Just a little update, my artist and I have finished the additions for the book. YAY! I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully the book will be finished and on shelves before my birthday! Keep looking out for it and my book signings.

1 luv

Simone Nikkole

I have been on a little hiatus. I have been thinking of ways to help out Haiti and more recently Chile recover from the earthquakes. So far I have donated clothes and money to the Haiti cause. I was thinking of doing a set in Spanish and raising money for our Chileans. What do you think? Any place in particular you would love to see some Spoken Word?

1 love!

I also was fortunate enough to attend a Multicultural Psychology conference last weekend. Very very inspiring. I hope as I continue to reflect on that experience I can bring you great art. I loved meeting Dr. Boyd-Franklin and Dr. Parham especially. They each had some inspiring words for new coming counselors and social justice leaders. More about this conference soon to come.

Just a quick update for you to know that I haven’t forgot about you!

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Anyway, when I got to Bowery I was able to participate in a workshop with Will Evans! Love him.. I get to his work in a little. He gave us tips on the do’s and don’ts of touring for a spoken word artist.  After that there was an open mic.  The poets were pretty cool; not as blown away as I was last night at Nuyorican but a lot had potential.

Finally came Will Evans feature! He is fiyah! I don’t care what anyone says! He really showed how to become different voices in different pieces. I was going to get his book at the end of the night but I had to leave early so I didn’t have time to chat with him. Sure enough I will be emailing him though.

Lastly was the urbana slam. The artists definitely had something to say and each in their very own way. I only got to stay for the first round. I love the new poem rule for the first round; it really changes the game.  However I didn’t understand why the best poets got eliminated (If I like you and want to hear more from you, I have to score you lower?!). But it does give others more chance to prove themselves at the mercy of the stage.

Each room is definitely different. While each room (Nuyorican and Bowery) gave me a poem to write, the vibe is definitely different. My sets have to be separate even though I will be going there on different nights. In order to get a crowd to feel you, you MUST shape your set list to that night. Fitting a poem that doesn’t flow with the vibe of the room can turn people off from your work — POETIC SUICIDE!

On a good note I will be back to Bowery at some point.

Wanting more,

SN

As the teens started spitting , I felt chills up my spine. I led many oohs and ahhs as they perfectly crafted their stanzas. They all left a piece of them on the stage. You could see it in their faces, movements and gazes. I felt empowered by their strength, vulnerability and truth.

But as I ventured home, I began to second guess my craft, ability and tact. Will I ever possess the power to dismantle a stage and captivate the audience? Nevertheless I will keep writing and working. One day I know I will be polished enough to grace THAT stage.  The judges for the finals of the poetry slam really have their work cut out for them

In awe,

SN

Although the crowd was small, I made a few contacts. I met a comedian, Kenneth, that was willing to help me at my future shows and signings and another poet, Buckwheat, who will be performing at Bowery next month. Buckwheat is having an event in February to benefit her organization, Behind the Book. It seems like a great organization that encourages youth to strife, be better, and become inspired; JUST WHAT I AM ALL ABOUT. So sure enough, I will be there in February. I was also challenged to write a poem about the trees of the Abigail stage. Look forward to that within the next couple of weeks.

On another note, I noticed I haven’t opened the spoken word section yet. That is my project for this weekend. This way I can organize these posts better and have my open mic schedule up for you all to see and support.

So… Next Monday- Getting inspired at the NYK Poetry Slam at the Nuyorican

Next Tuesday I am listening in and hoping to be inspired at Bowery

Next Wednesday is Abigail’s again.

Hasta Luego y Buena noche mi gente, 1 luv!

So finally I started my open mic journey in NYC with Abigail’s in Brooklyn. It was a quaint and intimate place. The decor was very inviting ; the food and drinks were great.

When I entered, I met other performers who were very informative about the open mic scene and welcomed me with open arms. I was a bit scared that I would be the butt of their jokes since they were both comedians but thankfully they kept to their sets.

There was a pretty good size crowd (mostly the performers… but hey we support each other ). The talent was mostly comedians with music and me sprinkled in. A few of the comedians classified themselves: the atheist, the angry one, the lonely one & the one that talks to himself. I loved the singer and the musician- very relevant.

I changed my set a few times to flow with the vibe of the night. I decided to perform two poems from My Journey through poetry — Broken Angel– , the full poem excerpted in MJTP , “I am you” , and one from upcoming manuscripts, azucar. I got great response from the other performers about them so I am definitely gonna continue shopping around the mic scene and go forward with the book release.

thanks Brooklyn for the love! it’s nice to know you are welcomed back home.

To see pictures go to the spoken word section.

Next to hit is Bowery Poetry Club. I will be @ Abigail’s every Wednesday. I can’t leave my home out!

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Ok so I said I would come up with my time slot for Abigail’s in Brooklyn… well the open mic starts at 8p. I am trying to get on between 8 and 9; there is no sign up prior to the event. If you would like to come out and support, I will be reading some poems from “My Journey through Poetry” and related poems. Hopefully I can do a set of 4 poems. I’ll fill you in on how it went after the event is over.

I am anxious and excited…

Until tomorrow night

I found an open mic spot! I may start performing at Abigail’s (Classon Ave, Brooklyn) as soon as this wednesday. I may read from my book and perform some old stuff. I’ll fill you in on my time slot tomorrow!

Just wanted to drop in and give you a quick update!

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Hola mi gente! Sorry I haven’t posted since Aug. I just finished a semester at Columbia University. During my time of Psychological enlightening through my counseling and multiculturally filled classes, I haven’t had time to perform. I hope the next year and a half will continue to be inspiring and help me with my expression.

Anyway, I tried to go to a spoken word spot in Brooklyn but they discontinued their open mics. Hopefully between the holidays and work I can do some performances in Manhattan. The artist hunt still continues so I am shooting for a May of MJTP release now… I know I hate keeping you all waiting. I also have found some new inspiration for an upcoming manuscript, He Spoke. I can’t wait to be working on TO: Azucar full time, especially during the holiday season; it’s always full of love.

1 love,
SN
- Happy Holidays, Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year Everyone!
- Feliz Navidad y Prospero ano y Felicidad