When students entered the Memorial Student Center ballroom for Poetry Night on Monday, Oct. 30, dim lights, and the suave sounds of jazz and neo-soul greeted them. The occasion drew in a full crowd of spectators anxiously anticipating the event.As the night got underway, Nyne, the host, laid down a few ground rules. Ou.Spokn and Nyne opened the show with their own piece. Middle Class G delivered an unforgettable performance titled, “Spit Shined Truth,” which had everyone on their feet.
Next to the stage were the brothers of Phi Mu Alpha with their performance of “Isn’t She Lovely,” with a saxophone solo from Chris Mitchell. Their next selection was “I am Ready for Love,” performed by Michael Dixon. Then, Deandre “Dre” Williams recited two pieces that had all of the ladies going crazy, followed by a duet from Ou.Spokn and Bishop that got the crowd in a frenzy, and craving for more.
During the intermission, the students were still raving about the first half of the show and were clueless about what to expect for the next half. “I love poetry night, it gives the students a chance to speak their mind and to express how they feel,” said sophomore Candyce Zacharie.
Freshman biology major Lectoria White said, “Poetry night was very inspiring, a nice set-up, and an overall beautiful program.”
After intermission, Forte gave the crowd three selections, “Where I Wanna Be,” “Heaven,” and an original PV collaboration with Nyne and Ou.Spokn titled, “Love Jones.” Breanna Cooper thrilled the crowd with her voice, and her words. There was also a quartet by Martin Caesar, D.C. Paul, Ty Speed, and Lord Byron. Martin Caesar spoke about an event and experience of domestic violence. Then, Bishop performed a rhyme full of fire that left the audience in awe.
As the program quickly drew to a close, Forte made sure the crowd left on a good note by playing jazz. Overall, Poetry Night was one of the many highlights of Homecoming this year and was a real treat for those who attended.