A Montage of Funky Groovy Cool Inspired Word Host Nathan P.

A gorgeous montage of NYC Open Mic Joint host Nathan P.

Thanks so much to VisionsInPhotography for producing such beautiful work.

The Inspired Word Adds Poet Aimee Herman to Host Erotica & GLBT Events!

The Inspired Word is proud to announce the addition of dynamic poet Aimee Herman as host of our erotica and GLBT events. Aimee becomes the third regular host of the series, joining the amazing Gemineye (Wednesday Night Showcase) and Nathan P (NYC Open Mic Joint) to form arguably the best team of poetry hosts in the country.

Aimee's first night hosting will be Monday, Jan. 9, for our Titillating Tongues event @ Le Poisson Rouge's Gallery Bar. http://titillatingtongues.eventbrite.com/.

BIO:

Aimee Herman, a queer performative poet, has been featured at various New York venues such as the Happy Ending Lounge, Dixon Place, Wow Café Theatre, Public Assembly, and Sidewalk Café. She has performed at reading/performance series such as: In the Flesh erotic salon, Hyper Gender, Sideshow: Queer Literary Carnival, and Red Umbrella Diaries. Her poetry can be found in Clean Sheets, Cliterature Journal, InStereo Press, and/or journal, and Polari Journal. She can also be read in hell strung and crooked (Uphook Press), Best Women’s Erotica 2010 (Cleis Press), Best Lesbian Love Stories 2010 (Alyson Books), Nice Girls, Naughty Sex (Seal), and the upcoming Women in Lust (Cleis). She currently works as an erotica editor for Oysters & Chocolate. She can be found writing poems on her body in Brooklyn. Find her at http://aimeeherman.wordpress.com/.

NYC Open Mic Joint Debuts @ The Nuyorican Poets Café! Saturday, Dec. 10

This Saturday night, history is being made – The Inspired Word and the famed spoken word mecca, the Nuyorican Poets Café in Manhattan’s East Village, join forces to present the NYC Open Mic Joint, hosted by former Nuyorican Slam Master Nathan P.

Founded by award-winning sports journalist and former Village Voice columnist Mike Geffner, The Inspired Word is one of the hottest open mic series in the country - graced by the likes of Grammy nominated singers, HBO Def Poetry stars, American Idol finalists, Golden Globe Award-winning actresses, and poets from The Best American Poetry anthology.

It’s open to all types of artists - comedians, musicians, storytellers, singers, poets, fiction/nonfiction writers, playwrights, spoken word artists, performance artists, dancers, ANYTHING and EVERYTHING.

So, if you’re looking for a cool downtown spot to do your thing, this is definitely the place.

All you have to do is bring the talent, we’ll bring the rest.

25 slots, 4 minute time limit.

The venue: Nuyorican Poets Café 236 East 3rd Street (between Avenues B and C) Manhattan, New York

Phone: (212) 505-8183 (917) 703-1512

Time: 6:30-9:30pm

Cover charge: $10

To purchase tickets in advance online, click on this link http://nyopenmic.eventbrite.com/.

NO AGE LIMIT!

For Nuyorican Poets Café info, please check out http://www.nuyorican.org/

Nathan Pearson: Poem "The Inspired Word"

The Inspired Word

Death
No longer feels like
An intrusive houseguest
When the only thing more ravaged
Than your body
Is your psyche

Banished thoughts of doing things
Never done before
Due to being consumed
With thoughts of never doing
Things once easily done...... again.

World not just turned upside down
But exploded and imploded
A personal ground zero
With no construction plans
For rebuilding

Feeling left betrayed
By body and pockets.....
Lady luck
Morphed into Lady Lupus
No need for money anyway
Since dead blue finger tips couldn't
grip it.....so lost job's impact wasn't
Easily felt

Groundhog days never ending
Nowhere to go to
Nowhere to be
Couldn't get there if I wanted to
Even with a stylish piece of wood
Imported from the motherland

Feet you failed me now

Left feeling less than
All cool left the room
Supply depleted with none on reserve
Couldn't even scream out in despair
Swollen chest lining created a sound proof environment

Life ain't a bitch
Because even a bitch can be reasoned with

During that time
Of deepest despair

Never imagined
Descending into a pit
Could elevate the spirit

Not realizing I was walking into a matchmakers dream

She had me at hello
Although neither one of us
Realized I was ripe for picking

If love is blind
Then love at first sight can never occur
Yet love still blossomed
During that first meeting

She knew me without ever knowing me
Not knowing she possessed the perfect remedy
Her power of speech intoxicating

Embraced me with multiple arms
Hugged me from every direction
Screamed sweet somethings
Into ears that no longer heard my own voice

Kissed me flush upon the lips
Breathing new life
Into lungs that found a way to turn bass into treble....
Now rebalancing the equalizer
So bass emitted once again

How could I commit to one who was not monogamous
For she gave herself to all that crossed her path

Still she had me at hello
Although neither of us knew I was
Ripe for picking.

