MAY 2010 VOL 1 ISSUE 4

The Official Spoken Word Art Newsletter of the Lowcountry

Do Something
A Message from the Editor
spit that ‘ish poet!
First, let me begin this by saying Happy Mother‘s Day to all Poetry and pancakes
the mothers out there. As the early hours of this day of
glorious support, endearment, and encouragement rolls Get ready for the next P&P! Our next P&P is
around, I naturally think of my own mother, Lenora Fleming. scheduled for May 28th 2010 at 1211 Harrington St
A strong matriarch within our family, I have never known her in Beaufort (right across from the Cricket Telephone
to waver. She has provided me, and all of her children with Store) at 8:30pm! We will feature Theresa Davis, an
nothing but the greatest example of LOVE. established teacher and professional stage poet from
This example of sacrifice, tenacity, and stern discipline has Atlanta, GA!
instilled in me the want to be a good man, and an overall Our April P&P was so mesmerizing! Reggie Eldridge
agent of change and productivity. from Tampa, FL is the truth! He ignited such a
You see, to tell my mother‘s story would mean a much needed energy, warmth, and honesty at P&P!
longer space to share her trials and triumphs. But I will give Thanks Reggie, you rock!
you the gist: my mother is a champion. A woman with limited And all of our open mic folks displayed such
education, she always told and showed me anyone can wonderful talent! Grace Glasson, Melissa Ellis, Juan
achieve anything. ―It‘s not how much money you make, but it
Roberts, just to name a few! We have tremendous
is what you do with it,‖ her age-old adage still rings in my ear
talent right here in Beaufort, and it was an honor to
as a young entrepreneur. Her and my father have raised
see so many of you get on stage! Also, a huge shout
multiple children, successfully retired from long careers, and
created their own business from hard work and dedication. out to Pat Gadsen for helping in the kitchen!
My mother taught me that God is first in everything you do, Thank you to all who came out to support. And thank
making us have weekly Bible studies in our living room. She you to The Boys and Girls Club Teen Center for
has always showed faith and determination. letting us use their space.
I remember an incident one early afternoon; my mother and I If anyone is interested in participating in our next
were in the house when the sound of a heavy knock at the P&P as an artist, or wish to make reservations,
back door startled the both us. I immediately answered the please call Jamie at (843) 476-9738 or Mackenzie at
door to find that the heavy knock belonged to a man who (843) 521-7354.
was noticeably suffering some form of an overwhelming If any person or group is interested in volunteering at
substance addiction. My mother, ever so graceful, walked up P&P, call Jamie or Mackenzie or email Mackenzie at
behind me and placed her hand upon my shoulder. ―Mrs. mmgrew@tcl.edu. SPIT THAT ISH POET!
Fleming,‖ the man proceeded, ―I just want to borrow some
money to buy some food…I am just so hungry.‖
Poet Melissa Ellis
My mother asked from where he would purchase this food—
if he would be dining at a restaurant, or retrieving some
items from a store. It appeared that he had not thought his
plan of action out; fore he provided a perplexed look at her
inquiry. ―I just need some money so I can get the food,‖ he
replied.
My mother asked him to wait a moment as she closed the
door. She asked me to go into the kitchen and pull some
items down from the pantry. I did. Then she asked me to
bring a pot and pan. Once I had collected the remaining
items, she opened the door and presented them to the man,
and said, ―now you have enough food for a week.‖
[CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE]
 MAY 2010
Although she did not grant him exactly what he asked for,
she was able and willing to provide him with what he
needed. Looking in and around our community, I see so
many that are in need, and so much that needs to be
done. My mother showed me on that afternoon, no matter
how big or small my offering, I can make a difference. I
challenge you to do the same.
Jamie Fleming
Mack’s View
Mackenzie McGrew
You Are Home
Home is an interesting word
that always conjures up images
that reach far beyond walls,
windows and doors.
