspired. Best always and stay inspired!” ~ Mike Geffner

Mike Geffner’s The Inspired Word – NYC Open Mic Joint – EVERY Tuesday Night

Hosted by the legendary Nathan P

25-30 slots, 5 minute time limit

Doors open for Open Mic sign-up @6:30pm

Showtime @ 7:30pm

Cover charge: $10

NO AGE LIMIT!

Follow NYC Open Mic Joint on Twitter – http://twitter.com/NYCOpenMic and on Facebook

Mike Geffner’s The Inspired Word Poetry & Prose in NYC – EVERY Thursday Night

Hosted by 3-time Def Poetry star Gemineye

FEATURE ARTISTS + Open Mic with 15-20 slots, 4 minute time limit

Doors open for Open Mic sign-up @6:30pm

Showtime @ 7:30pm

Cover charge: $10

NO AGE LIMIT!

The Inspired Word Blog – http://inspiredwordnyc.blogspot.com/

Where – 116 (Formerly The Gaslight Cafe or Village Gaslight)
116 MacDougal Street (between Bleecker Street and Minetta Lane)
Downstairs Lounge
Manhattan, NYC 10012
Phone: (212) 254-9996
(917) 703-1512

http://116macdougal.com/

Directions – By subway, take the A, B, C, D, E, F to West 4th Street-Washington Square.

For more info on The Inspired Word series, please check out: http://inspiredwordnyc.blogspot.com/ or http://inspiredwordnyc.com/

Mike Geffner’s contact information:

* Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/michael.geffner
* Twitter – http://twitter.com/inspiredwordnyc
* YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/nycinspiredword
* Mike’s Writing Workshop – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mikeswritingworkshop/
* The Inspired Word Blog – http://inspiredwordnyc.blogspot.com/

“The Artist” Collective presents “Anatomy Of An Idea” every first Sunday of the month for Poetry, Spoken Word, Musicians, artists, fans of the arts and all creatives. “Anatomy of an Idea” is an Open Mic Showcase & Open Forum where “Art, Activism and Philosophy Co-Exists.”

“The Artist” Collective presents “Anatomy of an Idea” – Every 1st Sunday of the Month

Hosted By: Andre Rainey aka N00dle

This Month’s Featured Artist(s): Christ Is & Prophet

Doors Open at 5pm – Open Mic Starts at 6pm

Cover: Donations Accepted (all donations go towards supporting “Sistas On The Rise” & “The Artist” Collective)

When: Sunday, December 4, 2011
5:00pm until 8:00pm

Location: 835 Dawson St., Bronx, NY

Directions: 2 or 5 Train To Prospect Ave. Exit near intersection of Longwood Ave & Westchester Ave. Head South East on Longwood Ave towards Hewitt Pl. Make Left on Dawson St.

6 Train To Longwood Ave. Exit Near Intersection of Southern Blvd & Longwood Ave. Head North West on Longwood Ave Towards Fox St. Make Right on Dawson St.

For more information about “The Artist” Collective and “Anatomy of An Idea” Open Mic & Showcase, contact Ibrahim “P.O.E.T” Siddiq at: FreedumbMovement[at]gmail.com OR http://www.facebook.com/FreedumbMovement

Latanya DeVaughn is a Spoken Word New York favorite due to her diligent work in the NY Spoken Word Poetry scene. If you are deep in the scene, then you know or have heard of Latanya DeVaughn. She has been the force behind many standing-room-only Open Mics and has had a hand in the successes of many upcoming artists.

Bronx Talks: Bronx Stories has invited Miss DeVaughn to share her Bronx tale and to shed light on what most are not aware of – the beauty of art that comes from the Bronx. This is a FREE Open Mic event that welcomes EVERYONE to come out and enjoy a great night of storytelling.

What is Bronx Talks: Bronx Stories?

“The goals of Bronx Stories are four-fold: to challenge stereotypes about the Bronx and promote positive images of the borough; to provide a platform for voices from the community and space for the community to come together; to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere in the museum; and to encourage deeper engagement with the arts.” – Bronx Stories

Who Is Latanya DeVaughn?

Professional. Dedicated. Driven. Latanya DeVaughn, a native from the Bronx, has quickly established herself as one of the premiere event curators of open mic showcase events in New York City. In addition, she has also brought a sense of unity to a community of artists that was largely disconnected outside of their individual boroughs. By creating Urban Voices Heard – a traveling showcase that hosts an open mic and features artistic talents, she created a platform for artists from all 5 boroughs to share their art. In doing so, she also provided exposure to both well-known and novice artists that had yet to be discovered in other areas of New York City. With her vision as a Bronx native to Keep ART in the Bronx, she packed up the showcase from Manhattan in late 2008 and headed home.

In 2008 she took her traveling showcase from the Spoon Theater in midtown Manhattan to Books in The Hood (the only black owned bookstore in the South Bronx). From there she landed at Z’Novia Restaurant, providing exposure to a starving business. Finally, ending her travels in 2011 at new and unheard of at the time, El Fogon Center for the Arts in the Bronx. There she was given room to explore other avenues to encourage art. Avenues including curating writing workshops and visual/performance art showcases. This has proven to be a very successful recipe for her, as she has now organized dozens of open mics throughout the tri-state area.
Latanya is now known for her ability to conceptualize, organize and then execute events. Her unique skill sets have not gone unnoticed, instead, they have allowed her to seamlessly transition into a multifaceted brand. A brand that now represents event planning, entertainment management, event curation and youth education across New York City.
Currently she encourages the youth to explore their artistic talents by facilitating four (4) Spoken Word writing workshops a week at an alternative High School in Queens and an after-school program in Manhattan. Even as a High School student, she encouraged her peers and hoped to work with High School students one day. She is and always has been a firm believer of: speaking your future into existence.

Featuring alongside Latanya DeVaughn at Bronx Talks: Bronx Stories will be Skye Cabrera and Craig Tindal – hosted by Charles Rice-Gonzalez. There will also be a FREE Open Mic for those who’d like to share their stories through storytelling, poetry, music and ART.

Be there to LISTEN, go there to LEARN!!

Bronx Talks: Bronx Stories – Featuring Event Curator – Latanya DeVaughn

Friday, December 9, 2011
6:30pm until 8:30pm
FREE! FREE! FREE!

The Bronx Museum of the Arts
1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456
http://www.bronxmuseum.org/

GET DIRECTIONS

For more information on Latanya DeVaughn, contact her at:www.urbanvoicesheard[at]gmail.com

For more information on Bronx Talks: Bronx Stories, check them out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bronxmuseum

Bronx Stories is made possible though the support of The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation, and the Simón Bolívar Foundation.