She didn't waste time introducing me to her friends
Instead
She reintroduced myself to me

She nurtured me
Excited me
Finally gave me a sense of peace
Even let me dance the lead
After prompting me
To stand on steadied feet
She fancied me
Gave me energy
Gave me hope for what could finally be

All this
The inspired word
Did for me

- Nathan Pearson (Nathan P.)

John Fugelsang - The Unholy Experiment + Open Mic - Thursday, July 14

The Inspired Word Presents John Fugelsang - The Unholy Experiment + a 12-slot open mic open to all kinds of artists + NYC spoken word legend Nathan P., comedian Carolina Hidalgo, and special guests writer/artist/producer/director Eve Brandstein and novelist Marcus Sakey.

Hosted by 3-time HBO Def Poetry star Gemineye.

*****

BIO:

John Fugelsang is an actor, comedian, writer, spoken-word performer & political satirist with one of the most eclectic resumes in the business. His mother is an ex-Nun and his father was a Franciscan Brother. His Drama-League Nominated Off-Broadway solo show “ALL THE WRONG REASONS” was based on their love story & he was named “Outstanding NY Monologist” by MAC at Lincoln Center.

He interviewed Paul McCartney in London, and George Harrison in New York – in the same week; he appeared on “CSI,” “Providence” and in the films “Coyote Ugly” and “Somewhere in the City”; he’s been featured on CNN, Fox News, PBS, Air America, CNBC and is a regular on HLN's “The Joy Behar Show.” He even hosted “America's Funniest Home Videos” and “Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.”

He's currently performing across the country with “The Stephanie Miller Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour'' and recently shot the independent feature “Price Check” with Parker Posey. He's delighted to perform this very special show with The Inspired Word.

What they say about John:

"One of my favorite comedians" - Bill Maher

"Fugelsang has the soul of an Iconoclast." - The New Yorker

“A Rapier Wit” – The Hollywood Reporter



*****

Other Artist BIOS:

Besides being a poet, Eve Brandstein has been a major studio and network executive, a producer, a film and theater director, writer/creator, and casting director. She is also an artist, teacher and workshop facilitator, who has led writing and performance groups. Her poetry appears in national publications and she is one of the organizers of the celebrated reading series – Poetry In Motion, launched in 1988 with fellow poet, Michael Lally. Eve is once again producing Poetry in Motion as a monthly series at the venerated home of Los Angeles poetry, Beyond Baroque. She is a publisher of The Hollywood Review an anthology of L.A. poets and also the author of “The Actor – A Practical Guide to a Professional Career” plus has published several collections and anthologies of poetry chapbooks. Recently she co-produced and co-directed 13 episodes of "John Waters Presents Movies That Will Corrupt You.” Currently she directed the premiere of Revisiting Wildfire which is at the Odyssey Theater., LA. As an accomplished artist her work is shown at TAG Gallery at Bergamot Station, Los Angeles. Her next poetry collection will be published and distributed by Zeitgeist Press. For more info on Ms. Brandstein, please visit evebrandsteinproductions.com.



Marcus Sakey is a bestselling novelist born in Flint, Michigan, and now living in Chicago. Before becoming a writer, Sakey used to run a graphic design company in Atlanta. He writes crime novels set in the blue collar world of the south side of Chicago. To conduct research for his plots, he has shadowed homicide detectives and gang cops, toured the morgue, gone shooting with Special Forces soldiers, and learned to pick a deadbolt. His debut novel, The Blade Itself, was featured on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, and as a New York Times Editor's Pick, as well as named one of Esquire Magazine's 5 Best Reads of 2007. Ben Affleck’s production company bought the film rights to The Blade Itself in 2008 for Miramax. The Chicago Tribune called his second novel, At the City’s Edge, “nothing short of brilliant.” And his third novel, Good People, came out to wide critical acclaim, with the movie rights selling to Tobey Maguire.