Home often means people,
relationships and unfortunately
can mean anguish. Recently
my heart broke when I found
myself in Texas comforting my oldest brother. He had
come to the conclusion that not only will he be dealing with
an occupational hazard injury alone as he is the only
member of our immediate family currently living in the
state, but that his fiancé, a women he has loved and
hated, admired and encouraged, lived with and lived for,
for the last eight years has decided that she is no longer
interested in loving him for good times and bad.
He has since moved out of the home they own together
and into an apartment.
I never before realized the ripple effect of distress
produced by the breakup of another person‘s relationship.
They made it seem almost easy and ok to just fall out of
love, just like that. Just to move on, start over, leave the
past in the past, all those thin bandages people use to
cover the wounds that will be carried into the future and
eventually become scars.
I hated it. It made me question the longevity of my own
relationship and the quality of love I both give and receive.
[CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE]
VOL 1 ISSUE 4
Spotlight…
Her voice echoed from the stage through each pew of
the underground coffee house. Her hair flung across
her face with each sway and woo of her neck and
body. With each recitation, she had become one with
the word.
Meet Theresa Davis, an educator of 18 years, and a
professional stage poet. Davis has gone on to forge an
impressive career as a solo performer, winning poetry
slams and featuring at spoken word venues around
Atlanta and the nation.
She is a member of The Word Diversity Collective/Art
Amok and represented Atlanta as a member of the
2006 - 2010 Art Amok Slam Team. In 2009 Theresa
was ranked 8th female poet in the world as a finalist in
the Women of the World Poetry Slam, all of which are
the results of developing the craft of writing at an early
age.
―I began writing in grade school,‖ states Davis. ―My
parents (who are) both prominent activists and poets
are largely responsible for my love of words.‖
She attributes her career as an educator as having a
large impact on her writing. ―Teaching has taught me to
convey a message that is accessible to folks from all
walks of life. Many of the topics I write about are issues
that have come up in my teachings with children and
adults.‖
Davis‘ style of performance poetry is intensely
engaging, entertaining, and educational. In and around
Atlanta, she is often referred to as ‗Rock Star Poet.‘ ―I
actually don‘t call myself that, my narcissm has a limit,‖
says Davis about the moniker. She says that the name
actually was an insult hurled at her by another
poet.‖Negativity doesn‘t live in my world,‖ she says. ―I
took his insult, wrapped my own words around it, and
the poem actually brought me further success. I call
that making lemonade.‖
You can see and hear her perform her electrifying
th
poetry at this month‘s Poetry and Pancakes, May 28
2010. For more information or to hear some of Davis‘
work, visit the following links:
www.atlantaintownpaper.com/features/January2009/Theresa
Davis.php
www.theresa-davis.com
www.myspace.com/theresadavis
 MAY 2010 VOL 1 ISSUE 4

The Exchange
Hot Venues and Community Events in and around the Lowcountry
 Every Tuesday – Plums Restaurant (Beaufort)
Open mic beginning at 10pm [MACK‘S VIEW CONT‘D]
 Every Wednesday – Kathleen’s Bar and Grille It made me realize that not only have I been guilty of
(Beaufort) Karaoke with Steve 8:30pm-12am giving up too easily when I encounter a detail I don‘t
(843)524-2500 wish to deal with, but also guilty of accepting the same
th lackluster enthusiasm when I stand in need of fixing
 May 11 – Jinx (Savannah, GA) Every Tuesday,
HIP HOP Night, late night open mic MC freestyle from those who claim to love me the most.
battles and breakdancing with M.C. Basik Lee of In all of this tumultuous ―soul searching‖ the conclusion
Dope Sandwich.21+, Doors open at 10pm. I have arrived at is and always should have been
th obvious: the house is where you can hang your hat but
 May 11 – The Sentient Bean (Savannah, GA)
Tongue: Open Mic Poetry 8pm. FREE. home, home is where laughter springs, your soul is at
th ease, fights happen but love abounds. Home is, in the
 May 13 – Impossible Marriage at Lucas
Theatre (Savannah, GA) SCAD's Performing Arts immortal words of Rufus Wainright, ―a cold and broken
Dept presents this comedy about an eccentric hallelujah.‖
Savannah family trying to prepare for the wedding Home is puppy breathe, basketball in the rain, a Dirty
of an unlikely couple. $15/general, Dancing diet calendar, Famous Amos chocolate chip
$10/discounted, 8pm. 912-525-5050 cookies, believing in a dream and having the courage
th to stand by it and each other while you watch it change
 May 15 – Beaufort New Direction Church of
the Nazarene presents SOLID! (Beaufort) An course. Home is we and we are home.
evening of music, entertainment, and ministry!
