Spell out the orchestra! An A to Z understanding of rhythm and verse was quite apparent Sunday evening at Zeitgeist. Poets and musicians came together in a melodious union that stimulated as well as provoked—a poetry reading that was as lively as a jazz concert with all the dancing and spirits one would expect on a soulful Sunday in New Orleans.
Michael took the stage to the rich sounds of brass and tapping toes (quite an introduction). His poetry was rhythmic and clear and complimented the smooth tones of the Dirty Dozen nicely. The mood of Michael’s poetry seemed to capture that of the evening. Almost relieved to finish his set, Michael wasted no time making his way to the dance floor to join the movement.
The spirit of the band seemed to shift from the upbeat sounds of a second line to a bluesy, equally energetic attitude as David took the floor. He was calm and undoubtedly in his element behind the podium. Peaceful, yet powerful, his selection of poems illustrated the tour’s intentions. All around me, heads were bobbing to the music, to David, to both, but my eyes never left the stage. He was 30 years younger behind the podium. His personality, youthful and bright, captivated the audience.
For me, the night was a success—a stunning example of what Voodoo can do.
– Jason Diano
**********
Here’s a photo show from Nancy Victoria Davis who joined us in New Orleans for the ROCKPILE Show. Thanks Nancy!!– MR
Did you do the thing in New Orleans or what? We did what we could back home to keep the fires burning with a two-day Poetry Blowout at the Beat Museum followed by my Poets Gallery birthday party reading blow-out at Cafe Greco Monday night. Both Eckert and myself offered poetic tribute to what Mark called the Rockpile juggernaut and my quirky homage to Michael’s insomnia (brought on his viewing too many monster movies as a kid late at night on Creature Feature or did they still have drive-ins down in Miami back in the day?) “You Don’t Sleep, I Don’t Dream” received the laughter I prefer to the calls for the pasty dough crackers in the white suits with the butterfly nets! Even though the glow-in-the-dark teeth I bought just for the occasion didn’t work because it wasn’t dark enough. Host Philip Hackett offered to turn the lights out just so people could see only my glowing teeth as I recited my platonic love ode to Michael but can you believe that the audience was plain too scared? Just much as I wish we could have been with you guys doing the Big Easy this past weekend, I wish all you guys could have been rocking the City with us! Maybe there’s something to this cloning business after all! Or making cyborgs of ourselves! Or maybe all we need is the right hoodoo that only you three do so well, individually and/or collectively, as the case may be! As Gomer said, Rock the Pile, baby, till the Pile can’t rock no more!