Poetry and Punchlines

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Rhyme n Chatt Celebrates National Poetry Month and National Humor Month with Poetry & Punchlines

This exciting evening promises a unique fusion of poetic artistry and comedic brilliance, creating an atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of language and the joy of laughter. Rhyme n Chatt has curated a lineup of talented poetic comedians and comedic poets who will showcase their craft, offering the audience an unforgettable experience. In addition, there will be a limited number of open mic slots with time limits available for an opportunity to join in.

Music by poetic comedian musician Alex Volz the Band.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, April 12

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Wanderlinger Brewery; 1208 King Street, Chattanooga

Admission: Free

Donations: Appreciated

Website: www.rhymenchatt.com

Blues Harmonica

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I began playing harmonica almost 30 years ago, but it was here in Chattanooga that I began to take it seriously and up my game. As a singer-songwriter I played in a nice basic way and I could play cross over blues too. But we have a Monday night blues jam with some of the best musicians in the city, and playing with them forced me into a new groove.

For my own poetry I began playing harmonica solo sections as introductions and in between stanzas so other poets heard that. Then I was invited to accompany poets in their performances. Twice I was asked to cover Nina Simone songs (she loves B minor) and it was so challenging in all the best ways.

My performance of Valentines Day Sucks, at Love Groove 2022, an annual event of Rhyme N Chatt Interactive Poetry HERE

The Divine Poetess asked me to do something inspired by Nina Simone’s version of Strange Fruit to accompany her poem Segregation. She performed three pieces in June 2023 at the Hunter Museum of American Art, for their program, Vision and Verse. They are HERE

I first saw the Jess Goggans band a couple of years ago at Clyde’s aka HiFi-Clyde’s one of Chattanooga’s funnest party spots, and immediately became a follower. I never dreamed that a couple years later, after jaming with Jess a couple times, that I would be invited to join for a couple of songs. Also sat in with them at the Cherry Street Tavern! See photos below

The amazing thing for me, is that in this late season of life, I am blessed with things I only dreamed of. Thank you Lord!

The Daily Refresh

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As the new president of the Chattanooga Writers’ Guild, Mark Anderson appeared on Chattanooga local interest program, The Daily Refresh, a feature of Channel 9. The skillful interviewer kept things going smoothly, saving me from the embarrassment of repeating myself and wandering off on side tangents. She was Great. Watch for yourself HERE

Learn more about the Chattanooga Writers’ Guild HERE

I moved to Chattanooga in May 2016 and immediately joined this community of writers. I joined the board of directors a year later in September 2017 and managed special events for two years then served as president for a year. I returned to the board this fall, 2023, and recently became president again. This organization has been so valuable to me for multiple reasons: I love creative people, I love rubbing shoulders with other writers, especially when they are better than me, and I have made friends here that will probably be with me for a very long time!

RNC Anthology Launch

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I am so pleased to have work included again this year. My poem is titled, “Kindred Spirits” which was written for the art of Beauford Delaney and his friendship with James Baldwin. This was performed as part of Vision and Verse, a program of The Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga Tennessee.

Rhyme N Chatt Interactive Poetry organization is group where I have been encouraged to take my poetry to a new level, found great opportunities to perform, rub shoulders with other creatives, and made beautiful friendships: WEBSITE

MAIN X 24 – Poets n Pickers

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The first Saturday in December (12/2/2023) is the annual celebration of Chattanooga’s South Side, Main X 24. 24 hours of crazy fun with the amazing parade down Main Street. There will be chili cook-off, music and much more. Check the website and event calendar HERE

Poets n Pickers Open Mic will be from 1 to 4 PM at 1603 Williams Street on the patio. Share a poem, a song, a story, and hang with those who do. Chili and hot cider will be available too. All presentations must be appropriate for families with children.

Hourly hosts include: Chattanooga Writers’ Guild, Rhyme N Chatt Interactive Poetry, and Wanderlinger Poetry Circle.

Facebook event: HERE

Launch party for latest book

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And Then; An Eclectic Memoir, features stories beginning in 2nd grade troubles in the classroom. Includes poetry that compliments each story. The arch of the collection is transitions that are typical every person, but in the unique story of one man’s journey.

This launch part is in collaboration with the Wanderlinger Poetry Circle, which meets every Tuesday, 8pm, at Wanderlinger Brewing, on King Street in Chattanooga TN. This poetry groups is a community of amazing creative spirits known for very raw honesty.

Readings will be from 7:30 to 8 and books will be available for $12- cash, CashApp, or PayPal

The Divine Poetess

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The Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga TN hosts Vision and Verse, a periodic show that brings in guest poets to reflect upon visual art then write poetry and present it in a performance. I was honored to provide background harmonica for the Divine Poetess on her poem, Segregate. She requested that I do an instrumental version of Strange Fruit (Abel Meeropol 1937) Nina Simone’s version. Dine did 3 poems with other artists including dance by Jenn McCormick, drums by Kofi Mawuko, bass by Dexter Bell. June 2023

Watch the performance HERE

WUTC radio program Scenic Roots with host Ray Bassett presented an interview in advance of this performance which you can listen to HERE

Vision and Verse: June 2023

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Vision and Verse is a program at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga TN which invites select poets to write as inspired by visual art in the gallery. June 15, 2023 the poet is Divine Poet sharing three pieces with dance by Jenn McCormick, musicians Dexter Bell, Kofi Mawuko, and Mark Anderson.

More info on the website: Hunter Museum event

Mark will be performing in the background on harmonica the song, “Strange Fruit” as inspired by Nina Simone’s version. The original Strange Fruit by Abel Meeropol, 1937 was made famous by Billie Holiday.

Listen to our radio interview on Scenic Roots HERE

WTCI TV: Raise Your Voice

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I am so honored to be part of this project! Raise You Voice; an educational series on WTCI tv and educational YouTube series. This project matches children’s book authors with poets, with an interview discussing the book and poetry.

In this episode we discuss my book “Shu Shu’s Bright New Day” with poet Carlos Davis and host Marsha Mills. We are all members of Rhyme N Chatt Interactive Poetry, of which Marsha is President.

So many wonderful opps have come my way in Chattanooga that I never would have had back in Utah, that I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you WTCI, Rhyme N Chatt poetry.

Watch the 14 minute video HERE or watch for it on WTCI TV (a Tennessee station)

Vision and Verse

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Hunter Museum of American Art, vision and verse,

I am sooo honored to be part of this event. In the Vision and Verse series the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga invites poets to be inspired by works in a specific exhibit, then present them. This series is centered on the art of Beuford Delaney and his friendship with James Baldwin. The 3 poets will be the Poetic Diva aka Marsha Mills. Poetess Phenominal C aka Carla P Elliott, and Me aka Tomodachi. Thursday 3/23, 6 to 7 PM, free

For more details visit the Facebook event

Radio interview on WUTC radio (88.1FM or wutc.org) host Ray Basset speaks with Marsha Mills, president of Rhyme N Chatt: interview