On Tuesday, March 5, Poet’s Lounge – spearheaded by Esdra Richardson and Sjorensly “Piet” Valies – will be celebrating five years of hosting an open mic poetry platform, promoting freedom of expression and creativity.
The free event takes place every first Tuesday of the month at the Q-Lounge in Simpson Bay.
Richardson thought of starting the event on the island, because she enjoyed going to them in Florida while studying abroad. Back at home, Richardson found there was no consistent place for lovers of poetry to come together, so she contacted Valies, another artistic spirit, to make it happen.
The idea had been to make it a weekly event, but with the smaller crowd on the island, once a month was more feasible.
Except for a short break of just two months following Hurricane Irma, the Poet’s Lounge has consistently hosted the monthly event for the last five years. And while new faces pop up all the time, the Lounge is really supported by a small and loyal following of poetry lovers.
The group focuses on poets and open mic artists, but also caters to musicians, singers, dancers and other artistic forms of expression; everyone is welcome to perform, or to sit back and take it all in.
From recognisable authors and performance artists, to written word aficionados, to total beginners whose first ever acts were with this group, regulars over the years have included Crystal Jones, Magueda Jackson, Glenda York, Doran Joseph, Lasana Sekou, Deborah Jack, Fabien Badejo, Mikaela Gumbs, Raymond “Big Ray” Helligar, Wendell Moore (resident DJ), Lorenzo “Sigma Defense” Gomez, Donald “$impletune” Carty, Melvyn “Rukshun” van Heyningen, DJ Double D, Roberto Arrindell and Stefanie Leonora. Both Richardson and Valies host and perform every week.
In the beginning, Poet’s Lounge also reached out to Soca Rumble contestants; and artists like Apple Jack, Rumer, Magic, Guilda, and King Vers came out to perform. The Lounge is a good place for any artist, budding or experienced, to stretch their wings, showcase their talents and gain more exposure.
The Lounge takes on different themes all the time, such as Carnival Crossover, Battle of the Sexes, Women Appreciation, New Year, and a special Bosslady Birthday Edition for Richardson’s birthday in September. The performers focus on the themes for the most part, but are always free to perform what they feel like.
As Valies has expressed, he’s really come to see it not just as an entertainment event, but as an essential part of the community – the need to express yourself. “We’ve created the space and that’s a high priority. We’re in a social media bubble where information and self-expression are not as highly regarded as they were back in the day... This is meant for sharing, and open and honest expression. I feel like that’s how a community grows, by being expressive and open to each other.”
Topics naturally range as much as human emotion does. Poets have talked about intimacy, excitement, dating, fears, racism, depression, pregnancy, healing, rape and hope.
The night is meant for sharing and listening. You can share your own experiences through art, or even others’ experiences that really speak to you.
Moving forward, the Poet’s Lounge would like to create some tangible products, such as a book or interactive DVD featuring artists, and host events more often if there’s enough demand for it – in line with the original vision.
Another feature that it started with and would like to re-introduce is collaboration with local businesses that could use the platform to showcase and sell products, as well as provide products for prizes.
The Poet’s Lounge regularly collaborates with St. Martin Book Fair, by hosting poetry sessions or workshops, and receiving special guests at its sessions.
Very recently, Valies was one of 20 local poets to join international poetry event “A World Without Walls,” organised on the island by Lasana Sekou of House of Nehesi Publishers and Shujah Alex Reiph of Conscious Lyrics Foundation. Valies performed a new poem, “Mental Walls”, created for the occasion.
The Poet’s Lounge is and will remain free to both the public and performers, and operates based on donations.
All poetry lovers are welcome to celebrate the fifth anniversary at 8:00pm this coming Tuesday at Q-Lounge in Simpson Bay. Find Poet’s Lounge on Facebook to keep up with the schedule and the community.
