There are some amazing artist falling into the Grapevine in 2016, mark your calendars, check the locations and get ready. Heard Through the Grapevine Baltimore (Monthly) Jan 8th (2nd Friday)Love the PoetFeb. 5th Romeo D’Nati ~ from OhioMar. 4th Black ChakraApr. 1stLee Lee Ain’t MissBehavin ~ From CaliforniaMay 6thBrooks LongJun 3Anniversary Show featuring The Big Little BandJul 8th (2nd Friday)Alex AlexanderAug. 5thC. Thomas Sep. 9th (2nd Friday) JustaVesselOct 7thToni Love f

We have been told since childhood to beware of strangers. Don’t talk to them, don’t get into the car and don’t make too much eye contact. In the age of social media, strangers pop into your inbox all the time; if you are a woman some of them say the craziest things or send the most unwanted of pictures. So my apprehension at the receipt of a friend request and inbox message from a man I don’t know and had never heard of would be understandable. The message opened with a simpl

top picture dated 2009 bottom picture 2014 In the Spring of 2009, I venture into a poetry venue called “The Art of Conversation,” in Baltimore, MD. As I nervously wait for the show to start, a big man walks in, sits down right next to me and says “Hi!” What makes this story humorous to me is that he and I had arrived around the time doors opened, which means we were early and the place was empty except for maybe five other people—and he sat right next to me. This is how I

From 1995 to 2000 I worked for a company called Bose, selling speakers and home theatre systems. One afternoon a customer came in and wanted to hear a CD he had on one of our systems. The song he wanted to hear was Chant by Fourplay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYZ5qriC7M8 When I tell you I was instantly drawn in to the song after the first drum beat. Why didn’t I know about them before now? How many CDs do they have out? When can I see them perform live? I needed to hear

Confession: I am a hopeless romantic; I believe there is a perfect mate for everyone and still hold on fast to the hope that one day I will find mine. My faith in this is fed every time I see David Buckholtz, aka David B., and his lovely wife Karen Crawley-Buckholtz, poetically known as Adeke Rose. The adoration, respect and love they have for each other are evident and infectious. These two take to every microphone proudly speaking of how they have been happily married for 3

Kelilah “Butterfly Free” Washington: Have you ever heard the greatest love song ever written? No, truly! I’m talking about a song that makes you feel as good as Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” or Lenny Williams’ “Cause I Love You,” or Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.” Well, I don’t think you have until you have heard Jahiti’s “Daughter of the Most High.” This brother and his guitar are…I can’t even express it into words but I’m going to try. It seems l

There is only way to close out Wine Wednesday on New Year’s Eve, with a discussion about Champagne. And I will start with a confession; I really do not drink champagne/sparkling wine, unless it’s in a mimosa and that is all I’m going to drink for the day. More than any other alcohol I may drink; champagne puts me to sleep almost instantly. When at a celebration where it’s being offered as a toast I tend to decline and toast with what I am drinking with which I have read somew

We met in the summer of 2008 at one of the first Poetry Fest events in Myrtle Beach, SC. His personality is just as warm and open in person as it is online. Through the years we have remained friends, worked together on building the BPC brand and have been enthusiastic supporters of each other’s endeavors. Even though I had to step back from working on the events, I have really enjoyed watching the growth of the BPC and of Poetry Fest weekend. Mark Goggins and Melissa JustMET

TwistNWordz, 1EclecticHeart, Simply Sherri and Simply O’Pen at Heard Through the Grapevine: Autumn Harvest My expectations for each show I produce and host are always high and what amazes me each time I do one is that my expectations are exceeded every time. There are really no words to express how much joy I feel after last night’s show. From the energy in the crowd to the performances, I truly loved every minute of last night’s show. First, thank you always goes out to the

For over a decade Leroy Geotzendanner, III poetically known as TwistNWordz, has been a fixture in the Washington, DC poetry community. I was introduced to Tre (the name he uses in real life) at a backyard barbeque in 2007. He was the shy guy sitting off to the side, I had no idea he was a performing poet. Several months would pass before I discovered how his personality changes when he takes the stage; he just comes alive! With topics ranging from current events to love and l

Last night’s Heard Through the Grapevine was definitely one for the history books. We had a full house of poets and audience members from halfway across the country. Thank you to the owners of Culture Coffee for giving the Grapevine its home. As mentioned this was the last show at this location and I will miss you. Thank yo https://www.booster.com/whocares6 There were several new artists performed last night, LeBrowner, Darrell Burnett from Missouri, Chet, Michelle Myers and

David “Native Son” Ross with Simply Sherri. Photo Credit: Images by Comfesta David “Native Son” Ross is considered a living legend within the Baltimore poetry community. I met him about 5 years ago when he featured within the cozy confines of Eden’s Lounge, Baltimore, MD. Instantly, I was impressed by his writing and performance style which could be best described as written silk delivered through a cloud that was close enough to touch. His words are smooth, slick, and comfor