Interview: WORDISM POET AND HOST JUMANNE PITTS

One of the great enjoyments of doing interviews is going to new places, events and meeting new people. A few years ago I discovered something I really can't believe I didn't discover earlier. It's been around for awhile. Where was I? Well, I know about it now.

The Poetry series that is a blast!

It is WORDISM!

The host of this event is Jumanne Pitts. He keeps a cool and smooth running room for Poets and everyone in the audience. I was finally able to get him to answer a few questions.

MCL: When and how did Poetry come into your life?

JP: It was the mid 90's (circa 1996) when I became serious about writing poetry and appreciated listening to others' poetry.

MCL: What is Wordism?

JP: WORDISM is the Premier Non-Competitive Open Mic Event for Spoken Word Artists. The focus is to provide a safe space for folks to express themselves freely. My objective is to have someone who has never done spoken word before be inspired to do so.

MCL: How did you get involved with Wordism?

JP: Originally, Wordism was created by the late Buffalo writer and artist Kendra Durand. The environment her gatherings and events cultivated was warm and welcoming. I was, and still am, a shy person. But, it was at these events where I came alive, and developed an appreciation for spoken word, especially for my own works.

MCL: Describe why people should come to Wordism

JP: When folks come to a WORDISM event, they will feel welcomed, appreciated, and they will be entertained, whether or not they get up to speak. Our WORDISM: Jam Sessionz provide live jazz music for the artists that step up to the stage. Again, whether or not folks speak, they will be entertained and enjoy a lovely evening out.

MCL: Talk about some of the venues that Wordism has been at.

JP: Places that have hosted WORDISM include the Em Tea Coffee Cup Café on Buffalo's east side, and the Main St. Art Gallery in downtown Buffalo. The Jam Sessionz have been held at Pausa Art House in the Allentown district, MES Lounge, and The Historic Colored Musicians Club in the African American Heritage Corridor, both located in downtown Buffalo.

MCL: What do you enjoy about Hosting?

JP: I enjoy seeing people sit back and relax as if they are preparing to ride on the coolest most laid back amusement ride ever. My approach to hosting is to facilitate the comfort and warmth needed for folks to decide that "tonight is the night" they will get on stage to share their words. I love the vibe that is created when everyone is enjoying themselves.

MCL:Finally ... Promote yourself. What do you have coming up for the rest of 2017?

JP: WORDISM will be this Saturday at the Em Tea Coffee Cup Café, located at 80 Oakgrove Ave. Buffalo, NY 14208 from 8 to 10p.m., free admission. The next WORDISM: Jam Sessionz will be at Pausa Art House located at 19 Wadsworth St. Buffalo, NY 14201, $10 admission.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WORDISM:

https://https://www.facebook.com/events/1576207272653016/?ref=1

https://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl5nTCWW7Q4

https://https://https://https://www.facebook.com/Em-Tea-Coffeecup-Cafe-115576138467893/

http://http://http://www.pausaarthouse.com/index.html