Writer Wednesdays makes some noise!

Hot of the presses, Nancy Bianconi of the NoHo Arts District.com zine was super generous to add our event in our pages. Not only does she mention the event, but she does a full-on interview highlighting the rare beauty of a Beatnik experience...and that's exactly what we are trying to bring to NoHo!

Read the full article here: http://nohoartsdistrict.com/index.php/north-hollywood-news/item/1671-the-spirit-of-the-beats-and-the-beatnik#.UTV4QzBOSSq

Excerpts from the article (Interview with Jessica Wilson, hostess of Writer Wednesdays)

Give us a little history about Spoken Word

Jessica: Not too sure how to answer this. The spoken word was often shared in close proximity, where your shoulders could easily touch the person's next to you, and you listen around a fire to hear a story. Oration was an art, a way to share wisdom with those who were not formally taught, a way to inspire and admire. I am a Beatnik girl, all the way, and believe our words are proclamations of the soul, and the beat of the Congas, or rhythm, the communal heartbeat sustaining us.

How did you get started doing Spoken Word?

Jessica: I was inspired at an early age, by the work of Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Allen Ginsberg, and Jack Kerouac. Beat all the way! I'd write in stream of consciousness form and read what came out. That's when I discovered the power that words have, and appreciated the rhythm of the lines that follow the stream.

If someone wants to perform in your series, what do they do?

Jessica: We would love to meet all of you! Please come by and join us! All performers at the mic are welcome to read their work to the CongaPoet's percussion. It's an extremely unique experience that we are so fortunate to offer! Please RSVP and get on the mailing list for Writer Wednesdays by shouting out to venicesoapboxpoets@gmail.com We prefer RSVPs in advance so we can set up the show in advance. All performers get a maximum of 6 minutes at the mic! All creative written work is accepted!

When everyone was quarantined, I felt like

"When everyone was quarantined, I felt like..." I was caged, my cord cut, the outside was in, and I wasn’t ready for that. I felt like I was out of time – no way to re-plan my life, no way to be by anyone’s side. I like mapping the scene, feel heat amongst a crowd, and now, to stay away from them, I have to hide. Close myself off my nature, to enjoy parties dancing, all the things feel more alive… When that door shut, a hurricane hit. JMWC 9/22/20 from class, Panorama High School, 2020

1n10city

my brain is completely flooded i've rode this train before to a journey laden in cumbersome foot-stomps catching my frolic to the ground, tumbling over some man's arms, thick-legged brawn there is a part of me that says, 'you're too old for this'... maybe to know better is to be declarative and surrender to the certainties in life. however certain and present, the tornado will follow. it's better to live submissive instead of dismissive to the velocity of life held out in front of you... like the last banana in the fruit bowl, or that chocolate cake you just want to lick. bowl to casket. each motion a delight.

In Honor of Mother Earth

Happy Earth Month! Right now, we see the blossoms opening, the vines ripening -- the sweet smell of Spring is here! Congratulations to everyone for making it out of the darkness, in this frigid air... the dew of the damp Earth has sprouted many blessings. Rake up the gentle soil and bring her into your circle. Let the abundance flow into your circle; enjoy the fragrance of your harvest. I wanted to offer up this powerful song; Madre Tierra , by Maya Jupiter. Her message is steady and daring to be spoken into the ears of all who dwell on and know Mother Earth. Speak righteously, and take care. ~ Jessica ~

The mind, a dormant stone

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