Local Poets Use State-of-the-Art Digital Media

Throw Away Those Tea-Stained Paperbacks
Local Poets Use State-of-The-Art Digital Media to Publish Their Work

by Karen L. Wisotzkey

What? You say Poetry is for those touchy-feely-sappy-artsy-sissy people? I’d like to see you tell that to Harrisburg’s Poet Laureate, Nate Gadsden!

Poetry is rising in popularity in Harrisburg at an incredible rate. Forget those preconceived notions you may have about poetry — this is different! It’s a sure sign that culture exists here and it’s definitely digging its heels into the Harrisburg community.

Poetry can be, but is not always, the “roses are red” sentiments of love. Likewise, from an early age, schools taught us the traditional rhyme and meter verse poetry — but that seems to be taking a back seat, too. Today’s topics are varied, but the poetry that is sweeping through Harrisburg these days tends to fall into the category of free verse, with a high level of social and personal awareness. What’s even more incredible is that today’s poets in Harrisburg aren’t just scribbling their poems on the backs of convenience store receipts and forgetting about them. Nor are they tucking away stacks of typewritten pages or handwritten journals that only collect dust. Even the concept of publishing poetry isn’t the biggest trend with local poets. No, in Harrisburg, poetry is definitely a social event with the spoken word being the common thread in the circle.

Even in the small city of Harrisburg, one can find poetry gatherings in some of the coolest places, on almost any given night of the week. Poets come with the full intention of sharing their poems with their friends and complete strangers, all the same. Even those who are hesitant to stand in front of a group are known to muster up enough courage to share by the end of an open poetry reading. Those who used to be afraid to even admit to writing poetry (the closet poets) are now in the forefront, claiming the title of ‘poet’ without remorse (possibly a result of the poetry slam craze, which makes it rather glamorous to be a poet). And the funny thing is, poets are coming to the table with their “issues” in plain view. Poetry is helping people connect with one another by admitting their vices and shortcomings, their troubles and fears, their deep down feelings. Regardless of gender, age, race, social, or economic status, the poets of Harrisburg are becoming human and sharing that bond.

Each poetry venue in the Harrisburg area holds a unique spirit and dynamic of its own, which manifests itself from the host or hostess, the people who attend, the format, and the messages that spill from the mouths of wordsmiths. There are poetry circles that spotlight featured artists, those that concentrate solely on an open reading format, and others that dedicate a certain portion of the program to the actual process of writing. But, no matter what the format or the venue, poets from all levels of experience, all walks of life, and all cultures are readily welcomed to the circle. As a matter of fact, it’ s common to see pockets of local poets floating from one poetry gathering to another — within the same week or even within the same evening! Often times, the venue itself isn’t the deciding factor, but more likely, who’s going to be there. As the poets begin to network, they find that the same poet can sound totally different, have a totally different approach, or a totally different content-theme, depending on the venue. One venue may be more appropriate for adult-only content, while another is a total family experience. The variety of outlets for poets offers a place for everyone.

Whether you’re one of those “closet poets” or perhaps, one of those cynics who has heard one really bad, dry poetry reading in life and called it quits, it may be worth your while to explore some of the local poetry circles. Whether you’re a poet or not (non-poets are more than welcome, too!), the cultural experience is phenomenal and the social value of human bonding that occurs is priceless!

With the growing interest in poetry as a spoken word artistry, many local poets are setting their sites on audio recording as their chosen form of publishing. Since some venues provide improvised live music to accompany poetry readings, the thought of recording spoken word takes on a whole new creative angle as poets consider a backdrop of jazz, percussion, or other musical ambiance. Through spoken word recordings, poetry can be enjoyed as much, if not more, than in the live setting. Audio publishing allows the poet to deliver a message exactly as intended — complete with vocal inflections.

Bearing Witness
Nathaniel Gadsden
Independent Release
Many spoken word recordings are backed by musical accompaniment, but Bearing Witness uses only enough to open and close the CD, with a brief interlude here and there. The rhythm of Nate Gadsden’s voice creates its own music and the length of each piece affords him the time to build that rhythm and draw the listener into the words.

Hearing the jazz opener, the introduction of the poet, and the audience applause allowed me to put myself ‘right there’ for this live recording. As in a live program, it takes a few lines to start building that spirit into the word that is typically Nate, but once in sync with his sentiments, the poet’s words became expressions of life. Several of the pieces on this CD bring Gadsden’s storytelling style to the forefront. But the stories aren’t just stories — there is a message, a life-changing experience, or a sentimental impact in each one. For example, “Silent Witness” and “Stomp the Dust” gave me Nate’s internal reaction to things going on around him. As a male poet, Gadsden sets a precedent as a strong, authoritative voice with the self-assured comfort of sharing his feelings.

Bearing Witness is the next best thing to being there for one of Gadsden’s public performances. His minister-like presentation style comes through clearly on this recording. Stage presence without the visuals — it doesn’t get much better!

Introspect
Christine D. Johnson
Music by J.W. Collins, Jr.
Independent Release
The Introspect CD is a unique collection of spoken word artistry with three key strengths. First, it’s important to mention that Christine Johnson has one of those unmistakable speaking voices — born to soothe. Secondly, the music behind the voice, a mellow R&B sound, has an almost hypnotizing effect. Finally, the lyrics in this entire collection are geared toward a motivational theme. The combination of the three takes me into a trance-like state: body gently rocking, foot tapping, eyes closed, mind relaxed.

Johnson clearly had a mission in mind with the creation of Introspect. Each track takes the listener on an introspective journey with an encouragement for growth, truth, and motivation. Introspect speaks on a universal level about the human experience and the tendency to be afraid of being who we really are. With a spiritual flare, Johnson’s poetic expressions focus on our purpose for being, the power of shedding fear, and the harmony of seeking inner peace.

This recording has definitely fulfilled its purpose of uplifting its audience. The soothing elements of voice and music are enough to relax and open minds. With minds open, Johnson’s positive message has a clean point of entry into the heart and soul of the listener. If only all motivational speakers could present such a positive message and sound this good!

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