Stepping to the stage in his trademark suit, cufflinks and fedora style hat, poet Nathan P. became the poster child of style, grace and class on the slam circuit in early 2000. With a voice that resonates bass, the sound of his words were as captivating as his words themselves. This talent and stage presence enabled him to become a Nuyorican Grand Slam Finalist in his very first year on the circuit. He ultimately became the host at the Nuyorican Poets Café for seven years. He's been in two off-Broadway productions: "Be Beautiful" and "An Evolution in Reinvention," produced two books of poetry: "Madness" and "The Colors of My Mind," appeared on numerous CDs, most notably his solo project "Chalklines on Black Asphalt." He is host of The Inspired Word's Tuesday Night Open Mic Joint.



Carolina Hidalgo is a New York City comedian and the host of Killer Comedy at Stand Up NY Comedy Club and Angels and Kings.

*****

When: Thursday, July 14, 2011

Where: One and One Bar & Restaurant (downstairs Nexus Lounge)
76 East 1st Street (corner of 1st Avenue)
Manhattan, NYC
Phone: (917) 703-1512

Doors open for open mic sign-up @ 6:30pm

Show starts @ 7:30

Cover Charge: $10

NO AGE LIMIT.

Spoken Word Poets Tantra-zawadi & Nathan P. @ The Inspired Word

PART 1


PART 2


Spoken Word Poets Tantra-zawadi & Nathan P. @ Mike Geffner Presents The Inspired Word, Thursday, June 23, 2011 @ One and One Bar/Restaurant, Nexus Lounge, Manhattan, NYC.

Soulful and sublime, the poetry of Tantra-zawadi explores love in all its forms; from the rush of the first kiss to the bittersweet. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Tantra uses her voice to support the empowerment of women and has performed at venues as far away as South Africa, London, Germany and Toronto. She is a 2010 Pushcart Prize Nominee for her poem"Girl,"and a recipient of the Kings County District Attorney's Office Women's History Month Award for her artistic contributions to the borough of Brooklyn. Tantra, who is a mentor for Girl-Child Network Worldwide (GCN), is donating partial proceeds from her latest book of poetry "Gathered at Her Sky" (PWP Books) to GCN. She is also the author of "alifepoeminprogress" and her poetry has appeared in Essence Magazine. Known for being on the cutting edge as an artist and for speaking out about issues such as HIV and AIDS awareness, Tantra's poem and video "Scarlet Waters," was featured on the Product(RED) video wall and her short documentary, "A Silent Genocide ~ A Brief Insight into HIV/AIDS" takes another look at the impact of this disease.

Stepping to the stage in his trademark suit, cufflinks and fedora style hat, poet Nathan P. became the poster child of style, grace and class on the slam circuit in early 2000. With a voice that resonates bass, the sound of his words were as captivating as his words themselves. This talent and stage presence enabled him to become a Nuyorican Grand Slam Finalist in his very first year on the circuit. He ultimately became the host at the Nuyorican Poets Café for seven years. He's been in two off-Broadway productions: "Be Beautiful" and "An Evolution in Reinvention," produced two books of poetry: "Madness" and "The Colors of My Mind," appeared on numerous CDs, most notably his solo project "Chalklines on Black Asphalt." He is host of The Inspired Word's Tuesday Night Open Mic Joint.

The Inspired Word is New York City's hottest new spoken word poetry open mic series happening every Tuesday and Thursday night in downtown Manhattan, produced by longtime journalist and former Village Voice columnist Mike Geffner.

Videographer: Elaine Delehant

Music: 1 dre ish Keen Entertainment
http://www.keenentertainmentgroup.com

Poets Nathan P. & Tantra-zawadi + Special Guest HBO Def Poet Regie Cabico + Open Mic - Thursday, June 23

Mike Geffner Presents The Inspired Word features two of the legendary spoken word poets on the New York City scene - Nathan P. (making his first feature performance in 5 years!) and Tantra-zawadi - and special guest appearances by HBO Def Poetry star Regie Cabico and two of Manchester, England's best slammers, Rod Tame and Dominic Berry.

If that weren't enough, you also get one of the most awesome open mics you'll find anywhere (15 slots open not only to poets and spoken word artists but fiction/nonfiction writers, comedians, monologists, singers, and musicians).

Hosted by 3-time Def Poetry star Gemineye.

