2008 Woodie Awards
OPEN MIC POETRY NIGHT SPREADS LOVE
Students take to the mic for impromptu performances
By: Stephanie Covington
Issue date: 3/3/05 Section: Culture
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Performances of professional spoken word artists and amateurs alike drew the crowd to applaud and laugh at times and nearly cry at others.
That night marked the eighth year that "Love Jones" has been held at Webster University. The event is based on the 1997 film "Love Jones," which was written and directed by Theodore Witcher. The film, which revolves around events at a poetry nightclub, introduced the art of spoken word poetry to millions.
At the start of the evening, DJ Colbert took to the stage and welcomed the audience. He encouraged audience members to consider performing, even if they had never performed before. Colbert also encouraged musicians and vocalists to share their talents.
"You can do anything," Colbert said. "This is your stage."
A pen and legal pad were passed around the audience while Colbert coaxed a few members to sign up to perform. A local band, BC Band, played soothing jazz and rhythm and blues tunes in the background.
Dana Gilmore and Malik Yusef, known as "The Wordsmyth," performed several original pieces. Both Gilmore and Yusef have been featured on HBO's "Russell Simmons: Def Poetry Jam." Yusef was hired to coach actor Lorenze Tate for his role as a poet in the movie "Love Jones." Gilmore is from Kansas City, Mo., and Yusef is from Chicago.
Gilmore's performance rallied a standing ovation at the conclusion of a piece she called "Sweet Sixteen." Yusef's performance included a piece titled "I spit..." which was featured on the HBO show.
Last year, the event was held at the Community Music School in a large performance hall and there wasn't as a big a turnout as this year. Shay Malone, coordinator of the Multicultural Center, said she prefers an intimate setting for "Love Jones" rather than bigger venues.
"Having it on campus allows more students to come," Malone said.
Malone said both artists were available through Sphinx Management, which helped to bring them to Webster.
"I usually come to 'Love Jones' every year," said Michael King, a graduate public relations major. "The Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs did a great job of finding the talent and letting non-famous or amateur poets show their stuff. This is my third year going,"
King took the stage and recited a short poem at the urge of friends in the audience. Student talent included spoken word poetry, a solo vocal/piano performance as well as a soulful duet including a rap chorus.
"I enjoyed it," said sophomore Alexandra Watts, an international business major. "I had lots of fun. I liked everybody as a collective."