If you love poetry, you will definitely want to be in town this weekend for a three-part literary extravaganza which features a celebrity host, area poets and artists and more.
iNception of Shreveport Inc. and Blue Phoenix Creations present “A Literary Affair” Jan. 20-21 featuring Darrin Henson as host.
Henson is probably best known for his role as Lem in the hit Showtime series “Soul Food,” which was based on the blockbuster film version. He’s also starred in a number of films including “Stomp the Yard,” “Tekken” and more.
Plus he’s the choreographer behind some of your favorite dance moves from those NSync, Britney Spears, J-Lo videos and more. And then there’s this. (Had to throw that one in there for laughs. I mean, who can forget that pop-and-lock routine?)
But what you probably didn’t know is that Henson is also a poet and during each part of this weekend’s event he will share excerpts from his latest collection of poetry, Intimate Thoughts.
Besides Henson, “A Literary Affair” also features a lineup of some of the hottest poets, rappers and spoken word artists around.
The fun starts with “Poet’s Nite Out” for the grown folks, which starts at 9 p.m. Friday night at Gi Gi’z Martini Room and includes performances by Shreveport’s own singer-songwriter-poet Mocha Blue Blaze, as well as internationally acclaimed poet and host Mike Guinn, poet Lady Tonya Jackson, poet/singer Chivonne, gospel rapper G-Lo and more.
The show continues with “Poetry Speaks,” held 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday at Shreve Memorial Library Atkins Branch where Henson will talk about the importance of reading and finish with a book signing, accompanied by the Word Warriors of Morning Star Baptist Church.
Then, the weekend will conclude with “Poetic Groove!,” 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, at JOSH Lounge where more area artists will perform, including poet/rapper Tantrum, singer Trey and flutist Angela.
If you decide to check it out, Friday night’s “Poet’s Nite Out” event includes a $7 cover charge, Saturday’s “Poetry Speaks” event is free and “Poetic Groove,” on Saturday night includes a $5 cover charge. Click here for more information.
