CAC@SJB's Spring 2006 Open-Mic Poetry Jam Review: SIMPLY AWESOME!!

Special Guest Host, Falu, and adorable Angela bless the mic
at the Open-mic Poetry Jam (Artwork on wall by Glenn Angel)

The Open-mic Poetry Jam held at CAC@SJB on Saturday, April 22nd officially drew our Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop to a close.. and it was simply just another amazing experience in the short history of the Center for the Arts & Culture @SJB in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

The Spring 2006 Poetry Family was definitely in the house..
and look who took over the mic!!

Once again, a wonderful group of over 20 teens and adults braved another cold and rainy Saturday afternoon in April to attend what turned out to be an incredible afternoon of poetry and spoken word at the Center for the Arts & Culture@SJB. We are so grateful to every single one of you who not only made the trip in the bad weather, but who came and shared your heart and soul with us.. all through the gift of words and self-expression. It was an experience none of us will ever forget!

Our very good friend and mighty poet, "Word Bird" Malik Canty (left) came to represent,
and shared some poetry from his newly published book, "Words from The River"
(Artwork on left by Glenn Angel)

Very special, guest visitors, Angela and Ann Marie share a tender
moment at the Center before the start of the Open-mic Poetry Jam


Falu performs.. HIP-HOP.. don't stop!

After some hot, opening poetry from our special guest host for the afternoon, the incomporable Falu, and a warm welcome from the Center's Director, Glenn Angel Echevarria.. the mic was open.. and the poets just took over!

16 yr. old SJB parish teen, and gifted young poet,
William Locario, starts the afternoon off with his wonderful poetry..



..while younger brother, 11 yr. old, and smooth as silk, Rashid,
shared his heartfelt poetry, too


The Poetry Jam also marked the triumphant return of
Yasmira "Yazzie Fizzle" to the Center..
Welcome back home, sweetie! We really missed you!

This special poetry workshop and open-mic event was the brainchild of Luis Bernard (President of The In Progress Group) who instructed the 4-week workshop, and Glenn Angel Echevarria (Director of CAC@SJB).. and they couldn't have been more happy and surprised by the turnout, or more proud of each teen and adult poet who participated, and shared of themselves so freely during our 4 week journey together.

Determined, talented, and very sweet, Dominique,
shares her heartfelt words at the Poetry Jam.
We're so proud of you, gir!

Kindered spirits, SUNY Purchase student, Anthony,
and our good friend, Richie, collaborate on a piece together

Our good friend, and hostess of the open-mic poetry jam, Falu, kept the flow going throughout the afternoon as she called up each poet one by one to share their writings.. and share they did!

Two beautiful, inspiring mothers, and gifted poets themselves,
made some noise at the poetry jam..
Cynthia "Betty Boop" shares a heartfelt poem for her son, Manny..

..while strong-voiced, Karen, shared her powerul poetry at the poetry jam as well

The afternoon was full of such deep and diverse feelings, and different styles of poetry from a very special group of teens and adults who let it all come out without fear or hesitation.. just the way it should be done!

Falu and 14 yr. old amazing young poet, Kiara,
perform a collaborative piece for everyone..


..and then share a smile of approval with one another.
What a poetry tag-team!

Luis Bernard and his niece like to keep the poetry in the family

We were so blessed to have so many youth attend this special poetry event, and are so grateful to all the adults who attended as well. It meant so much to see how poetry can really bring a community together.. sharing deep emotions, laughter, and even tears.

Efraim opens up and shares his heart at the poetry jam.
Thanks for bringing your beautiful, little niece, Angela, with you.


Gifted, 18 yr. old poet, Shaunetta, took the stage
and ripped the mic yet again!


Special visitor, Daughter of Charity, Ann Marie, lends her support, and shared
some very thoughtful, and heartfelt feelings with the group at the open-mic poetry jam.
Thank you so much, Ann Marie. We love you!

Amazingly, the Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop, which began back on March 18th at JHS 292 in East New York, and came full circle at the Center for the last 4 weeks, is all now a beautiful memory. But the conclusion of this Spring's Poetry Workshop only means one thing.. the Summer 2006 Poetry Workshop is coming soon!

Luis Bernard shares some heartfelt words with all the guests
and workshop participants..

..and Glenn shared some final words, and his heart as well

Until then, we at CAC@SJB thank everyone who participated in the poetry workshop and assisted us in putting it all together. We sincerely thank all the teen and adult poets who passed up their morning cartoons, and took the trip every Saturday to make this workshop, and our open-mic poetry jam the best yet!