For more information on Yenny Love, see her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Yenny-Love/180098058687508

For more videos from Mike Geffner Presents – The Inspired Word: http://www.youtube.com/user/NYCInspiredWord

Then, on top of that, the one spoken word poet that understands the importance of self-promotion is often not going to get the results the seek because they don’t know what they are doing.  From what I have seen, poets – specifically spoken word poets, struggle more than most other writers when it comes to building a fan base and getting their words into print.  I aim to change that.

In this article series, I am going to show you the basics of effective self-promotion.  If you want to build a huge following of thousands of people, I will tell you, step-by-step, what you must do to accomplish this goal.

Step #1 – Get Organized

Effective self-promotion begins with organization.  You need to have a very firm grasp of the following:

What you are doing
Why you are doing it
How you are doing it
Where you are doing it
When you are doing it
Who you are doing it for

Now I know this might sound simple, but once I outline the specifics for each of the items in that list, you will quickly come to understand why pretty much no one is properly doing this stuff.

What You Are Doing

Your goal is simple; you want to expose your work to the more than 35 thousand people that are searching for your work every month via the Internet. (Yes, you read that number right, but more on this later)

Why You Are Doing It

You are doing this because it is both the most effective and cheapest (in many cases it is free) way to find people who have already shown an interest in what it is that you do.

How You Are Doing It

You will use a simple funnel, you will allow people to find you on the Internet, and then you will allow them to connect with you and get to know more about you and your work.

Where You Are Doing It

You want to connect with your fan base on YOUR OWN WEBSITE OR BLOG or at the very least, on your Facebook FAN PAGE.  Notice that I did not simply say “on Facebook”.

When You Are Doing It

Self-promotion should be seen as an extension of writing.  First you write, and then when you are finished you let your fan base know that you have new material for them and you also tell them how they can gain access to it.  Sometimes you will publish this material on your site and other times you will publish a snippet and then let them know that they can see you perform this piece at an upcoming event.

Who You Are Doing It For

You are promoting to find people who are NOT POETS and have expressed an interest in finding spoken word poetry online.  I need you to really understand that.  You are NOT looking to find people that do what you do, you want to find people who simply appreciate what you do and want more of it.  Many poets make the mistake of promoting their poetry mostly to other poets.  Then they wonder why their fan base isn’t growing and get frustrated.  The reason is simple; most of your promotion efforts are not targeting the right people.
Once you know all of these things, you will be well organized and ready to move on to the next stage in the self-promotion process, which I will cover in the next article.  I chose to break this article into a series so that you would have time to absorb the information and go through the process of actually implementing it or seeing what it will take for you to implement this plan.  With that being said, if you like the information that I am covering, let me know by commenting on the article here on my blog.  I am going to reader-feedback determine the release schedule for the rest of the articles in this series…so the more comments that I get from my readers will force me to post the next article that much quicker.

William Faulkner said that “the poet’s voice needs not merely be the record of man; it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail.” I take this to mean that each and every poet has a duty to share their work and insights with the world so that we can all be lifted by it.  To share your work in this day and age means that you put it online so that other people can be moved by your words.

As humans, we have a unique ability to create intense mental connections across large distances of space and time. Poetry written years ago is still helping people to learn to embrace their spirit or letting them know that they are not alone.  Every month, thousands of people in the tri-state area search for that light that only you can provide and still they come up empty.  They come up empty because most spoken word poets don’t publish their work online.  They can’t find you because you have no site, no blog and no online presence outside of your Facebook account, which just happens to be filled to the rim with other people who do the exact same thing that you do – write poetry.

Take a moment and close your eyes and let that sink in.  Imagine a world where the number one activity engaged in by poets is marketing their events to OTHER POETS.  Now open your eyes.  Did you notice that nothing changed?  Nothing changed because this is not simply a figment of your imagination, you really do live in this world, which makes this your reality.  The irony of this is that you are actually helping everyone except yourself.  Your competitors love you because they are able to consistently compare your work to theirs and see where they stand.  Oh, and it gets even better for the event curators because the ones who have no idea what they are doing (and this is more than a few), can simply target the same features as the events that appear to have a decent following and expect to see some degree of success.

This is copycat marketing at its finest and it only makes things worse for the true fans of poetry.  They don’t want to see the same features at every event.  They don’t all share the same opinions on who is their favorite poet, so many of them see the “hot” features and think that they are lackluster at best.  People have their own issues and tastes in poetry and since there are so many to choose from, you would think that this is not a big issue….but it is.  Every month, 35+ THOUSAND people who are interested in poetry but are NOT poets or event curators searching for your work online and either find that there are no new poets to discover or find nothing at all because you are spending your time promoting to the competition.

The most frequent complaints that I hear from die-hard poetry fans are “why don’t the spoken word artists publish their work more often?” and “why don’t the spoken word poets do interviews so we can find out what inspired them to write that piece?” The Spoken Word New York site was created as a way to address these and many other issues in connecting the poets to the true fans of poetry.  My site has but one goal, which is to enhance the New York Spoken Word community by connecting the people who are looking for spoken word poetry to the people who are creating spoken word poetry.  But what happens most of the time when I reach out to a poet to interview them and put it on my site, I do not hear back from them and my services go without render.

Here is the bottom line – you could perform at a sold out event every week for a year and still not even be close to the amount of exposure that you can have on the Internet in one MONTH.  It is because of this that I say just writing good poetry is not enough. You need to share your work, so that the people who will benefit the most from it can actually find it.  To do this you need to stop marketing to other marketers and start tapping into the huge amount of people that are desperately seeking the light that only you can provide.

However, before you get started, you will need a few things to make sure that you are able to make the most of your participation.  Those things, in order are:

1. A Gravatar – a gravatar, also called an avatar, is an image that follows you from site to site and always appears beside your name when you post comments on a blog.  Your gravatar allows people to start to recognize you by face, which is very important if you are a writer.  Studies have shown that when a person knows you by face, they feel connected to you and this is precisely what you want if you are trying to gain more exposure.  Gravatars are free and only require that you have a picture of yourself to upload for use with the service.  Once you upload your picture, you will be given the option to crop it and then save it.  After saving it, any blog that you comment on that supports gravatars will show your face next to your comments.

2. A Destination – most of the time, when you comment on a blog, the blog owner will allow you to place a link back to a destination of your choice.  For writers, this will usually be a link to your Facebook profile or another site where the user can learn more about you and what it is that you do.  I do want to stress that in almost EVERY case, you will want to use your Facebook profile because it will allow them to friend request you which in turn allows you to send them messages in the future.  Using a regular website link will not give you those capabilities so make sure you always use your Facebook profile unless you have a very specific reason not to.

3.  A Plan – depending on the blog and the amount of readers that it has, making comments on a blog can dramatically increase your exposure to people who are looking for places to see writers perform their work.  And all that you need to do is look at the articles on the site and think of them as conversations.  You need to participate in as many of these conversations as is reasonably possible.  To participate, you will need to read the entire article and make an intelligent and useful comment.

