EVENT ALERTs: Poetry, and More Poetry ... All Over The SBC!

No disrespect to my boy Poetic X, but the Poet's Paradise is all over the SBC this week. I've got the lowdown on where you can get your speak on ... at local Open Mics this week:

TONIGHT (Tuesday), is the bi-monthly POET'S NIGHT OUT at the E&S Metro Hall (on Jewella Ave.). Presented by iNCEPTION Inc., the slam will feature the best of local poets, like Poetic X, Mocha Blue Blaze and Southern Poet.

You can bring your own work and bless the crowd during the Open Mic session. This event will happen every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month in the '09. Each event begins at 7 pm. For more information, call 332-5353.

• I don't know if they're still doing it but on WEDNESDAYS, TopCatLive (a local promoter) and TruniVerse were hosting an Open Mic/Poetry Night at Lil Joe's Tavern (across from Centenary on Kings Highway). Call 990-2972 for more information (also check the flyer bin at the bottom of our EVENTS PAGE).

On THURSDAY night, The "Port City Nupes" (aka the Xi Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi) will host "Koncrete Thoughtz" ... A night of poetry, singing, spoken word and music. Refreshments will be served.

The event will be held at THE PORT in the LSU-S Student Union, starting at 7 pm. Admission is $7 for non-students, and $3 with a College ID. (Special Greek discount all night). Non-Greeks, Bring 3 canned goods and receive a discount as well. For more information, call (318) 230-2408.

Also on Thursday:

• The famous Poetic Paradise at H&H Lounge, hosted by the AMAZING Poetic X (formerly known as Poetic Justice). Admission is free (donations accepted). $25 prize to best poet of the night. The Lounge is located at 717 Hope Street. Call (318) 221-3199 or (318) 424-9297 for more information. The event begins at 7 pm.

• Expressions After Dark begins at 8 pm at JOSH Lounge. This is an Open Mic featuring local talent. Women must be 23 years of age and men must be 25 years of age. Artist registration begins at 7:30 p.m. $5 admission. Call (318) 681-9960 or (318) 828-3050 for more information.

NEW STUFF: SBC Movies Hit Stores + New India.Arie

There are a few items of interest hitting the shelves this Tuesday. Two movies Made In The SBC, and one from Spike Lee ... plus a musical offering from India.Arie.


Check it out:

Nostalgic comedy SOUL MEN is now out on DVD. Shot mostly in Shreveport, the film stars the late Bernie Mac and Issac Hayes (both passed last summer, before the movie hit theaters). The movie is Rated R. (Flashback to my story on the movie's premiere by going HERE).

• Also in stores, on DVD, the film biopic "W", starring Josh Brolin. Though the arrest of the star seemed to make more headlines than the movie itself, I hear it's pretty interesting. This movie is also rated R.
  
  
  
  
  
  

It wasn't made in the SBC but it's still one you may want to add to your DVD (or Spike Lee) collection. MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA is the Spike Lee Joint focused on an all-black troop in WWII. It stars Derek Luke and Michael Ealy (and some other handsome fellaz). Flash back my story on its premiere HERE. This movie is also rated R.

IN THE WORLD OF MUSIC:

Acoustic songbird INDIA.ARIE returns to the music scene with her fourth solo release -- Testimony, Vol. 2: Love & Politics. The album is the 2nd volume of her melodic (and sometimes heartbreaking) love stories.

I'm excited she's returned to the scene, after a 2 1/2 year hiatus. And even though I rarely listen to the radio, I might listen this week to check out her single.

If you get the CD before I do, let me know how it is (because Vol. 1 didn't entice me like I hoped it would and I never bought it lol). In most stores you can get the CD for only $10 (this week).

Maybe this time next year, Miss India will be collecting a(nother) GRAMMY ...

Did you know that all three of her previous albums have been nominated for Best R&B Album? (only one won the award, "Voyage to India") ... AND she's been nominated FIFTEEN times but only won twice! (so five-time nominee Jazmine Sullivan shouldn't feel bad about not winning Sunday night).

LOTS to add to your DVD or music collection, so drop a few dollars (not on a bootleg) and support Black artits, actors, and filmmakers! :)