NEW: Internship, CREATIVE SPACE, Stats — jhohadli

Internship In 2021, Andre W. became my first intern. I did work with one back in 2017 when former finalist Michaela H. interned with the Wadadli Youth Pen Prize of which I am coordinator. But I was more hesitant to take on someone in my personal capacity. As it happens, Andre is also a former […]

NEW: Internship, CREATIVE SPACE, Stats — jhohadli

An Open Letter from August Rush concerning the Future of the Expressions Poetry in the Pub Series

This past week Linisa George posted to the Expressions Poetry in the Pub facebook group, an open mic series that has brought many new voices forth over the past seven years, that they were taking a break. The series is produced by August Rush – a professional and artistic partnership between George and Zahra Airall. But they both need a break to pursue other projects. I can relate and the best answer at such times is, I understand. Below is George’s full message (reposted here with her permission).

Linisa George.

Hey Expressions’ Poets, Patrons, Friends and Family,

We know many of you have been waiting with baited breath for the new season of Expressions: ‘Poetry In The Pub’ to begin. We are eternally grateful for the continued support that both performers and audiences have shared. This is why, with a heavy heart, we announce that we have decided to delay Season 8 of our open mic night. We will be embarking on personal creative projects that will prevent us from efficiently managing Poetry In The Pub over the next year.

We’ve been back and forth on the issue as we struggled with whether to bring Poetry In The Pub to a complete end or turn over the franchise to another entity. We started Expressions because we were passionate about developing and exposing the authentic and unique talents of writers, poets, spoken word artists, musicians, visual artists and other creatives that stretch across the island. After 8 years, we are still committed to that goal.

We would like to shout out Shirlette Thomas and her team at Heavenly Java 2 Go for not only providing us with a home for Expressions, but for also going above and beyond our expectations. Java 2 GO has been our home away from home, and the hospitality and support from Shirlette and her staff fuels that comfort. August Rush would also like to thank Fred and the rest of SpillingInk for providing the sound system equipment for Expressions for the past two years.

We would also like to thank EVERY performer that has stepped on stage, especially our regulars who’ve been with us from the beginning. We’ve watched so many of you step up to the mic and find your light and voices. From becoming authors of multiple publications, to gracing the stages locally and regionally, to branching off and developing your own creative initiatives, it brings us immense joy to see each of you flourish. We remain forever committed to supporting and spotlighting your amazingness. To the attentive audience members that show up every month to cheer on the artists in addition to our numerous supporters and private sponsors and donors, you form part of the development of the art and culture scene in Antigua and Barbuda. Your support is invaluable.

Expressions Poetry In The Pub will return on Tuesday 9th October, 2018. During that time our Facebook page and Twitter will remain active sharing literary news and happenings from across the island. Our Expressions: Poetry In The Pub group will remain open to all the blogger, poets, spoken words artists who want to share their work. All three pages will still be managed by us.

Although we will be on hiatus for a year, there are still many opportunities for you to get your creative fix. Please don’t forget to support the Wadadli Pen Open Mic which happens ever 2nd Saturday in the month at The Best of Books Bookstore. Do check out The Captain’s Monthly Wine-tasting & Poetry at the Captain’s Quarters Restaurant & Bar which begins on Wednesday 29th of November, where you can enjoy performances from many of our Expressionists. We are also looking forward to the 5th anniversary of Soothe happening early 2018.

Thank you all for your patience as we made the decision to take this year break. Your understanding is greatly appreciate. We will be back, better than ever, with an even greater experience for everyone.

‘Til then, continue to make loud and beautiful Expressions!!!

Linisa x Zahra
August Rush Productions Co-Founders

Secrets

“Every October the frights, terror and fear come to mind, lets not talk about that…directly. This month we’ll be sharing secrets, don’t be shy now, we promise it will be fun! Secret fear? Secret Joy? Secret Love? Whats your little secret? Hmmm?”

This is the teaser for the next Wadadli Pen Open Mic. Are you there?

Place: The Best of Books, St. Mary’s Street, St. John’s, Antigua.
Date: October 10th 2015.
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

WADADLI PEN NOTICES

First, via Literary Antigua:

Wadadli Pen Open Mic continues this Saturday 8th March 2014 at the Best of Books Bookstore on lower St. Mary’s street. Looking forward to seeing you our Open Mic regulars and friends and new comers. See you there!

 

Second, via us:

The Wadadli Pen 2014 Challenge awards ceremony is planned for March 30th – 4 p.m. – at the Best of Books. All are invited, but especially the short listed writers and their families.

 

Just Speak

The Wadadli Pen Open Mic returns this Saturday 16th November 2013. The theme is ‘Just Speak’. Open Mic starts at 7:30 pm at the Best of Books bookstore on St. Mary’s street. The Wadadli Pen Open Mic is organized by the Best of Books and is held the second Saturday of each month.

Wadadli Pen Open Mic Returns

Its a new season of Wadadli Pen Open Mic, organized and hosted by The Best of Books. They’re getting the ball rolling under the theme: Just Speak. Wadadli Pen Open Mic begins promptly at 7:30pm this Saturday 14th September @ Best of Books on lower St.Mary’s street. Invitation is extended to one and all to come out, share, listen and enjoy the word.

The Mic is Hot

Literary Antigua reports that this month’s Wadadli Pen topic is:

“I Wish”

Open Mic starts at 7:30pm Saturday 8th June at the Best of Books.

A special invitation is extended to all our friends and family who currently back on island to come out and enjoy an evening of the word.

Connected

Wadadli Pen Open Mic continues this Saturday 9th March with the topic: Connected. Open Mic kicks off at 7:30pm at the Best of Books on St. Mary’s street.

Irie Fire Open Mic

I actually haven’t had a chance to check this out as yet…if you do…share

Expressions Returns

Just passing on this note posted by Floree Williams to the Expressions page on Facebook.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!!!! Expressions Season 3 will reconvene on Tuesday 10th January from 8pm. It’s been a month since we’ve seen you guys and we are excited to hear what you have to say. ‘Poetry in the Pub’ promises to continue to be a unique environment that encourages the freedom of creativity. Poets, writers, singers, musicians and dancers are all welcome to perform. Gleanroy Aaron’s art pieces will be featured once again, and those of you that have prepared poems for the challenge piece we chose, will be given an opportunity to share with everyone. A gift certificate from Heavenly Java 2 Go will be up for grabs for the winner.

We would like to take this time to thank every one of you for your ‘word-of-mouth’ advertising on our behalf. You have contributed to our success and the increase in attendance with each bi-monthly Tuesday. Continue to tell a friend or two.

As we stated, in our previous email to you, this year we will be launching some new initiatives that will assist in promoting the work of Expression performers and aid in reaching a wider audience both here and outside of Antigua. We will be announcing some of these ventures in the coming weeks, so stay tuned in.

Once again THANK YOU for your support and encouragement thus far. We welcome your thoughts and ideas on how we can improve Expressions. If you would like to contact us, or sign-up in advance of next Tuesday, email us at augustrush.antigua@gmail.com or call us at 780-7754 or 779-6634.

CHEERS TO 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!