National Poetry Month. Overated?
April 29, 2006
Here’s an article I found on Newsweek/MSNBC talking about the apparent debate over the validity/importance of “National Poetry Month”.
The Cruelest (and Coolest) Month
It was really quite interesting to read both sides of the argument. However, those in the “National Poetry Month is a silly premise” category always seemed to come across as a bit elitist and proud of it.
Sure, on the surface, it may seem to demean the art of poetry to some, but I think the positive out-weighs any negative connotations. It is, in my opinion, the one time of the year when poetry is even talked about by some individuals and columnists. Just listen to my “Man on the Street” interviews a couple of podcasts back. Those individuals didn’t know it was National Poetry Month, but now they do. And now they will remember.
National Poetry Month. I’m all for it.
No CommentsCloudy Day Art #47 - Poetry Slam Against Drugs and Violence
April 24, 2006
This week’s show takes us to “The Poetry Slam Against Drugs and Violence” put on by high school senior and poet Chris “The Activist” Goins. The event was held at the Emergence Community Arts Collective here in Washington, DC.
It was a great event and I’m looking forward to hearing more from this young man.
Here’s the show’s breakdown:
00:52 The theme for “Second Sunday” for May 14th, is “Architecture and Buildings”
01:43 Da Nawlinz Groove promo
03:54 Background on how I found out about show
04:41 Interview with Chris Goins
13:37 Chris and Derek’s poetical introduction
17:40 Interview with Chris’s mother Tracey
21:03 Excerpts from the poetry show
30:15 Great intro of Chris by the host Tyrell
32:20 Two poems by Chris
38:45 Interview with Chris and Derek’s teachers Ms Murphy and Ms Costello
43:50 My reflections on the evening
44:57 Outro song “Fallen” by 360
Size: 30.4MB
Length: 53:05
Poetry Slam Against Drugs and Violence
April 22, 2006
Last night’s “Poetry Slam Against Drugs and Violence” put on by Chris “The Activist” Goins was very well done and I look forward to hearing and seeing more from this young man.
It seems rare that you see that much dedication to making a difference in someone so young, but I’m not convinced that it is as rare as we are made to believe. The media likes to play that angle, but we are not the media.
Be sure to check out Chris and his team on Cloudy Day Art #47 for a taste of your future.
No CommentsLooking forward to Friday
April 19, 2006
Friday is going to be a great day around DC. Gerry T and I will be covering two great local events here in DC. The NUSPAs and “The Poetry Slam Against Drugs and Violence”. (see “Announcements” for details).
We expect to get some great interviews and audio for you, so be sure to stay subscribed and be on the lookout for more great content here on Cloudy Day Art!
Ok, that’s enough reading. Shouldn’t you be writing something??? It is National Poetry Month after all!
No CommentsBurning Man
April 17, 2006
So, I was checking out the Burning Man website (see link on Show #46) and came across the giant purple head that Katy mentioned in the interview. Well the one on the Burning Man website is not safe for work , but this one is:
Flipping through all the pictures, it all seems so surreal and that kind of makes it appealing. It seems like it would be a very freeing and “spiritual” art experience.
Have any of you been?
No CommentsCloudy Day Art #46 - The Man on the Street
April 16, 2006
This week’s poetry podcast takes us to the “National Mall” here in Washington, DC.
I grab my portable recorder and interview random people about National Poetry Month and poetry in general.
I scored four interviews out of the ten attempts that I made, so I’m pretty happy about that.
Thanks to Gregory, Don P and Cinderella, Capri and Sherita, Katie and Vaysel for taking the time to talk to me.(Please forgive me for butchering your names!)
Burning Man, as mentioned by Katy.
Oh, here’s the Giant Purple Head
Also in this show:
Next month’s “Second Sunday” theme is “Buildings and Architecture”. All poems due by May 13th!
Voting for Slam Idol contest #10 has begun! Listen and vote today.
30 Days Poetry Podcast - Played promo and clip of show for the outro. Hosted by Scott Glassman.
Size: 20MB
Length: 28:59
Cloudy Day Art #45 - Second Sunday for April (Soul)
April 9, 2006
It’s another Second Sunday poetry podcast! This month’s theme, as suggested by Robert G. Parent.
This month’s contributions:
G.S. Buss - “Aylesford Friary” *
Robert G. Parent - “Symbol of God”
Belinda Subraman - “Approaching the Veil”
Will Brown - “Soul Circle”
Don’t forget that April is National Poetry Month here in the U.S.. Share some poetry today!
Outro song:
The Foundation - “Good to My Soul”
Length: 20:25
Size: 14MB
*note* G.S. Buss did not “skip to school” as I stated in his introduction. He “skipped school”…sorry. 
Cloudy Day Art #44 - Interview with Stephen Meads and Aaron Enskat
April 3, 2006
This week’s poetry podcast is an interview I conducted with poets Stephen Meads and Aaron Enskat during a recent performance at the DC Slam team’s weekly poetry slam.
I couldn’t fit all their poems into the show, so I may post those later.
Links mentioned in the show:
Aaron Enskat
Stephen Michael Meads
Beevine Records
DC Slam Team
Emergence Community Art Collective
Slam Idol Podcast
Podcast User Magazine
Outro song “Victor” by Derek Lassiter
Size: 36.4MB
Length: 53:00
