The start time of the Midnight Poetry Jam is not hard
to forget. Perhaps, that is one of the reasons why it has
become one of the National Black Theatre Festivals
most popular and enduring attractions.
The event is a celebration of spoken-word, the poetry genre
that has inspired television shows and stage productions and
created many stars.
Anyone can become a star - for a few minutes, at least - at
the Midnight Poetry Jam. Poets of all skill levels can sign-up
immediately before the event to perform on stage, although
demand for spots is high and space is limited each night. It
is also not unusual to see celebrity guests on stage spitting
an original piece. "The Cosby Show" actor Malcolm-Jamal
Warner, who helped to mold the Midnight Poetry Jam, has
performed, as has "Judge Judy" bailiff Patri Hawkins-Byrd and
Lamman Rucker of "Why Did I Get Married?" fame. Each
night, a celebrity will co-host with longtime host Helena D. Lewis, an award winning
actress, poet and playwright.
Lewis has picked up several awards, including a 2014 AUDELCO, for her acclaimed
one-woman show, "Call Me Crazy: Diary of A Mad Social Worker!' Lewis, who has
a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University School, wrote the play based on
her own experiences as a social worker, licensed clinical drug and alcohol counselor
and HIV/AIDS health educator. In it, she portrays 25 characters, from pimps to
menopausal women. Lewis has been -
featured on "Russell Simmons Presents
Def Poetry" and is the host of VERSES at
the famed Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York.
Venue space for the Midnight Poetry Jam is abundant, yet it still tills up pretty quickly.
In the past, scores of fans have had to be turned away. Arriving a little early for this
amazing event is advised. ?
, ,
I Midnight Poetry
I Jam
M.C. Benton
1 Convention
Center - North
Main Hall
Tues, Aug. 4 Midnight
Wed, Aug. 5 Midnight
Thurs, Aug. 6 Midnight
Fri, Aug. 7 Midnight
W.
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