For example, if the blog has an article about another poet, read the article and then use your comment to congratulate the poet on the article and let them know that you will look forward to seeing more of their work in the future.  If you are familiar with the poet, you could also use your comment to give other readers your recommendation of why they should take the time to check out this poet in person.

Doing this will encourage other poets to do the same for you, which not only builds a connection between you and other poets, but between you and the other readers of the blog because you are helping them separate the good from the bad when it comes to spoken word poets.

A word of caution though, NEVER use your comments for self promotion or any sort of unnecessary negativity when it comes to another person’s work.  You do not want people to see you as someone that goes out of their way to tarnish another person’s reputation.

4.  Consistency – being consistent means that people will start to want to hear your opinion on certain topics along with the writer of the article.  It is not uncommon for blog readers to value the opinion of specific regular commentators as much as or more than the writer of the content.  In many of the top blogs, the commentators are more responsible for the growth of the blog than the content writers are.  The reward for being consistent is conversations and traffic.  People will feel connected to you, want to know more about you and will also want to talk to you more.

I hope that everyone reading this will take these four steps and put them into action right away.  Not only will they prove to be extremely valuable, but they will also put you on the road to running your own effective blog if you choose to do so.  As always, if you have any questions or feedback, I’d love to hear it.

For the most part I’ve witnessed great artists who come out to Poetry Open Mics – they come on time, they read within the 3-5 minute time limit and they make an effort to not say or do anything too inappropriate. But, you must remember an important factor of what the Open Mic is all about. Open Mic is a way for people to recite, perform and/or act out their particular piece of art. It is a way of expressing oneself and using ones freedom of speech – the freedom of expression.

Because of some of the things that I have noticed at various Poetry Open Mics, I’ve taken it upon myself to give my opinion of some of the positives and negatives that I’ve seen at these Open Mics. You can think of this article as “Poetry Open Mic Etiquette”, but I’ll just call it “Poetry Open Mic Dos & Don’ts.” Remember, this is just my opinion as a spectator…nothing that I say here is law.

Poetry Open Mic Do’s

If at all possible, let the host or curator know you are coming in advance of the event. And be sure to sign up for the Open Mic upon arrival.

Practice reading your work beforehand so you’re not to run past your allotted time.

Let the host or curator know ahead if you have any specific requests for your performance – audio needs.

Try to keep it as clean as possible. Rated R at best – sometimes there are children in the audience. Yes, there is a way to keep your piece true to its originality by doing so. Take into account that the piece will not lose its luster if you resist throwing the P word and F-bombs every which way. Cursing is not disapproved of. But do keep in mind that you can be openly expressive without being insulting. Ask the host or curator what the standards are. Not all Poetry Open Mics are going to be THE place for all types of written/spoken art. For erotic poetry, look for an Open Mic that caters to erotic poetry. There are many to choose from in NYC.

Do try to stay till the end of the Open Mic. People sat through and applauded your performance. Do show the same respect of theirs.

Do keep in mind that audience participation is vital to a Poetry Open Mic. So, clapping, finger snapping and positive verbal appreciation for an artist is always welcomed.

Tip generously and patronize the bar, coffee shop, restaurant, bookstore or wherever the Open Mic takes place.

If the Poetry Open Mic is a FREE Open Mic, ask if the curator accepts donations. $1 or $2 dollars adds up when trying to raise funds or keep an event going.

Poetry Open Mic Don’ts

This is not the time or place to get on your political or religious soap box. Reciting your political or religious piece is fine. But try to make it so it educates people. People like to be moved; be uplifted. So, fewer attitudes and more altitude – inspire.

Don’t take up the majority of your time at the mic with an introduction to your piece. In most places it is okay to have an intro, but try to keep it short.

If the host has motioned you to stop, don’t take another 3 minutes to finish.

Don’t shuffle papers or chit-chat while others are at the mic. Try to keep conversation to a whisper.

Don’t come in late. If joining the event after the show has begun, try to come in as unnoticed as possible and quietly. If the mic is close to the entrance of the building, wait until you see the performer exit the stage before entering.

Turn off your cell phone!

Most of all have fun! Poetry Open Mics are meant to support writers and give artists a forum to present and practice their pieces before a live audience. There’s always a special energy in the room during an event like these and it’s due to people being there because they want to be with other like-minded creative’s. Enjoy!

HOT! MONTHLY POETRY SHOWCASES & POETRY OPEN MICS:
1st Sunday of the Month – YaniDo Presents Sunday Spoken Word Showcase at OOba Lounge
617 Grand Street(L or G to Lorimer)
Brooklyn, NY(Williamsburg)
7pm-10pm
FREE! FREE! FREE!
**For more info “LIKE” Ooba Lounge on Facebook

Every Tuesday & Thursday of the Month – Mike Geffner’s The Inspired Word Poetry & Prose in NYC

One and One Bar & Restaurant (downstairs Nexus Lounge)
76 East 1st Street (corner of 1st Avenue)
Manhattan, NY
$10
Doors open for Open Mic sign-up @6:30pm – Showtime @ 7:30pm
**For more info – The Inspired Word Blog

4th Wednesday of the Month – El Grito De Poetas’ “No Intros!” at The Bowery Poetry Club

The Bowery Poetry Club
308 Bowery (Btwn Houston and Bleecker)
Manhattan, NY 10012
$10 for 1 person or $15 for 2 (Bring a friend!)
6-9pm
(F train to 2nd Ave, 6 to Bleecker)
**For more info – El Grito De Poetas – elgritodepoetas[at]gmail.com

Every 1st & 3rd SUNDAY of the month – The Brooklyn Renaissance

The Sakhu Healing Arts Center[top bell]
8 Revere Place (between Bergen and Dean)
Brooklyn NY 11213
718-791-7962
$5(Donations Appreciated)
Doors open: 6:30pm (for writing prompt) Showtime: 7:30pm
C train to Kingston(less than 4 blocks from the train station)
**For more info – Chris Slaughter on Facebook – pohetic[at]gmail.com

Every other TUESDAY of the MONTH – CentricSpotlight Tuesday Open Mic Night at Voodoo Lounge
Voodoo Lounge
138 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Doors open at 7:00pm
Last Sign-Up at 7:30pm
Showtime at 8pm SHARP!
$7 Cover Charge before 9pm(INCLUDING PERFORMERS)
$10 Cover After 9pm(INCLUDING PERFORMERS)
18 and Older – 21 to Drink(BRING I.D.)
(In-house Drink Specials ALL NIGHT)
Official Site: http://www.centricspotlight.com/
**Trains: 2,3,4,5,B,D,M,N,R,Q or LIRR train(s) to Atlantic Avenue, and we’re right off St. John’s Place and 5th Avenue
**Be sure to ‘LIKE’ CentricSpotlight Open Mic on Facebook

CentricSpotlight is an Open Mic showcase which gives a platform to all talents including: Poets, Musicians, Singers, Dancers, Rappers, and Comedians. It is a nurturing environment for artists to display their talents and to network. During Open Mic sessions, complimentary gifts are rewarded occasionally for best performances.