1211 Harrington St. FREE. 7pm.
th
 May 16 – The Sentient Bean (Savannah, GA)
AWOL Open Mic Poetry Night Presented by All Want to impact a life forever? Looking for an opportunity to
get involved? You can! And there is no time better than the
Walks of Life, Inc. FREE. 7pm. present. LOUD, Inc. has started its 25x25 (25 by 25)
th
 May 17 – Book Buzz (Beaufort) A new Book campaign. Each month, we will seek the assistance from at
Club for people in the 20‘s and 30‘s. The Book least 25 businesses here in Beaufort to donate $25.00. The
Thief will be the first book discussed. Corks Wine money raised goes towards LOUD and it‘s participants, all of
Co. 1 Promenade St. Bluffton. FREE. 6pm. whom are Beaufort teens and members of the Boys and Girls
abrewer@bcgov.net Club Teen Center. Each donation supports the purchase of
rd
 May 18-23 – John Caponera at the Hilton materials and equipment, travel to different colleges, and
Head Comedy Club (Hilton Head) John ultimately aiding local youth in the endeavor of living out their
Caponera performs at the Hilton Head Comedy dreams. Companies/businesses that have participated for this
month so far include:
Club in Pineland Station. Tues.-Sun. at 9 p.m.;
Sat. at 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. Reservations
recommended. 430 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. (843) 681- Bay Street Outfitters
7757. Panini’s Café
st
 May 21 – Lunch With Authors (Beaufort) Cravings by the Bay
USCB‗s ―Lunch with Authors‖ series featuring Sweet Bay Inc.
Bunonia Barry, author of ―The Lace Reader‖ and Boodoggles
―The Map of True Places,‖ at the Sea Pines
Country Club, noon. Reservations required. (843) The Butterfly Shop
521-4147
 May 22
nd
– Street Music feat. The Space If you wish to donate, please contact Jamie Fleming at
Heaters (Port Royal) The hot jazz club Texas jamieramie@yahoo.com. All checks need to be made
swing sounds of The Space Heaters in Old out to LOUD, Inc.
Village Port Royal. Hosted by the Arts Council of
Beaufort County, The Town of Port Royal and
The Old Village Association. FREE. 6:30pm.
th th
 May 28 – 24 Annual Gullah Festival
(Beaufort) 9am. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront
Park.
th
 May 28 – Poetry and Pancakes (Beaufort)
Featuring performing poet, Theresa Davis at
1211 Harrington St $10.00 at door! Doors open at If you have any suggestions, or would like to
8pm.. (843)476-9738 for more info. feature a piece, or would just like to express
your thoughts please email us at
 th
May 28 – June 13 —Spoleto Arts Festival jamieramie@yahoo.com with that information.
(Charleston) www.spoletousa.org Good, bad, or indifferent, just comment back!
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1. The Magic Kingdom at Disney World, Orlando, FL 2. LOUD students and Boys and Girls Club Teen Center staff at Disney World 3. LOUD Student Simone at a studio inside of
Full Sail University 4. LOUD Student Lawrence inside of Full Sail University television studio 5. Beaufort Boys and Girls Club Teen Center Director Laura Vogel-Holley at Full Sail
University 6.LOUD student Joy at Disney World 7. Spit That ‘ish Poet! 8. Good friend and fellow musician Andre Minor performing his last Poetry and Pancakes 30April10 9.
Poet Malika performing at Poetry and Pancakes 30April10 10.Grace Glasson performing at Poetry and Pancakes 30April10 11. Mr. Watkins performing at 30April10 Poetry
and Pancakes