As I’m getting this new piece down for an open mic I’m attending tonight, I started reflecting on the last event I attended a few weeks back.  The event was named “Verses and Vibes” and was put together by Queena Bergen- without a doubt it was one of the best events I attended in a long time.  

                I first applauded the setup overall- I’m always thrilled to perform on an actual stage, but this one was jazzed up nice, it made me feel important lol – there was also a laptop that showed your social media information – something I appreciated a lot, because there are times I don’t like to (I know) or forget to share that after a set.  

                Second thing was the lineup – it was stacked with heavy hitters in both the writing and performing category – being a student of the game, I’m aware that one can be a great writer and not a great performer – and one can be a great performer and not a great writer – there are artists that know that too, and know how to lean into their strength.  I’ve never felt I was a great performer, whether it was because of my weight, my cadences throughout the pieces, and/or my overall movements, I’ve always felt there was something missing. I would have paid money to see that lineup, but Queena was able to get all those names to come out for free, a testimony to the love and respect people have for her. 

                I was definitely pleased with my set- felt I projected well, the pieces were well received, and I felt real comfortable on the stage- There are times where I feel a bit jittery being on a new stage (butterflies)- but that night there weren’t any. 

                One of the main things I enjoyed was seeing the different generations of poets from poetry life.  Every poet except two that graced the stage, I had a story with. 

                Before and after the show I spoke with poets and audience members whom spoke on my influence and how far my tree stretched in the poetry community. It made me feel honored – I always reflect back on the years I have graced a stage, the lives I’ve touched and the poems I have performed, but to hear people say it brought a different feeling upon me.