Other impressive performances by students included Jordan Brewster (Alhambra HS), Casey Manues (Betty Fairfax HS), and Alejandra Valdez (Maryvale HS).  In addition to the youth’s poetry, there was also a performance by Habi Saleem, the eldest poet of 66 years old.  Saleem, who once traveled with Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King III believes that “In spite of our differences, our likenesses are much more powerful.  We need the ice cream parlor approach – there’s a flavor for everybody.”  And speaking of flavor, there was a very special performance by Jonathan McBride, a 15 year old autistic student representing Betty Fairfax HS.  Jonathan’s performance earned him a standing ovation as he presented a personal tribute to Ms. Fairfax.

There was plenty of entertainment outside of the riveting poetry recited by the students.  Local comedian, Tyrone Tremaine Wright AKA Big Baby, was the MC for the event.  Big Baby, a native Virginian, is hailed as Arizona’s Prince of Comedy who appeared on BET’s Comic View, Comedy Central and the Steve Harvey Show.  Recording Artist and Poet of the Year by the Chicago Music Awards, Tracey King, performed and participated as one of the judges.  King’s performance was powerful as she left the audience in awe with her piercing lyrical prose coupled with a spiritual overtone that left you breathless.  

Also performing was Tucson Hip Hop artist, Chezale AKA Lady Maverick, who had the audience of both young and old up on their feet with her effortless delivery of rap and bouncing beat.  DJ Unknown kept the sounds flowing throughout the event and the South Mountain Jaguar Step Team mesmerized the audience with their synchronized dance steps and strong powerful moves. 

Judges for the event were Mon Cherie, Tracey King, and Mary Jo Hilpert.  Hilpert has worked in the school system for 35 years and is a Language Arts Specialist for the Phoenix Union High School District.  She states that “I would love to see poetry get a better shot.  Poetry is a language art that is a confidence builder and spurs critical thinking skills.”

Overall the entertainment was both solid and well appreciated by all who were in attendance.  Mon Cherie is committed to having this event every year and looks forward to Poet Bar’s 2^nd Annual Poetry Slam.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, call (480) 299-1279 or visit www.myspace.com/poetbar or www.poetbar.com

Spirits soared as the first ever Poet Bar’s Poetry Slam took place on January 19^th over MLK weekend at Betty Fairfax High School in Laveen, AZ.  Piercing, electrifying, rhythmic, resounding and passionate are just a few words to describe the Poetry Slam.  Twenty-one finalists from among thousands of students representing five Valley metro high schools competed in the ground breaking event which drew hundreds in attendance.

The event brought out Phoenix’s best.  Students representing Alhambra HS, Betty Fairfax HS, Cesar Chavez HS, Maryvale HS, and South Mountain HS were required to write a poem of 3 minutes or less about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Betty Fairfax.  Ms. Fairfax, an 89 year old pioneer educator in Arizona, who spent many years in the school system, regrettably was unable to attend the event.  However, she provided words of encouragement commenting that “I’m proud of all the students.”  

Finalists were vying for the top prize of an academic scholarship for $750, a Dell laptop computer and a chance to appear on FM Radio 101.5 Jamz’s Kid and Ruben Show to recite their winning poem on MLK Day.  The finalists were chosen based on critical analysis, literary form, creativity, oral presentation skills and other criteria.  The judges were also looking for how well the students identified with Dr. King or Ms. Fairfax, if the students were impacted by these remarkable leaders, and what the students’ current endeavors are to further Dr. King’s dream or Ms. Fairfax’s mission. 

The event was the brainchild of Cherie Lewis AKA Mon Cherie, a native Chicagoan who overcame a tumultuous childhood and found solace through poetry and education.  Mon Cherie, President and CEO of Poet Bar, felt the need to provide a platform for youth to express themselves creatively while promoting academic studies.  When asked if she had accomplished her goals in orchestrating the event, she responded “Yes, because the students were inspired and uplifted, their voices were heard, their talent shined, and their educational experience was advanced.  In fact, my goals were exceeded because this event touched the hearts of people in so many powerful ways that I couldn’t have even imagined.  The Poetry Slam was incredible!” 

1st Place

More Pictures