The Arts at Center Street will host its second open mic event Saturday, May 30, 2015. The first, titled “Odes & Odysseys,” which debuted in Spring 2014, featured our very own artist in residence, Benjamin Reese.
When asked about his motivation as a poet, Reese said, “I write poetry because I want to use language in surprising, inventive, and meaningful ways. I want to speak something that doesn’t just communicate facts, but moves, challenges, and awakens the listener.”
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/514ce42ae4b0d2e6d866511c/1432667144029-OSAOGEUGMT37WF0P20FA/Odes%26Odysseys_april_2014_%2811_of_51%29.jpg" alt=" The event was followed by coffee and conversation. The goal of events like these is to allow for ideas to develop through dialogue.&nbsp; " />
The event was followed by coffee and conversation. The goal of events like these is to allow for ideas to develop through dialogue.
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/514ce42ae4b0d2e6d866511c/1432667148005-5ARKJ2CNI02T28XC6ICX/Odes%26Odysseys_april_2014_%2822_of_51%29.jpg" alt=" C.F. Edwards shared an original poem, "Growing More Than Old." " />
C.F. Edwards shared an original poem, "Growing More Than Old."
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/514ce42ae4b0d2e6d866511c/1432667192243-MVXQXB0XXRW41EMHZDI3/Odes%26Odysseys_april_2014_%2814_of_51%29.jpg" alt=" Derek Bargatze was the emcee for the event, which allowed for both seasoned poets and novice performers to showcase their work.&nbsp; " />
Derek Bargatze was the emcee for the event, which allowed for both seasoned poets and novice performers to showcase their work.
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/514ce42ae4b0d2e6d866511c/1432667218157-G8RQOIZ2A1QXUWKL7JI9/Odes%26Odysseys_april_2014_%2838_of_51%29.jpg" alt=" Benjamin Reese, our featured poet, will headline this event, as he did last year.&nbsp; " />
Benjamin Reese, our featured poet, will headline this event, as he did last year.
Of last year's event, reviewer Brynn Buchanan wrote, “Poetry knows no borders. It crosses cultures, genders, and generations. It can be used and shared by both the literate and illiterate. It is a medium that powerful history writers cannot commandeer, for whoever can speak an honest word can tell a poem. It was in this spirit that the night of poetry was enjoyed, and, considering such, it was quite a success.” It is in this same spirit that we continue our tradition of creating a space and a moment for poets to share their words with others.
This year, The Arts at Center Street invites musicians and poets to perform. Benjamin Reese will return as resident featured poet, with the addition of local artist, Saran Thompson. A bilingual hip-hop artist, poet and music producer from Antioch, Tennessee, Thompson strives to write in such a way that promotes positivity and reinforces integrity with his listeners.
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