And that’s exactly what I did last Thursday night ... I showed up to take in some prose at Poetic Paradise, hosted by the soon-to-be world-renowned Poetic X (formerly known as Poetic Justice).
The time: 8 pm.
The theme: Words Shall Set You Free.
I arrived right around 7 pm and saw Poetic standing inside the doorway, directing the event’s setup. He greets me as any Southern gentleman would (politely) and welcomes me to his domain.
I’ve never been to H&H before, but just the mention of the spot warrants a lot of gasps and warnings about “the ‘hood”. I’d passed by it many times, back in the day when Pete Harris was the place to be after the club, but had never been inside – until Thursday night.
From the outside it looks like an artistically decorated juke joint. And it looks pretty much the same on the inside.
After greeting some familiar faces, I took my place on a red leather loveseat. The spot was reminiscent of basement bars and underground cafes in some of the biggest cities in the country.
A quaint and cozy setting, the Lounge is filled with an eclectic spirit. A range of framed art covers the walls, groups of knickknacks are scattered across shelves and awnings, and the furniture is a mix-match of textures, colors and materials.
The atmosphere lets you know that all are welcome, no matter your shape, size or color.
This is a place where looks don’t matter and creativity is key – and where legends and amateurs co-exist in the name of artistic expression.
As I looked around, I noticed printed words posted all over the building. Words like: Reading. Vision. Study. Concept. Yield. Magnify. Queen. Obama.
All the words were carefully and probably strategically placed on the walls, tables and even the speakers and doors as part of the night’s theme, “Words Shall Set You Free”.
Poetic said that words have power and you can speak almost anything into fruition. Words can bring joy and pain. And I agree with that.
Words are probably the most powerful thing in the world. It’s the one thing you share with everyone each and every day ... whether you want to or not. A “Hello”, a “Thank You” or an expletive in traffic ... all words. And especially when it comes to those you love, teach and even despise ... words can definitely be powerful because your words could be carried with them for a lifetime.
But I digress ...
As the setup continued, Poetic greeted me once again and handed me a single red rose – my first in years.
It tickled me that someone who had no interest in me romantically could find a way to capture my heart (in the most plutonic sense) with a simple gesture. Every woman who entered the building received the same treatment and it made us all feel like queens.
During the pre-show period, the room was filling with excitement. The air was filled with the sounds of chatter and a mix of music that ranged from spirituals and musicals to 80’s pop and current R&B.
As the King of the evening took the stage to welcome us, people took their seats. Folks trickled in from outside for the first hour ... but by 9 pm or so ... it was standing room only.
Poetic was humbled by the turnout – letting us know that it’s never been that packed in the nine months he’s been hosting the event. It was the first time I saw him speechless as he looked out into the crowd, thankful that we came to support his efforts – his dream.
Poetic is hoping that what once was just a handful of people will turn into a room full of welcoming fans. He even handed out Thank You cards to each person that night, to show his appreciation for their presence.
During the night Poetic (pictured above) blessed us with several pieces – “Is There A Heaven for a Poet”, “Jena 6” (an awesome piece) and “Obama Nation” (an inspiring tribute to our new President) – but he wasn’t the only artist to take the stage.
Several aspiring singers entertained us, as did a virgin poets (getting on the mic for the first time ever).
Poetic’s own sister (pictured above), who goes by the name “Tha Storyteller” proved that poetry was in the blood when she delivered some lyrics that warranted a standing ovation by yours truly. She won the night’s poetry slam, taking home a prize and a trophy.
Other poets that blessed the mic included spoken word artist NSpired (pictured above; who hosts her own open mic night at JOSH Lounge, and is a former classmate of mine!), KWest (a photographer extraordinaire who is also a poet), and another locally-known poet by the name of Prodigal Son who performed a piece that threw us all for a loop – but was completely entertaining. Poetic and KWest tried to coax me into performing, but I’m not crazy! :)
Along with poetry we heard from some local artists who are on the label Grind Hard Entertainment. A young man with gifted vocals, and a young lady with a passion for rap, gave us hope that Shreveport does have some talent that goes beyond “bounce” and club music.
The room was filled with young artists from the label and they all seemed to revel in the artistic atmosphere.
The youngest in the crowd were members of Poetic’s latest venture – POP, or Poetry Outreach Program. It is a non-profit group that is helping youth through the power of poetry.
Poetic told the crowd that poetry saved his life. And he’s giving that gift to the next generation. His daughter and cousin are the first members of the POP and they even took the mic to perform original pieces.
As if a night full of artistic entertainment wasn’t enough ... the event also included free food and, during the intermission, there was a chance to network with some of the city’s most influential movers and shakers, plus profesionalls in the entertainment game.
The room was packed with talented people -- Producers, Journalists, Publishers, Business Owners and Directors, Photographers, Inventors, Music Produers, Singers & Rappers. Even members of the Nation of Islam (pictured below) were there.
Anyone looking to connect with the best in SBC business & entertainment should make sure they are under this roof on Thursday nights. I managed to promote my blog, book a model for a photo shoot and make appointments to do bios for some of the artists who performed that night.
But networking and entertaining wasn’t the sole purpose of Thursday night’s event. It was about words – Setting you free.
And Poetic Paradise could be your first class ticket to freedom. No GPS or Google Map needed. And it’s absolutely free.
The place: H&H Lounge (717 Hope St.)
The day/time: Thursday nights; Doors open at 7 pm, Show begins at 8 pm.
You can contact Poetic X at on his MySpace page you can find audio and video of his poetry performances, and video from the poetry nights. You can also get more information on his upcoming CD “From The Soil To The Surface.” And check out his YouTube site as well.
Poetic X can also be found in the Feb/Mar issue of DREAM Entrepreneur Guide (formerly known as DREAM Magazine).
Not only is he featured, he is now a contributing writer!
Much luv, peace and blessings to X ... March on brotha and thanks for the endless inspiration - m
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