WAX POETIC WEDNESDAYS

PRAISE FOR THE ALTERNATIVE, “Live & Direct”

 “I think that it’s important because it [“The Alternative”] gives Saginaw people something positive to do.

“I think the open mic night can be something to bridge the gap because different people of different races can come out and enjoy the event. It doesn’t matter what color you are, if you are a poet or enjoy poetry.”

-Taccara Ford, Saginaw Native, SVSU student, President of Expressions Poetry Club

“It’s been exciting, I feel that Saginaw has needed to revive the open mic and spoken word scene. It’s really wonderful to be a part of it. There are a lot of talented people, you get a mix of art and politics, and there are a lot of really strong voices. It’s great. It’s absolutely great.

“It can be a catalyst for positive change, because people are getting together and connecting. I’m a really big believer in art as a means to connect, explore and share. It’s a phenomenon where someone can be an individual and share their experiences. Also, there is a communal phenomenon as everyone shares that experience together, the individual becomes more of themselves and everybody shares the same experience.

“There are a lot of great voices. There are a lot of people that care about Saginaw, care about America, and care about their families. And it’s contagious. It’s great to share that.”

-Gabriel Hadd, Local artist & musician, 26, Bay City native now residing in Saginaw

 “It is a rebirth of the spoken word, in the eastside community…..Which takes me back to the late 60s, early 70s when there was a movement among the young creative forces here that became eventually to evolve into the Kuumba Actors.

            “I’m always open to hear how young people are reacting and responding to forces that shape all of our lives. I get lessons from that…I try to naturally incorporate it into my life to enhance my own relationships.

“I think at a minimum our own views are broadened. You can only grow by learning someone else’s point of view. I think in hearing, seeing, feeling, someone else’s expression helps you to interpret your own and enhances you own perception.”

-Omowale Art Smith, Community Action Committee, Inc., Director of Community Services

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The Alternative Showcase Series Makes Successful Debut

By Anita Richardson, The Onyx Network

Saginaw, (June 24, 2005)… A new day is dawning for local jazz, poetry slam and R&B enthusiasts.  THE ALTERNATIVE – LIVE & DIRECT (The Alternative), a hot new, variety performance showcase series, lived up to its promise to add a new spark to the city’s current mix of night time entertainment. Opening strong, with a successful debut performance last Wednesday (June 22), THE ALTERNATIVE brought a fresh variety style East Coast entertainment experience to a diverse audience in downtown Saginaw.

THE ALTERNATIVE’s debut performance took place on the ground floor of Saginaw’s historic Bearinger Building, 126 N. Franklin Street, Saginaw at Dawn of a New Day Latte Café. The performance was well received by the Saginaw community with a crowd of nearly 60 gathering to experience firsthand the class, elegance and style of THE ALTERNATIVE’s opening night.   

The debut performance featured Saginaw native, author/poet, Taccara Ford, and the “neck breaker beats” of local celebrities, the “What About Us” Lyrical Poets.

Bakari McClendon, event organizer and partner in The Onyx Network, the event’s primary sponsor, said, “THE ALTERNATIVE is an experience unlike your typical night on the town in Saginaw.” 

McClendon describes evenings in the company of THE ALTERNATIVE as, “…a neo-soul inspired collection of performances in an atmosphere of class and culture.”

During last Wednesday’s on-stage performance, an undercurrent of smooth jazz set an intimate mood for THE ALTERNATIVE as audience members settled into black leather sofas and chairs to face the square sound stage. Surrounded by a sanctuary of artwork and glowing candles, audience members moved freely within the softly lit drawing salon, obliging themselves of the wide variety of teas and lattes available from the café’s menu.

The performance opened with a host of local poets taking to the stage to render open-mic performances before a captivated audience. At the end of the night THE ALTERNATIVE was rated an 8.6 on a possible scale of 10 for its entertainment quality by the audience, who scored the overall quality of nighttime entertainment choices in Saginaw a 4 in comparison.

“Future performances will continue to shine a spotlight on local artists and musicians, said McClendon. 

“Our entertainment roster that will bring skilled musicians, comedians, poets, and electrifying singers to the stage at one of Saginaw’s most promising new business establishments, (Dawn of a New Day Latte Café).”

The public is invited to experience WAX POETIC WEDNESDAYS every third Wednesday.  Each performance will commence with a “Live & Direct” open-mic session, beginning at 8 pm. 

For more information about talent placement or participation in WAX POETIC WEDNESDAYS showcase series, contact Bakari McClendon at 352.256.1548 or 989.752.1660, or via e-mail at: Bakari.mcclendon@gmail.com.

For information concerning Dawn of a New Day Latte Café, contact Dawn Morrell, Proprietor at 989.284.3549, or via email at: dawnofanewday05@yahoo.com.

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SAGINAW: LIVE& DIRECT (DVD) Coming Soon!                                       THE ALTERNATIVE: LIVE & DIRECT (SOUNDTRACK)

* *SPECIAL $15 DVD & SOUNTRACK* * Reserve advance copy today! Email: bakari.mcclendon@gmail.com 

A LOVECHILD MEDIA PRODUCTION - SPONSORSHIP & PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES CALL 352.256.1548

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