*****

ARTIST BIOS:

Soulful and sublime, the poetry of Tantra-zawadi explores love in all its forms; from the rush of the first kiss to the bittersweet. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Tantra uses her voice to support the empowerment of women and has performed at venues as far away as South Africa, London, Germany and Toronto. She is a 2010 Pushcart Prize Nominee for her poem"Girl,"and a recipient of the Kings County District Attorney's Office Women’s History Month Award for her artistic contributions to the borough of Brooklyn. Tantra, who is a mentor for Girl-Child Network Worldwide (GCN), is donating partial proceeds from her latest book of poetry “Gathered at Her Sky” (PWP Books) to GCN. She is also the author of “alifepoeminprogress” and her poetry has appeared in Essence Magazine. Known for being on the cutting edge as an artist and for speaking out about issues such as HIV and AIDS awareness, Tantra’s poem and video “Scarlet Waters,” was featured on the Product(RED) video wall and her short documentary, “A Silent Genocide ~ A Brief Insight into HIV/AIDS” takes another look at the impact of this disease.



Stepping to the stage in his trademark suit, cufflinks and fedora style hat, poet Nathan P. became the poster child of style, grace and class on the slam circuit in early 2000. With a voice that resonates bass, the sound of his words were as captivating as his words themselves. This talent and stage presence enabled him to become a Nuyorican Grand Slam Finalist in his very first year on the circuit. He ultimately became the host at the Nuyorican Poets Café for seven years. He's been in two off-Broadway productions: “Be Beautiful” and “An Evolution in Reinvention,” produced two books of poetry: “Madness” and “The Colors of My Mind," appeared on numerous CD’s, most notably his solo project “Chalklines on Black Asphalt." He is host of The Inspired Word’s Tuesday Night Open Mic Joint.



*****

Special Guests:

Regie Cabico



Rod Tame



Dominic Berry





When: Thursday, June 23, 2011

Where: One and One Bar & Restaurant (downstairs Nexus Lounge)
76 East 1st Street (corner of 1st Avenue)
Manhattan, NYC
Phone: (917) 703-1512
Doors open for open mic sign-up @ 6:30pm
Showtime @ 7:30pm

Cover Charge: $10

NO AGE LIMIT!

Former Nuyorican Poets Cafe Host Nathan P. makes hosting debut w/Inspired Word this Thursday!

Catch Nathan's Inspired Word debut on Thursday, Jan. 6. He's the epitome of grace, style, and cool.

Where: One and One Bar & Restaurant (downstairs Nexus Lounge)
76 East 1st Street (corner of 1st Avenue)
Manhattan, NYC
Phone: (212) 598-9126

Time: 7pm

Cover Charge: $10

Must be 21 years of age or older. Please make sure to bring ID.

The Inspired Word's NYC Open Mic Joint with Special Guest Lythion Music - Jan. 6

Mike Geffner Presents The Inspired Word launches its 2011 season by featuring a night showcasing open mic talent and offering a musical interlude by special guest Lythion Music.

It will also be the debut of poet/former Nuyorican Poets Cafe host Nathan P. as Inspired Word special Guest MC/Host.

There will be 15 available open mic slots, each as long as FIVE minutes, and open to ALL types of artists: poets, spoken word artists, fiction/nonfiction writers, comedians, monologists, singers, actors, playwrights, musicians, ANYTHING.

Just hit us with your best stuff!

*****

When: Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011

Where: One and One Bar/Restaurant (downstairs Nexus Lounge)
76 East 1st Street (corner of 1st Avenue)
Manhattan, NYC
http://www.oneandoneny.com/
Phone: (212) 598-9126

Time: 7pm

Cover Charge: $10

Must be 21 years of age or older. Please make sure to bring ID.

*****

Lythion Music is the husband and wife duo of James Harrell (composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, engineer) and Ilyana Kadushin (singer, songwriter, producer, performance coach). Together they have been composing and producing music for television, theater, film, studio and live performance for the last ten years. In addition to their music, Ilyana is widely known as the narrator for Stephenie Meyerʼs “Twilight”
series audiobooks.

After scoring music for Nickelodeon Television, they brought forth their talents as artists and activists to produce works for pieces that include:

“Separate, But Equal,” the upcoming documentary they scored and co-produced about the Mississippi photographs of Henry Clay Anderson which will be on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.

Visit http://www.lythionmusic.com/ to hear their music and sound design.



*****

Mike Geffner
Founder/Producer

Brigitte Viellieu-Davis
Artistic Director/Associate Producer

Marvin Mendlinger
Assistant Director

Nathan P.
MC/Host

A Profile of Former Nuyorican Poets Cafe MC/Host Nathan P.

Nathan P. will be making his debut as The Inspired Word's MC/host on Jan. 6, 2011. We love him already.