“I’m Regis.” For some, this would fall as a misunderstood statement, but for the students in attendance Monday evening, it’s apparent that these words carry weight. More than clever puns, similes and metaphors, the Poetry Night sponsored by CAB and PV Productive Poets, was pretty memorable.
This yearly affair was highlighted by more than just the supernatural lyric of two. This year, there is an actual group of talented lyricists. The PV Productive Poets is a new group founded in August. Emanualee Bean is the president and he says his team is “trying to bring poetry as a force of voices, just like any organization on campus.” The Slam Team is preparing for competitions on the regional level. Overall, Bean says, “We appreciate the support.”
Now what made Monday’s slam different from the Thursday night high Bean provides at Jazzmans was the competition. The Poets competed in different categories to accumulate points. There were three rounds, one for any topic, one was involving love, and one involving AIDS awareness.
The night even began with a short performance by the Gilpin Players. The talented actors wooed the audience with an excerpt of their upcoming show, “Lend Me a Tenor.” With the shrieks of laughter and roaring applause, it’s only fair to say their show is easily anticipated. Opening night is Nov. 2.
Freshman Jarod Clark said, “When that girl from Sam Houston went up there and started talking about her love life, I couldn’t believe how great she could put it together.”
Obviously with a name like “productive poets,” Prairie View has some talent at hand, but as a surprise, Bean went to some poetic friends of his at other schools and asked them bless the mic.
As each act got up and performed, Bean motivated the crowd. “You are now building energy. You are now building energy!” he said. The energy was definitely there.
As another surprise, Prairie View alumna who goes by the name Rae shed her talent during intermission. She graduated in 2000 and she enjoyed sharing her story. As a productive student, she went on to become a productive businesswoman. She had her book entitled Poetry is my Life Revenge is my Mission at hand and ready for sales. After sharing two pieces she went back to her table in the back of the ballroom where she set up her kiosk. After the show, she was receiving many comments and praises.
Bre, a talented poet, was the winner of the competition and her fellow poets, Willie, T, Nyne, Will-he-Wreck, Lryics, Tashia, Sean Mitchell, and Adam gave a thrilling show. Be expecting more from these rising stars.