Poetic Academy presents…
Where were you Saturday April 15, 2017? I mean, really? See,
if you did not see what I had seen, I find it hard to believe you’re part of
the scene. You may not quite be in place to impart, in whole or in part, your
affinity for the arts, because while professionals presented prose, and crowds
arose to standing ovations, where and what were you creating? Read on, as I
digress from these lyrical Olympic games, and present a picture for your frame,
of reference. Frame of mind. A
mathematician of kinds. Of sorts, or of course. We have mastered the addition
of wordplay to multiply the impact of the words said, dividing audiences
between who was best, who’s up next, who just went. If you’re studious, you can
join the likes of us, more than liking us, write like us – matter of fact,
write like you. But as a student, you need a teacher. Then, pick up your pen
and let’s start the course. Now you’re on course, to succeed. Your first
session is my course, the official text follows below, my discourse:
Conceived and actualized in 2015, Poetic Academy is founder Robert
Lee Bolden’s outstanding, and successful, initiative to elevate the art form. At
a time in which the Arts are considered dismissible from schools, Bolden brings
art to the community. Directly engaging with artists and fans of the form,
Bolden knows that people over posters, conversation over cards, and friends
over flyers is what fills seats at the venues through which Poetic Academy engages
its audience. In his own words, this effort is to “not only make an impact on
this current generation, but also to engage and impact the previous and
succeeding generations as well.”
CrushHouse Arts Entertainment, appropriately named for such
an event as this, was the venue. A hidden gem off I-20 & Gresham Rd. in
Atlanta, CrushHouse is no newcomer to convening a collective of creatives. Chief
Executive Officer DiCharisse Tyson states, “CrushHouse is a hub for progressive
independent artists. We strive to continue to be a vehicle that helps artists
expand their brand and generate revenue doing what they love.” 
After several roundabout trips of surveying the parking
availability, one prime positon opened up in the front parking lot. At that
moment, though the night sky was illuminated by stars and moonlight, I saw
heaven open up brighter than day and communicate to me I was meant to be there.
Upon entry, a generous amount of hype was generated by DJ Shadow to set the tone and energy for the evening. Spinning
tracks from the likes of past and present lyrical geniuses; Tupac, Biggie, Nas,
Jay-Z, Drake, Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Big Sean and more – the stage was set. Had
the aforementioned artists not already have established careers, you would’ve
bet your life Poetic Academy’s ensemble was out to get them.
In my time there, artists Nyce, Leander, JordanL, and Kelvin Rowe took the stage. It was my
impression that the night was over after the first act, but subsequently, each
performer was a tough act to follow. Themes of everlasting love, new flings,
racial oppression, positive self-image and a greater potpourri of poetic prose
filled the room. As a mere spectator, I found myself believing everyone in the
audience was telling themselves, “I can do this.” Words filled the room and it
seemed as if they pulled up a seat beside us – engaging us in conversation to
the depths of their meaning.I’m not one for last minute plans, but if someone invites you to a Poetic Academy event on short notice, they mean well. Cancel plans, clear schedules, call sitters, call sick, do what you must (legally) to make it out.
To learn more about Poetic Academy, visit their personal Facebook page:
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