Falu and Angela strike a pose and share a smile

Three very special, community individuals, Ann Marie, Richie Robles,
and BHIP's Rick Echevarria, share a moment and a smile, too

Each of you is a blessing, and it is an honor working with you all, but most of all, knowing you. You gave more to us than each of you will ever know! We look forward to seeing you all again at the Center for our next workshops, and at the Lyrical Sanctuary gatherings that will be open for all the teen and adult poets, and artists who'd like to continue meeting at the Center until the Summer Poetry workshop gets here.

Gotcha! A funny moment shared by all at the poetry jam

Make sure to keep posted to this website for all news, and updates of events to come at the Center in the coming weeks and months. We are celebrating CAC@SJB's 4th Anniversary of wonderful activity here at St. John's parish in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. A special group art exhibition is being presentd for the end of May and early June to commemorate this special occassion. It will be an event full of art, music, and poetry that you are all welcome to attend and be a part of! Stay tuned.. and may the Good Lord bless you all!

A full house of happy people representing our beautiful community at its best!

We're going to do this all again, and make some more wonderful memories! Til then.. feel free to contact Luis Bernard at (347)623-2547 via e-mail: InProgress@verizon.net.. or Glenn at the Center (718)455-6864 ext. 152 via e-mail: CACSJB@yahoo.com and GlennAngel68@yahoo.com.

Make sure to take care, be safe, and let's keep in contact. We look forward to seeing you all at the Center real soon!

(Note: To enlarge or save the pictures on this post, just click on each individual pic)

CAC@SJB's Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop Comes to a Rousing Conclusion!

The Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop Family fills the Center with much love

A wonderful group of 20 teens and adults (along with a couple of 11 yr. old's) braved the cold and rainy weather to attend the final full session of the Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop at the Center for the Arts & Culture @St. John the Baptist in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY. It was facillitated once again by The In Progress Group's Luis Bernard, last Saturday, April 8th.. and it was simply one workshop that we will never forget!

Luis Bernard engages the talented workshop group once again..


The poets get to work on a writing exercise during the workshop

This 4th Saturday session of the poetry workshop turned out to be the deepest, and most heart-felt session of all. With the ever inventive, Luis Bernard, offering the group a couple of writing exercises, this poetic group of teens and adults was off and running!

Young poet, William Locario (one of SJB parish's most gifted teens),
gets the workshop going in the right direction

After a 15-minute writing session, one by one, all the participating poets took turns sharing their writings.. and it was just amazing how each offering was so unique from one another, and yet so heartfelt and universal at the same time. Deep thoughts, feelings, emotions, laughter, and even some tears were shared that filled the Center with a lot of love and respect for one another. Not a more beautiful day could we have expected on a rainy and cold afternoon in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.

Representing Brooklyn, Dominique opens up.. and it was great
having her share her writings (and her heart) with us

We were so impressed by all the teens and adults who attended.. all coming from different areas in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, New Jersey, and from as far as SUNY Purchase College near Connecticut! We are so grateful to all of them for their commitment, making the time, and for taking part in this special workshop. We hope we made it worth the trip for all of you!

Cynthia even brought her teenage son, Manny, to the workshop..
and it was a blessing having him with us!

The fact that they even wanted the workshop to continue was even more moving. It was the largest number (20) that attended a workshop we've had to date, and that is a testimony to the enjoyment and impact of the poetry workshop for all who participated.. because these dedicated young and adult poets sure made an impression on us, and one another, which is the most important, and greatest thing of all! Over 30 teens and adults attended all 4 Saturday workshops. After one Saturday off, due to Spring Break and Easter week, we are going to cap the workshop this coming Saturday. (By the way, we really hope your Easter Holiday was a blessed one!)

SUNY Purchase student and unique poet, Anthony, cuts it all loose at the workshop..



..while young poet, Ivan Angel (r), opens up and lets it flow.

To bring this Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop to a close, we are having a Special Open-mic Afternoon at the Center this coming Saturday, April 22 from 1 - 4 pm for all the teen and adult poets who participated in the workshops. All of you are welcome.. and the poets are expected to attend to come share their stuff with all of us.. or we are going to have to set the Poetry Dogs out on you to bring you in! WE ARE TRULY LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.. hearing your poetry, that is!

Always reliable, dedicated, and creative, Richie, never lets us down..
and just keeps getting better and better!


Very special guest, and amazing Spoken Word poet, Falu, came down
once again to share her deep soul with the whole group

So, make sure to make a note of it on your calendar, and post it on your fridge.. this coming Saturday's open-mic afternoon promises to be an event you don't want to miss, or hear all about from someone who was there. Don't let that happen to you if you can help it! It's gonna be a lot of fun.. so make sure you are there to be a part of the wonderful memories that are sure to be made. Feel free to invite your friends and family to this special afternoon open-mic event.. and as always.. lite food and refreshments will be served.

We 're all gonna be there for the open-mic! And you know it!