Great Music! Affordable Drinks! Great Talent!

CentricSpotlight Open Mic Night’s at Brooklyn’s Voodoo Lounge is sponsored by Telfair & Co. and UrbanWritten – Bringing you the Open Mic every other Tuesday of the month. Come out to share your talent or be entertained with New York City’s most intimate crowd. Enjoy a night of music, economy friendly drinks, and most of all, TALENT!

***CentricSpotlight is currently seeking acts – Poets, Singers, Comedians, Musicians, Rappers and Dancers. Please contact info@centricspotlight.com or info@urbanwritten.net for more info. Or call Kim: 347.326.1013 or Tee: 646.546.7526 to sign up.

CentricSpotlight Presents Tuesday Open Mic Night at Voodoo Lounge

Every other TUESDAY of the MONTH

Doors open at 7:00pm
Last Sign-Up at 7:30pm
Showtime at 8pm SHARP!

$7 Cover Charge before 9PM (INCLUDING PERFORMERS)

$10 Cover After 9PM (INCLUDING PERFORMERS)

18 and Older – 21 to Drink (BRING I.D.)
(In-house Drink Specials ALL NIGHT)
Official Site: http://www.centricspotlight.com/

Voodoo Lounge
138 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217

**Trains: 2,3,4,5,B,D,M,N,R,Q or LIRR train(s) to Atlantic Avenue, and we’re right off St. John’s Place and 5th Avenue
TICKET PURCHASE AVAILABLE HERE:
http://centricspotlight.eventbrite.com/

***CentricSpotlight is currently seeking acts – Poets, Singers, Comedians, Musicians, Rappers and Dancers. Please contact info@centricspotlight.com or info@urbanwritten.net for more info. Or call Kim: 347.326.1013 or Tee: 646.546.7526 to sign up.

Be sure to ‘LIKE’ CentricSpotlight Open Mic on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/CentricSpotlight?sk=app_200193303353101

“No Intros!” offers more than just your ordinary open mic. Not only will you witness a unique style of poetry, you will also get to see some of NYC’s and the surrounding areas’ HOTTEST poets and artists. You can expect HOT feature artists; spotlights on the members of El Grito De Poetas; musical guests; comedians and much more. So, for the arts enthusiast’s out there, you will definitely be entertained at the “No Intros!” Monthly Poetry Open Mic & Artist Showcase.

Are you that poet who needs to explain your piece before you recite it? Are you a poet that can go straight into spitting your piece without having to tell a story about your story…your piece? It is true, though. Some pieces require an intro, right? Either way, come out EVERY 4TH WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH and show El Grito and The Bowery Poetry Club & Café what you are made of. Let the audience figure out the meaning of the piece by its delivery and message. That will give them a reason to inquire about it after the show – allowing you to connect with your audience and new fans. Challenge yourself and spit your piece with “NO INTROS!” Tell them SPOKEN WORD NEW YORK sent you!

“NO INTROS!” MONTHLY POETRY OPEN MIC & ARTIST SHOWCASE

EVERY 4TH WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
6pm – 9pm
$10 for 1; $15 for 2
**Bring a Friend**

Hosted by: John “Chance” Acevedo

Curated by: “TRUE”

The Bowery Poetry Club & Café
308 Bowery (Btwn Houston and Bleecker)
NY 10012
(212) 614-0505

http://www.bowerypoetry.com/

**F train to 2nd Ave, 6 to Bleecker

For TIMES AND MONTHLY DATE on “No Intros!”, email:
True_poetess[at]yahoo.com
Elgritodepoetas[at]gmail.com

Before Simply Rob laces up to take on his 26.2 mile ING NYC Marathon run, he and his fellow El Grito members will be hosting a fundraiser affectionately titled “From Running the Streets to Running the Streets.” This will be a performance showcase held at the Harlem United El Fero in NYC to aid Simply Rob in his efforts to raise his goal set amount of $2,500. Some of NYC’s hottest talent has come aboard to perform along with the exceptionally-poetic stage presence of El Grito De Poetas. Performing will be: Bomba y Plena sensation Machete Movement, NYC’s premiere Latino Spoken Word troupe El Grito De Poetas, HBO Def Poet Vanessa Hidary aka Hebrew Mamita, Actress/Comedian Marilyn Torres and Singer Jeannie Sol. Hosted By Caridad De La Luz aka La Bruja. And as a bonus treat, you will be welcomed and greeted by the lovely Boricua Goddess. Donations will be greatly appreciated at walk-in and throughout the night.

Please come out and support Simply Rob’s “From Running the Streets to Running the Streets” – Fundraiser. Show your caring and understanding to people who live and love just as you and I. Show your appreciation for life by supporting the lives of thousands in New York. Make sure to get there early and stay late for a pre/post-show reception where you can speak with members of Harlem United, the performers of the night and Simply Rob himself.

“From Running The Streets to Running The Streets” – A Fundraiser for Simply Rob’s Harlem United Marathon Run

Support: $10.00

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

6:30pm – 9:30pm

Harlem United El Faro
179 East 116th St btw 3rd & Lex
New York, NY

**Dinner will be available for $7

Read more about “Simply Rob” Vassilarakis’ story at his Harlem United Marathon page. Here, you are also welcomed to make donations and learn more about what Harlem United is doing for the New York communities: http://www.harlemunited.org/teamharlemunited/runner.php?marathon_date=201111&runners_number=300

For more info on Simply Rob as a poet, you can find him at the following links:

http://www.myspace.com/robvsimply

http://www.myspace.com/elgritodepoetas

http://www.youtube.com/user/elgritodepoetas

http://www.facebook.com/robvsimply

What exactly do you do?

I am a spoken word performer with dreams of walking the line of performance poet and literary poet successfully.

How did you get started?

I went to a show by myself, saw some poets perform, figured it was something I had the ability to do.  Wrote a poem, read it aloud, thought my hands were shaking too much, then swore to myself I would never hold a paper again while I did a piece.

When did you know you wanted to get into performing Spoken Word for the public?

After the first reaction I ever got from a crowd.  I really appreciated the head nods, the appreciative sounds they made, the rounds of applause.  First poem I ever performed was an erotic poem.  I quickly learned I did not only want to be labeled as an erotic poet.  There were far too many subjects of relevance to talk about besides sex.

What or who inspired you to become an artist?

Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu are the first people that come to mind.  Oh and Floetry!  How could I forget Floetry !  These women, though musical, are all very poetic.  And as a music lover, I always appreciated how they implemented good lyric writing into their music.  Throw in India Arie as well.  From a literary standpoint, I think the one poet I have admired for a very long time is Sylvia Plath.  She’s dark.  She’s deep. She’s a genius.  I’ve recently been introduced to the works of Rita Dove.  She has this poem about Billie Holiday called Canary that blew my mind when I first read it.  Nikki Giovanni is on my IPOD.  Her Poem for Aretha is fantastic.  Audre Lorde, Sharon Olds, and now….Lucille Clifton.  I find myself inspired by powerful women when it comes to literature.  There are some men as well who really speak to me.  I’ve recently become a fan of Yusef Koumanyaka.  These are people who I’ve never met, never seen, never spoken to.  but there words speak to me.  That’s the kind of writer I want to be.

How does your style of Spoken Word poetry differ from other artists?

I honestly could not tell you.  I’m of the opinion that many of us in poetry are saying the same things.  It’s just a matter of it sounding different to different ears.

Who are your favorite entertainers?

Funny enough, my favorite entertainers are not in the spoken word scene.  Except maybe Narubi Selah.  If you have no idea who she is, Google her.  I’ve never seen anyone perform their poems with the energy she does on stage.  She’s a beast.  Aside from her, everyone else is either a Soca or Reggae artist.  Random, I know.  But it’s the energy they bring.  Machel Montano, you won’t find someone who can out-perform him.  Bunji Garlin, lyrically, no one can test him Soca.  Faye Ann Lyons, woman who commands a stage on the Soca scene.  Queen Ifrica, my absolute favorite reggae artist, male or female.  She always has a message of substance, but does it with such a raw energy.  What she does onstage for reggae, I want to do onstage with my words.

What have you learned throughout your life about this business?

That it’s like any other community.  There are those who love you and that you will love, then there are those who hate and who you might hate.  It is what it is.  I think a lot of people step into the scene like I did–wide eyed.  You hear the term “poet” and you think you’re surrounded by a bunch of conscious people who are all about positivity and upliftment.  Many are.  Many are not.  It’s just another reflection of the world we live in.

Any advice to artists that are just starting out?

Stay true to who you are.  It’s very easy to become a carbon copy in any business.  You do not need to sound like a Def Poet.  You do not need to sound like a slam poet.  You do not need to sound like an ultra-conscious poet.  You do not need to sound like your favorite poet.  Sound like you.  I think that’s the one thing I’ve consistently done, and it continues to be the smartest thing I’ve ever done.

What have you accomplished since you began performing?

I think the most important thing I’ve gained from the spoken word scene is a sense of self.  I learned a lot about who I was as a person and an artist.  Alongside that, I’ve been able to snag an opportunity to host my own open mic show, which seems to be growing with each passing show.  It started out being a show of like 10 poets.  It is now a show consisting of musicians, singers, poets, dancers and more all meshing together simultaneously.  My writing has also improved, so much to the point that one of my poems was published in my school’s literary publication, Promethean.  I’ve also been able to work alongside (and gain the respect of) anthologized poets.  I owe it all to the spoken word scene.

What projects are you working on…what are your future plans?

I have a chapbook of poems named “The Beginning. ” It’s a short read…but written with the hopes of it being stimulating.
My major goal right now is applying to grad school to go for Corporate Communication and working towards a Master’s in education. Overall, I want to be a high school English teacher and an adjunct college professor.  I would love to be able to teach a creative writing class and help young people develop talents they never realized they had.  I’d love for my poems to be in an anthology.  It’d be awesome to see my work with the likes of Dove or Olds.

Where can people go to see you perform?

These days, I’m actually trying to not to be on the scene as much as I am really trying to focus on school.  I also feel like I need to experience new circles to have new subjects to write about.  So I’m in the process of trying to broaden my horizons. The spoken word scene is always home for me, but sometimes you have to leave the nest.

I will be starting a new event on Saturday, October 22, 2011 called BYA (sounds like Bee-ya).  It’s an acronym for BRING YOUR ART. The premise of it is to bring the jam session that I throw at my house to a more public place. There is no charge. No stress of money. We just want artists who feel the need to express something to have a playground, and people who just want to enjoy some organic artistry to have a place to come.  The other reason we decided to hold this event is because we are firm believers in supporting Black-owned businesses.  And Nova (located at 884 Pacific Street between Washington and Underhill) is an amazing piece of paradise that has a convenient location, an incredibly welcoming atmosphere, and is owned by a wonderful brotha by the name of Agyei Moyo. It will be a monthly event centered the concept of free–FREE ENTRY, FREE EXPRESSION, FREE LOVE.

In terms of reaching me, and for book purchase, catch me on my AOL – Aisha2385[at]aol.com.

Check out some of her videos here on Spoken Word New York or go to Youtube and search for “Jamica”. She is all over the “tube”.

To donate please go to http://www.harlemunited.org/teamharlemunited/runner.php?marathon_date=201111&runners_number=300

Who is “Simply Rob” Vassilarakis? Known as “Simply Rob” by his friends and poetry family, Rob Vassilarakis is a man who is a walking testament of a survivor. He is a man who faced the realms of death as a troubled youth living a life on the streets. In 2007 he took control of his life for himself – to not only tell his story, but to keep others from having to face their own personal demons alone. He is a profound poet who shares his journey through his writing. And as an activist, he is determined to do whatever possible to keep his story alive – to be heard by all whose lives are a reflection of his own.

Simply Rob is the type of guy that you like or you love – no space between. His aura gives off a vibe that says, “I’m approachable, I have nothing to hide.” He is a fun-loving guy who at one point of his life was lost and headed down a path of destruction. From his troubled past, he has developed growth and is on his way to leading a successful life that many find inspiring and empowering. My first encounter with Rob was at his anniversary show for his poetry group. At the end of the show, a stranger to him, I approached him with open arms and said “I don’t know you, but I love you.” That’s the affect Simply Rob has on people.

“Rob is such a sweet guy. He possesses such a great energy” ~ Latanya DeVaughn

As a poet, Simply Rob is a storyteller. His writing is scripture from the book of his own personal life. He shares his experiences and knowledge through his mentoring of the “at risk” youth of NYC; Spoken Word Poetry and as a co-founding member of the award-winning ALL Latino Poetry Collective El Grito De Poetas. El Grito De Poetas is a Poetry troupe of 7 that uses poetry to share their poetic gifts, as well as to give back to their community. El Grito has won accolades for their selfless work for schools – their effort to educate through the art of poetry. As well as awarded the Distinguished Service Award for their exceptional accomplishments in HIV/AIDS service delivery.

“Taking stock in recent changes I have made
To make my life even better
I gain strength from the power
That comes from choosing my battles
“Evitar no es ser cobarde”, Mami used to say
So I no longer fight fire with fire
I fight fire with water and avoid getting burned
Through my mistakes I learn
The more I learn the more I realize the less I know
I do my best to remain open so I can grow
De-fragment my computer so it won’t run as slow
The people places and things best not hanging on to
I let them go
And make room for some things new” ~ Excerpt from “Inner Reflection” by Simply Rob

Rob, as an activist for HIV/AIDS awareness, has dedicated his humbled life to educating and giving a voice to this opportunistic disease. He has shown dedication to joining the fight against ignorance of the disease and volunteered countless hours to raise funds for research and support of victims. Recently inspired by a dear friend of his, he has taken on the challenge of running the Team Harlem United’s 2010 ING New York City Marathon on November 6th. Harlem United is an agency dedicated to provide education, prevention of HIV/AIDS and comprehensive support services for individuals affected by the disease. Rob is a participating 2010 Class Member of Harlem United dedicating his time and energy to help one of the most under-served communities in New York.

