FULL HOUSE AT THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL 8TH STAGING OF POETRY IN MOTION 27th February 2011
The highly anticipated 8th staging of the annual Poetry in Motion lived up to the very high expectations and went beyond to mesmerize the captivate audience.
In response to the cold Mandeville weather, the organizers moved the event into the cozy warmth and comfort of the prestigious Manchester Golf Club and this was immediately welcomed by the huge audience which vocalized their delight in the new and exquisitely decorated space. This obvious pleasure set the tone for the classy, velvet smooth event that flowed like oil from start to finish.
Poetry in Motion 2011 got started at 6:03pm, three minutes after the scheduled time. First up was Dub Vijaan Band in instrumental style and they excited the receptive audience which was evidently impressed with the fact that Poetry in Motion again started right on time.
The adorable compere/hostess, Amine Blackwood-Meeks introduced the three authors; Dr Sonjah Stanley Niaah (Dance Hall:From Slave Ship to Ghetto), Damali Henry (Taunted By Choice) who flew in from Canada just for Poetry in Motion and Sonia King (Jacket...or Full Suit?).All three authors gave very good and very well received presentations which created a pleasurable foreplay for what was to come as the Poetry in Motion experience unfolded.
Kai Falconer, the daughter of a well-known family in Mandeville, came, saw and conquered the expectant audience in one of the most memorable performance of the night which will never be forgotten. Ann-Marie Wilmot of Church Teacher's College gave a riveting set that was very well received and presented. Steppa stepped up and delivered to the delight of the patrons who were by now fully aware that they were in for a most memorable Poetic Treat.
The ten minutes intermission provided a break for tasty finger food and other delicacies then willingly gave way the beauty, grace and charm of the Reggie's African Links Models who were visually appealing in their Afrocentric creations.
Then came Yasus Afari and the Dub Vijaan Band and they delivered a very energetic and inspirational performance that was a tight set from start to finish and was received with delight and appreciation. Dr Michael Abrahams entered the stage and was immediately met with laughter and gave a very pleasing performance to the pleasure of the females in particular. Evidently he has his way with the ladies, seemingly derived from his job as a gynecologist.
Joan Andrea Hutchinson was her usual bundle of fun and laughter and Poetry in Motion was by now in ecstasy as she connected with her audience and pleased as only she can.
Ernie Smith closed the Poetic Bliss with a masterful performance that was befitting of his wedding anniversary which coincided with Poetry in Motion 2011.
'Candle in the Dark' and the 3D's project' were the happy recipients of the biggest charity cheques to have been given by Poetry in Motion. There were other give a ways of books & CDs by the artistes, authors and organizers, including the ever popular JIIC Gift Baskets.
The audience was brought to a fitting climax at approximately 10:30pm, one hour after the scheduled closure of yet another spectacular Poetry in Motion, which got its first ever 'Full House'. Accordingly, everyone is looking forward to Poetry in Motion 2012, on the last Sunday in February, and the greatest concern seems to be "how will the venue hold the anticipated crowd”.
An enjoyable evening under the stars at Poetry In Motion
BY CECELIA CAMPBELL-LIVINGSTON Observer reporter
Sunday 30th February, 2010
IT was an event in which comedy, music and poetry intertwined, and what an evening it turned out to be!
Mr Smooth, rocksteady singer Ken Boothe, got the adrenaline flowing and patrons, ignoring the cold, began dancing when he took centrestage at the Villa Gardens stage on Sunday at Poetry in Motion.
He was in fine form as he quickly set about doing what he does best -- giving first-class entertainment. Boothe launched into his hit song Freedom Street, taking time out to remind the crowd of those who suffered and sacrificed their lives for the precious gift. Boothe then unleashed a slew of hits which included Silver Words, Don't You Know, When I Fall In Love, Puppet On A String and Everything I Own.
The night, however, was not all about Ken Boothe -- explosive as he was. Earlier in the evening, the poets entertained with some thought-provoking, inspiring and, at times, humorous pieces.
Ras Takura, of Royal African Soldiers, held the crowd captive with Di Plantain, before going into Meck Yuh Food Be Yuh Medicine. Yasus Afari's daughter, Tanhoi, showed signs that she is ready to walk in her father's footsteps.
Viv Marie Brown had the audience in stitches as she told the story of Miss Mama, a woman who was so mean that she didn't even share prayers. Urging everyone to remember to share, she reminded them that it was good to help Haiti in crisis, "but remember, we have our own little Haitis here".
Following some pieces from Mel Cooke, it was time for Joan Andrea Hutchinson. She was good, really good, as she did pieces from her books such as Mi Ready Fi Love Yuh, Kidnap and It Done, which were particularly captivating.
Yasus Afari showed why after all the years in the business, he is still very much in demand on the internationally as he did pieces such as Complex and Patois Bible.
Owen 'Blakka' Ellis, who flew in from Canada for this rare performance, made every minute count. His set ranged from classroom lessons to comedy to inspiration.
But the poem that really had the audience riveted was Gateman.
"Me is a gateman, keyman, security expert, everybody have to pass through me. Me nuh partial, cater or curry favour, everybody have to show ID..." he chanted much to the amusement of his listeners.
Poets who entered the Golden Tongue contest were also awarded on Sunday. The Early Bird Award went to Ryan Haynes; Marion Johnson received the award for the person who best understood the concept of the theme.
First-place winner in the competition was Crystal Garell, who unfortunately could not come in person to collect her laptop award and certificate as she lost her mom the Saturday before the event.