As always.. for more info on the poetry workshops, and this upcoming open-mic afternoon at the CAC@SJB, contact Luis Bernard at InProgress@verizon.net, or at 347-623-2547.

For more info on CAC@SJB, and for upcoming events, keep posted to this site, or feel free to contact, Glenn Angel Echevarria by calling and leaving a message at 718-455-6864 ext. 152 b4 8pm. or via e-mail at CACSJB@yahoo.com or GlennAngel68@yahoo.com.

For Directions.. link into "Directions to the Center" at the top right side of this post.

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!

The Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop at CAC@SJB.. Continues to Impress.. and Be Blessed!

Teen poet to look out for, Shaunetta (standing)

shares a laugh with the group at the poetry workshop..


..while Cynthia "Betty Boop" shared some of her old-school moves and poetry, too!

After starting at JHS 292 in East New York, the Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop, given by Luis Bernard of The In Progress Group, has continued at the Center for the Arts & Culture @SJB for the past 2 weeks, and has been nothing less than wonderful!

Teacher and mentor, Luis Bernard, shares a light moment with the group

SUNY Purchase student, Andrew, traveled far to take part while
sharing his poetry at the workshop, and we are so grateful that he did!

The participating teens and adult poets have been coming from all over.. Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, New Jersey, and even students from as far as SUNY Purchase College near Connecticut, have made the long trip to take part, learn, and share their poetry at the workshop!

The truly gifted and generous, guest poet, Falu, has been present,

and sharing her amazing poetry with us at all 3 workshops so far..


..Way to represent, girl! We really appreciate it.

The last two Saturday poetry workshops at the Center have covered an array of writing exercises for the participants to test and expand on their creativity.

Participants take turns recording one another's
poetry as the rest of the group listens in

The workshop has also utilized role play to help strengthen each participants performance capabilities, and to help some of the shyer ones in the group overcome their fear of performing in front of an audience.

Young teens, Efraim and Wendy, take part in a little role play exercise,
and wow the crowd

Super sweet, talented teen, Meera, does her best role play performance yet..



..while Karen is just having a ball!
This past Saturday, she also decided to take us a little deeper
with some of her hard-hitting poetry as well.. Wow!

The participation of all our young teens, our adults, and guest poets have made this poetry workshop one to truly remember. We are so thankful and grateful to them for getting up early on Saturday mornings to be a part of this special workshop.. but we're not done yet!

Already a winner of a recent Nuyorican Poet's Cafe Poetry Slam Competition,
14 year-old, Kiara, shares her amazing poetry at the workshop


Talented musician and poet, Eric, shares some of his poetry and music
at the workshop while his partner, Ivan, listens on with approval

The final poetry workshop session will take place this coming Saturday, April 8th from 1 - 5 pm. at the Center, and promises to be full of fun, amazing poetry performances, and even a few surprises.

Luis Bernard lends a few pointers on performance..


.. and then shows us all how it should be done!

After taking a week off for Spring Break and Easter Week.. we are looking to host a special Poetry Event at the Center on Saturday, April 22nd from 1 - 5 pm. for all the teen and adult poets who took part in the workshops to take turns blazing their poetry. It'll be our way of officially closing the Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop with a serious bang!

One of our special teen participants, Wendy, blows out the candles of her birthday cake at the workshop. We're gonna miss you at the last workshops, Wendy.. but we know we'll be seeing each other again!

But as "one of a kind", Richie Robles, would say.. the show must go on!

With a total of over 25 teen and adult participants who took part in this Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop, we look for our open-mic poetry event to be a full afternoon, overflowing with hot poetry performances! So, all of you better be there.. ready to represent.. or the Poetry Dogs are gonna come and get you!!

Luis Bernard and Glenn Angel.. the Poetry Dogs ready to hunt you down!

We look forward to seeing all of you at our next poetry workshop, and at our workshop ending Poetry Event on Saturday, April 22nd. As always, this poetry event will be free, and is open to all who would like to attend this special offering of spoken word and poetry by our very own talented teen and adult poets who took part in our workshop, and whom represent our community with a lot of passion. Without you all, we wouldn't even be doing this! So, invite your family and friends. You are all welcome.. because the Center is indeed your place to shine!

Just a few of the poetry teens and adults who participated in our workshop..
and whom look forward to seeing all of you at the Center again very soon!

For directions to the Center, please, link into "Direction to CAC@SJB" on the right side of this post. For more info on the In Progress Group Poetry Workshops, contact Mr. Luis Bernard at (347)623-2547 or via e-mail at InProgress@verizon.net

For more info on CAC@SJB, call and leave a message for Mr. Glenn Angel Echevarria at (718)455-6864 ext. 152, or via e-mail at GlennAngel@Gmail.com

Look forward to hearing from you.. and seeing you at the Center soon!