“Through his voluntary participation he will achieve a dream of crossing the finish line in one of the greatest races in the world and make a difference in the lives of thousands of people.” ~ Harlem United – http://www.harlemunited.org/teamharlemunited/runner.php?marathon_date=201111&runners_number=300

Before Simply Rob laces up to take on his 26.2 mile ING NYC Marathon run, he and his fellow El Grito members will be hosting a fundraiser affectionately titled “From Running the Streets to Running the Streets.” This will be a performance showcase held at the Harlem United El Fero in NYC to aid Simply Rob in his efforts to raise his goal set amount of $2,500. Some of NYC’s hottest talent has come aboard to perform along with the exceptionally-poetic stage presence of El Grito De Poetas. Performing will be: Bomba y Plena sensation Machete Movement, NYC’s premiere Latino Spoken Word troupe El Grito De Poetas, HBO Def Poet Vanessa Hidary aka Hebrew Mamita, Actress/Comedian Marilyn Torres and Singer Jeannie Sol. Hosted By Caridad De La Luz aka La Bruja. And as a bonus treat, you will be welcomed and greeted by the lovely Boricua Goddess. Donations will be greatly appreciated at walk-in and throughout the night.

If you know Simply Rob then you know of his ability to draw you into his stories of his life; share his love of life and his dedication to living an enlightening, energetic life that sets a positive example for the youth and people in his community. Read or Listen to his story; learn how he triumphed from a life on the streets; get educated on the facts of HIV/AIDS and learn from him how giving back is a sure-fire way of appreciating your own life. Learn from him how it’s never too late to turn your life around.

Simply put, if we stop to listen to one man’s story, it may bring understanding and change into the world; making it a better place for the next generation.

Please come out and support Simply Rob’s “From Running the Streets to Running the Streets” – Fundraiser. Show your caring and understanding to people who live and love just as you and I. Show your appreciation for life by supporting the lives of thousands in New York. Make sure to get there early and stay late for a pre/post-show reception where you can speak with members of Harlem United, the performers of the night and Simply Rob himself.

“From Running The Streets to Running The Streets” – A Fundraiser for Simply Rob’s Harlem United Marathon Run

Support: $10.00

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

6:30pm – 9:30pm

Harlem United El Faro
179 East 116th St btw 3rd & Lex
New York, NY

**Dinner will be available for $7

Read more about “Simply Rob” Vassilarakis’ story at his Harlem United Marathon page. Here, you are also welcomed to make donations and learn more about what Harlem United is doing for the New York communities: http://www.harlemunited.org/teamharlemunited/runner.php?marathon_date=201111&runners_number=300

For more info on Simply Rob as a poet, you can find him at the following links:

http://www.myspace.com/robvsimply

http://www.myspace.com/elgritodepoetas

http://www.youtube.com/user/elgritodepoetas

http://www.facebook.com/robvsimply

TO DONATE: ONLINE PAYMENT, MERCHANT ACCOUNT – PAYPAL

Who Is P.O.E.T.?

“Ibrahim Siddiq aka P.O.E.T is not your average spoken word artist, more so an activist and philosopher rooted in poetry. P.O.E.T is an acronym for Putting Out Eternal Thoughts. He believes thought is creative energy and that the world is the way it is because of our collective thoughts about it. P.O.E.T wants to serve as a light for the worlds potential, meaning the knowledge he posses, the principals and philosophies that he presents aren’t necessarily ones he has created but rather discovered. Knowledge is there whether you seek it or not. Just as when you walk into a dark room and flip a switch the light does not create the objects within that room but merely makes you aware of its presence. He wishes for all people to realize their potential for greatness.”

What Is The Artist Collective All About?

“The Artist” Collective is a Philanthropic Artistic Movement that P.O.E.T has been working on for several years. It’s a network of Artists of all different genres (Music, Poetry, Photography, etc.) coming together as One in order to both live out their art, as well as do their part in helping out their collective communities. P.O.E.T’s hopes are that one day “The Artist” will reach far enough that the collective communities will include the entire World. The Collective will include various projects and ventures but will start with 3 main projects and will branch out from there.

Why Does “The Artist” Collective Company Want To Help The Community?

Ibrahim P.O.E.T Siddiq is a man with a mind that reaches far beyond the acuity of what some may find “the norm.” He is a madman when it comes to his ideals and beliefs. But he also shares with others the understanding and compassion that is necessary to be someone who possesses the power of a great mind. He is a man of dreams, that he turns into visions that not only becomes his reality, but the reality of others. He is a goal setter; a seeker and a leader. A man who sets out to accomplish the impossible and opens the minds of the non-believer.

“The Artist” Collective encompasses all that P.O.E.T is about. It will bring out the positives of what great art is and help build a brand that will benefit the entire art world. Everything has a beginning. And everything begins with PEOPLE. People, no matter who, are always needed to work with one another; to believe in something, in order for new movements or developments to happen and grow.

How YOU Can Help!

DONATIONS – You can help by making your donation TODAY of $20 dollars and more to kick start the funding for the three projects. With each donation given, “The Artist” Collective will be giving the contributor back a gift. Donation page – ONLINE PAYMENT MERCHANT ACCOUNT – PAYPAL

SPREAD THE WORD – By spreading the word and sharing the information and link (http://www.rockethub.com/projects/2967-the-artist-collective) to the fund raising page, you are helping to support the start-up of “The Artist” Collective and its efforts to bring money into its collective communities. Spreading the word can include: posting to your Facebook; Twitter; your blog and/or any other form of Social Networking you choose to use.

To Donate TODAY – ONLINE PAYMENT MERCHANT ACCOUNT – PAYPAL

For more information about “The Artist” Collective and how YOU CAN HELP, contact Ibrahim P.O.E.T Siddiq on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ibrahim-Siddiq-aka-POET/171763343018

Website – http://www.poet.bandcamp.com/

Vibe Magazine’s “Verbal Stimulation” is a recurring showcase of poets, storytellers, singers, lyricists, and MCs. “Verbal Stimulation” is a blend of performances by well known NYC talent, as well as up and coming unknown artists.

At “Verbal Stimulation”, hosted by Poet/Artist Mahogany L. Browne, all performers will have the opportunity to gain exposure as well as experience.  With each showcase there will be a contest amongst performers and the selected winner of the night will win a feature/headline in the following Vibe Magazine “Verbal Stimulation” showcase, as well as a cover story on the website.

