Newark, NJ—-On a crisp autumn afternoon in Newark, New Jersey, the city’s cultural heartbeat quickened as poetry enthusiasts and wordsmiths alike gathered at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) for the much-anticipated Dodge Poetry Event. The air was filled with anticipation, carrying the promise of a afternoon woven with lyrical tapestries and rhythmic verses.
As attendees filtered into the grand hall, adorned with the elegance that only a world-class venue like NJPAC could provide, they were greeted by the warm embrace of dimmed lights and the distant hum of conversations. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, a shared enthusiasm for the written and spoken word.
The event’s spotlight focused on the stage, where an eclectic lineup of poets was set to perform. Each artist brought a unique perspective, delivering verses that ranged from introspective musings to powerful social commentaries. The diversity of voices mirrored the rich tapestry of the community, weaving a narrative that transcended boundaries and resonated with the collective human experience.
One by one, poets took the stage, their words transforming the space into a sanctuary of shared emotions and introspection. From the whispers of contemplative haikus to the thunderous cadence of spoken word, the Chase Room embraced the symphony of language, a harmonious blend that transcended the boundaries of culture, age, and background.
The special event featured special poetry performances by Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka,who recited his poem, “Digging Max,” paying homage to his late father Amiri Baraka, a legendary poet and playwright who worked with Max Roach. A poetry performance by the legendary Last Poets, Abiodun Oyewole, Baba Don, and Felipe Luciano, who continue the legacy of The Last Poets’ who originally formed in 1968 in Harlem, NY and Pulitzer Prize Winner Tyehimba Jess closed the afternoon out.
The audience, a captivated sea of faces, listened intently as the poets unveiled their souls through carefully crafted lines. Applause and snaps of approval filled the pauses between verses, creating a rhythmic cadence that echoed the heartbeat of collective appreciation.
Among the evening’s highlights was a collaborative performance, where poets seamlessly wove their verses into a poetic tapestry, an intricate dance of words and ideas. It was a testament to the power of unity and the shared humanity that poetry has the ability to reveal.
As the afternoon drew to a close, the echoes of the NJPAC Dodge Poetry Event lingered in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have witnessed its magic. Attendees left the venue with a renewed appreciation for the transformative power of poetry, carrying with them the shared experience of a night where words painted pictures, emotions took flight, and the world felt a little more interconnected through the beauty of language.
For more information about Dodge Poetry, upcoming shows, and events, visit NJPAC’s Dodge Poetry Page. The Dodge Poetry Festival welcomes submissions for performance consideration beginning in mid-February.
