The Strivers Row Presents "The Classics"

Last week I went to a poetry show presented by The Strivers Row

"The Classics"

"The only thing I hate about love is that I'm not in it. . . " - Miles Hodges

Photo by Andre Wagner

i.love

An impressive night. Housed in the Galapagos Art Space in Dumbo, the night was destined for success. A unique and sultry interior, its got a 1,600 square foot lake. Yup! An extensive lake right inside an art space. Audience members are seated in islands creating a kind of intimate setting.

The Poets: Carvens Lissaint, Joshua Bennet, Jasmine Mans, Alysia Harris, Miles Hodges. Each with their own unique style came straight from the soul, bringing the sweetest treat to the table. Absolutely moving, absolutely motivating. Souls were stirred, hearts were warmed, power was felt that night at the Galapagos Art Space.

Accompanied by JoSunJari, a string trio composed of siblings (oldest 19 and youngest 10!), each poet performed a range of heartfelt "classic". They spoke of what it means to be a man; of the tragedy in Haiti; never wanting to be "that girl".  Michelle Obama; what it means to inspire young girls; financial aid and of course, love. Its the way they intertwine elements of the earth, music, soul, heart and honesty in each piece, that creates the most captivating work of art.

Some of the profound classics of the night: "10 Things I Want to Say to a Black Woman" By Joshua; "Love Poem" by Carvens; "Nicki Minaj" by Jasmine; "This Woman's Work" by Miles; and "That Girl" by Alysia. At the very end, we got a much welcomed impromptu performance of "All Falls Down" by Bridget Barkan. Men . . . that freckled red haired has got soul! The girl sang her heart out and was absolutely striking!

I basically just sat in awe through this classic performance

Took my breath away.

Luckily

There's a video

Unfortunately its missing the first half of the show 

But check out the rest

Feel free to skip around

(love them all but highlighted my absolute faves):

2:26 "This Woman's Work" - Miles Hodges

7:45 "Haiti" - Carvens Lissaint

14:20 "What's In a Man" - Joshua Bennet

19:28 "Black Sons" - Jasmine Mans

25:10 "Financial Aid" - Carvens

30:20 "Southern" - Alyssia Harris

34:40 "Blueberry Pancakes" - Joshua

39:00 "Nicki Minaj" - Jasmine

47:05 "That Girl" -Alysia

51:53 "All Falls Down" - Bridget 

The sweetest words

. . .