Vibe Magazine’s “Verbal Stimulation” Spoken Word Showcase will be held at the Hell’s Kitchen Lounge in Manhattan. A place where you can enjoy good eats, good drinks, and hookah. Be sure to bring a friend with you THIS coming Tuesday, September 27th and enjoy the show. Mahogany L. Browne will DEFINITELY host a fantastic night of great entertainment.

Poets, Storytellers, Singers, Lyricists and MCs – bring your ‘A’ game. “Verbal Stimulation” brings stimulation to the mind, body and soul – Where Spoken Word Makes An Impact.

Vibe Magazine Presents “Verbal Stimulation: Where Spoken Word Makes An Impact”- Hosted by Mahogany L. Browne

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Doors open at 7:30pm – Words drop at 8:30pm

Tickets are $12 at the door – 21+ to enter (Must show ID)

Hell’s Kitchen Lounge
405 W 39th St (between 9th Ave & Dyer Ave)
New York, NY 10018

Trains: 1,2,3 – A,C,E to Times Square 42nd Street or Port Authority and walk down 9th Avenue; make a right on 39th street

John “Chance” Acevedo is not only a poet and member of the ALL Latino, award-winning troupe El Grito De Poetas, he is an educator by profession and philanthropist. His work as an educator, poet and host, along with his volunteering with countless charities and fundraisers has made him known throughout the tri-state area as “the hardest working host on the scene.”

“Voices Unleashed” at the Milford Fine Arts Council in Milford, CT will be one of his next stops in hosting. “Voices Unleashed”, brought to you by Flora “LaPoeta” Montes and Fancy Fork Caterers, will be a night of Spoken Word Poetry and Art – filled with passion; inspiration; motivation and entertainment. And not to forget, great food.

Some of the hottest poets in the NY area will be performing for this event. Featuring for “Voices Unleashed” will be “Simply Rob” Vassilarakis of El Grito De Poetas; Peggy Robles-Alvarado and Thomas Fucaloro. Along with great poetry, you will get to see the artwork of visual artist Edgar Galarza.

Features:

Peggy Robles-Alvarado is an educator with Masters degrees in elementary and bilingual education. With her talents as a poet, she infuses great strength into her Spoken Word Poetry, bringing life to verses relating to identity; sensuality; and spirituality. She has been published online at Dealmas.org and Sofrito For Your Soul. Her work will also be featured in the online publication for Hunter College’s Center for Puerto Rican Studies titled “Letras”. She has just completed her first book of poetry titled “Conversations With My Skin”, available at Amazon.com.

Rob “Simply Rob” Vassilarakis as a poet, is a true storyteller. His writing is scripture from the book of his own personal life. He shares his experiences with issues related to sex/sexual identity and HIV/AIDS prevention and education through his mentoring of the “at risk” youth of NYC; Spoken Word Poetry and as a co-founding member of the award-winning ALL Latino Poetry Collective El Grito De Poetas. And as a poet, educator and activist, he is determined to do whatever possible to keep his story alive – to be heard by all whose lives are a reflection of his own.

Thomas Fucaloro is an editor with Uphook Press and published author of ”Inheriting Craziness Is Like A Soft Halo Of Light”. If you know Tom, you know that he has a special type of charismatic-charm that will have you crying with laughter and grabbing at your sides. His poetry style is full of life and storytelling. Once you see and hear him perform on stage, you are sure to become an instant fan of his. When asked to describe his poetry style, Tom says “I believe that the children are the future. I believe we should teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside….and then have a beer and write some poems.”

“Voices Unleashed” Presents – The Best In Spoken Word – Hosted by John “Chance” Acevedo

Friday, September 23, 2011
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Tickets – $15 (can be purchased ahead or at the door)
Students – $10 with Student ID

**Appetizers & Beverages will Be Provided by Fancy Fork Caterers

Milford Fine Arts Council
40 Railroad Avenue
Milford, CT 06460-3332
(203) 878-6647

From New York:
I-95 to Exit 37, High Street exit. Take right off ramp, cross over Route 1. Go straight to first stop sign, take left onto West Main Street. Take second right onto West River Street (Parsons Complex and Church are landmarks ). Go straight until reaching railroad underpass. Take immediate right after underpass and proceed to Center for the Arts (former eastbound Railroad Station).

**For more information on “Voices Unleashed” or Fancy Fork Caterers, please contact Flora “LaPoeta” Montes at (203) 893-5553 or senoritachef[at]gmail.com.

El Museo del Barrio offers, every third Saturday of the month, a Spoken Word Series called Speak Up!/Speak Out!. This Spoken Word showcase features an exciting line-up of Latino poets who have voiced their minds in speakeasies and small clubs around the city. Each evening is organized and hosted by a guest poet. After the performances, the audience is encouraged to grab the mic and Speak Up!

Speak Up!/Speak Out! is showcasing a special FREE event “SPEAK UP! Rhythmic Intuition Presents – “Barrio n Spirit”“ to start off its fall installment. Tito Luna, along with “Barrio n Spirit” invites you to explore the artistry of 5 individually diverse and creative artists, as they express their artistic spirit through poetry, music, and dance. Come and enjoy an evening of elevation with artists: BombaYo, Infinite, Marilyn Torres, Ngoma Hill and Tito Luna, as they offer and exchange their life experiences, self-awareness and rhythmic intuition with you.

“”Barrio n Spirit” was brought about to bring together a group of artists that covered a full spectrum of artistry through music, dance, poetry, history, culture, etc. Where you are from, your “barrio”, can shape and mold your creativity; your spirit per se, in a positive way. It plays an important factor in who you are. We are all connected to the places in which we live; where we travel to; where we visit. Even places we may never have been to like Africa or El Salvador – a country or origin that was home to our ancestors and where our bloodline was rooted from. Through presentation of art, one can see and witness the art in the individual artist – the barrio in the artist and of course the spirit of the artist.” – Tito Luna, Curator of “Barrio n Spirit”

There will be a short Open Mic session during the show. Only two 4-minute time slots will be available and raffled off in the beginning of the show for the Open Mic session. After the show, there will be a book signing.

