By Latara Holloway
Pure Artistry Literary Café kicked off its “Speak No Evil Weekend” event in honor of National Poetry Month Thursday night. “Lyrical Rewind,” the first of the three-day events planned, was an Apollo-styled night. Despite the rain, the artists and guests showed up for a fun night of laughs, poetry and skits. The winner of the night, JP Da Poet, entertained guests with his spoken-word pieces “Letter to an absent Father,” “Letter to My Son” and “Not Today.” while runner-up Caught Up performed a three-piece skit about speed dating.
The celebration continues tonight with “Art & Soul,” which will be dedicated to the late artists and activists Dr. Maya Angelou and Ruby Dee. Manager of event productions, Monique Dennis, says that it was important to introduce the women to this generation as more than just a poet and an actress, respectively. Souled Out will be the house band and performances of the night will serve to honor the memories of the two women. Chef Eryka Perry of Not Just Catering will also serve hors-d’oeuvres.
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The weekend wraps up with “Saturday Night Cinema, “where the audience can come together to view three short indie films. Unlike a regular night at the movie theatres, the cast and crew will be there to hold a talk back with the audience. The films include “The Pretty Brunette” by C. DeWayne Cunningham, “Jackpot” by Kalonji Gilchrist and “Tying Loose Ends” by Jamyla Philyaw and C. DeWayne Cunningham. Refreshments will be served, and the first bag of popcorn is free.
General admission is $15 on Friday and $10 on Saturday, and tickets can be bought in advance or at the door. This event is open to those 18 and older, and security will be provided for the weekend.
For more information about the event, check out Pure Artistry Literary Café’s webpage or feel free to contact them via Facebook or other social media.
“Speak No Evil” started when Monique Dennis returned to Montgomery and saw the lack of artistic events in the city and has been running for four years. The name “Speak No Evil” is symbolic of the clean entertainment provided. Pure Artistry Café also has a web series called “An Artist’s Tribute,” which also help to celebrate National Poetry Month.
Photo courtesy of Latara Holloway
An artist tribute YouTube webseries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkBtKBCcSxI&list=PLrQVc60D08QoD8lODCvp4uqgsZQvRE6ST&index=1
Pure Artistry Literary Café website:
http://palitcafe.com/
Buy tickets online here as well as get more information about the event:http://www.eventbrite.com/o/pure-artistry-literary-cafe-894996425?s=36167164