Featuring for SPEAK UP! Rhythmic Intuition Presents – “Barrio n Spirit” will be:

NGOMA HILL

Ngoma is a performance poet, multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and paradigm shifter, who for over 40 years has used culture as a tool to raise sociopolitical and spiritual consciousness through work that encourages critical thought.
A former member of the SPIRIT HOUSE MOVERS AND PLAYERS with Amiri Baraka and the Contemporary Freedom Song Duo, SERIOUS BIZNESS, Ngoma weaves poetry and song that raises contradictions and searches for a solution for a just and peaceful world. Ngoma was the Prop Slam winner of the 1997 National Poetry Slam Competition in Middletown, CT and was published in AFRICAN VOICES MAGAZINE, LONG SHOT ANTHOLOGY, THE UNDERWOOD REVIEW, SIGNIFYIN’ HARLEM REVIEW, BUM RUSH THE PAGE/DEF POETRY JAM ANTHOLOGY, POEMS ON THE ROAD TO PEACE (Volumes 1,2 & 3)- Yale Press and “LET LOOSE ON THE WORLD: CELEBRATING AMIRI BARAKA at 75″. He was featured in the PBS Spoken Word Documentary, “The Apro-Poets” with Allen Ginsberg.
Ngoma has curated and hosted the slam at the Dr. Martin Luther King Festival of Social and Environmental Justice Festival (Yale University-New Haven, CT) since 1996. His newest C.D “Poetry from a Smart Phone is a series of poems and music that were all written during the National Poetry  Month 30/30 Challenge of 2011. All music and poetry written and performed by Ngoma with the exception of “The Crow On the Cradle”-Sydney Carter/Jackson Brown(Covered by Ngoma) “Ngoma’s Not Your Average String Thing – Vocals, Bamboo Flute, Electrik Violin, Acoustic Guitar, Yidaki (Didgeridoo) & Garage Band Tracks.

INFINITE

Consider her armed and dangerous with a pen and a vividly intriguing imagination. Infinite was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She is a gifted performance actor, choreographer, writer, visual artist and vocalist who often combine her amazing skills with her spoken word performances. It is also a vehicle by which she passionately speaks for her people all over the world.
A graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor in Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Infinite has graced stages throughout the East Coast since the delicate age of three. Even then, her destiny was predetermined and her creative passion ignited. Appropriately named Infinite, because of her many indelible talents, she believes the end result of each of her creative endeavors are infinitely unique and thought-provoking as well as infinitely rich in creative divinity.
In addition, she is filled with an abundance of natural talent that is waiting to be shared with the rest of the world.  It is through these gifts and talents that she believes her work will transcend time allowing her art to continue to educate, nurture, bring hope, revelation, and evoke passion in the lives of others. Whether performing one of her powerfully written poems that identify many of today’s social plagues such as racism, socialism, sexism, or through a cleverly crafted and delicately executed choreographed work, audiences are guaranteed to be spellbound.  When addressing other topics such as love, intimacy, self-esteem, male/female relationships, Infinite terrifically balances strength with vulnerability that she envelopes in a matter-of-fact delivery.  This helps to naturally further draw one into her special world. A world of limitless creativity, not contained within a box, but constructed without walls, ceilings, or windows placed on stage for all to enjoy allowing her to remain infinitely “Infinite”.

BOMBAYO

About Dr. Drum Jose Ortiz aka Dr. Drum, a Bronx native, is a self-taught percussionist of Afro Caribbean rhythms. He is an advocate for the cultural arts and has been active as an organizer and educator of Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba, a traditional African derived music and art form.
For the past 11 years, he has taught at numerous after-school programs throughout NYC. He has developed original curricula for teaching percussion to young people. Dr. Drum has received professional teaching artist training through the Brooklyn Arts Council and City Lore. He has co-chaired a committee and presented for the Bomba Research Conference.
Presently, he is co founder and musical director of BombaYo Afro-Puerto Rican Youth Project. Dr. Drum’s work helps youth members develop a strong sense of identity and responsibility through actively exploring their cultural roots. Dr. Drum’s engaging style encourages children and adults to explore their own musicality. He sees this art form as a vehicle for self-discipline, cultural affirmation, and healing. In doing this work he seeks to bring awareness and appreciation of the contributions of the African Diaspora in the Americas.
Today Jose Ortiz is known as Dr. Drum and is an independent full time community artist advocating for Puerto Rican culture to it’s fully capacity.  Most recently, Dr. Drum shared his musical talent on a CD album track with Corbin Bleu and William Cepeda, entitled “Our Deepest Fear”. Today he is most proud of his new founding project “Los Robles de Casabe” a senior citizen program designed for people of all ages to learn the Afro-Puerto Rican tradition of Bomba.

MARILYN TORRES

Marilyn Torres hails from Harlem, New York.  She has appeared in films
such as Maid In Manhattan, Lady in the Water, Bella and Bernard & Doris.
Her television appearances include Law & Order SVU, Law & Order,
Flight of the Concord, The Unusuals and The Chris Rock Show. Ms. Torres
has created one woman shows such as “I Have Something to Say” and
“SnapShots”.  Her monologues have been featured on the legendary ShowTime
at the Apollo and HBO Latino.  Marilyn has also graced the stage in
Agony of the Agony at The Vinyard Theater and Breath Broom at Yale Rep.
She was also part of  The Tribeca Theater Festival produced by Robert De Niro.
You can look for her in the soon to be released Musical Chairs with Priscilla
Lopez and Another Bullshit Night in Suck City with Robert De Niro.  Along with
her acting she serves as a teaching artist for inner city kids and the
incarcerated.  She loves helping the youth find their voice.

TITO LUNA

Born to Salvadorian and Mexican immigrant-working parents in Los Angeles, California, Tito Luna quickly learned the responsibilities of raising a family and did not like watching his family struggle with the hardships that fell upon his mother and grandmother. It was then, around thirteen that Tito began writing stories of his life and what he saw happening around him. It wasn’t until he was eighteen that he began to share his writings with people who rightfully coined him a “Poet” due to his complex writing style. Slowly he began writing poetry and prose; stories that allowed him to speak out on his pain and struggle – “These raw written words extend from a community of survival.”

Tito Luna has endured the life of a first generation immigrant Latino male; has taken from what he has lived and is now able to help others. His personal goal is to one day be a guidance counselor for troubled youth. As a poet, he has helped facilitate workshops for middle and high school students in the NY area. He is a member of the all Latino, award-winning poetry collective El Grito De Poetas; a member of the comedy cast “Lose Control” and was recently published in the anthology for “El Museo Del Barrio”. Tito Luna speaks the language of the people. His poetry touches the lives of whom he relates to – the working poor; those who do not have a voice; those who sit in silence, in solitude, afraid that they are alone in their troubles. He wants to reach the addicts; people who live a life of “hand me outs and hand me downs” – the people we tend to try to forget. His poetry helps people become comfortable with who they are. He would like to spark inspiration to people to look at life a little differently and be thankful for the life they have.

SPEAK UP! Rhythmic Intuition Presents – “Barrio n Spirit”

Saturday, September 17, 2011
6:30pm – 8:30pm (inside El Café)
FREE! FREE! FREE!
R.S.V.P requested

El Museo del Barrio
1230 Fifth Avenue @ 104th St.
Manhattan, NY 10029

http://www.elmuseo.org/

#6 train to 103rd Street station, walk one block north to 104th Street, then two blocks west to Fifth Avenue.
#2 or #3 train to 110th Street and Lenox Avenue, walk one block east to Fifth Avenue, then south to 104th Street.