Bringing My Own Bars

The other was my second or third attendance going to BYOB (Bring Your Own Bars) at Box Park Wembley. As it is Women's History Month (which I have only been made aware of for the past 3-4yrs I think), I had every intention to focus my poetry on that. More so, a young female Poet that I met last time was asking me about a particular poem of mine that I spoke of (W.O.M.A.N Means which I wrote in 2011) in regards to me feeling like I have to be more selective or restrictive about sharing certain poems due to today's social and political climate- mainly in regard to my female empowerment or womanhood poems. 

We debated about the sensitivity, moderating, knit-picking and backlash that women get in recent times, while we are up against increasing misogyny from heterosexual men, as well as the increasing political policing from homosexual men, if not the LGBTQ community in general (I see this on social media and in the news on a regular basis, as well as the odd event description to poetry events even). 

[Picture taken from Think Scotland via Google in regard to women having less freedom of speech]

Much like Comedians, I see and feel that Poets/Spoken Word Artists can no longer perform and share as freely as for example, in the pre-2010's era. However, I do also believe that some performers have gone out of their way to be disrespectful on a public platform where there is absolutely no need. With that said, to a degree I do like that some of those rude unpleasant (verbal bullies who incite harm or terror, not the mild cheeky performers) folk have been reprimanded either through the court of public opinion if not by actual authorities. However, as argued regularly among many, it has gotten out of hand. It is what it is.

The Poet I was debating with didn't quite see my point of view, and considered transgender people in particular (that she knew or knew of) to be completely nonchalant and welcoming of my womanhood poems, as in they are likely to have little to no argument. Other Poets sitting at our table joined in with opposing views. It was a respectful debate among us. For more insight the Poet that I was initially debating with wanted to hear my W.O.M.A.N Means poem that I mentioned as an example of not being willing to perform in recent times, but as I am known to not memorise my poems but to print and carry them with me if and when necessary, I did not have that one on hand at the time. 

Assuming that she was a regular at this particular event, I had it in mind to make sure to bring it with me on my next appearance. The celebratory month in question, gave a fine opportunity to just perform it altogether regardless of who felt a way as it is a respectful poem with merit, thus it could be better received (by her) audibly as opposed to just her reading it for the sake of anticipating an emotional response.

Unfortunately, the Poet that I brought that specific poem for wasn't there KMT (Kiss My Teet', not at her but at the circumstance). In any case, it still served its purpose as it both educated and entertained. Turned some people off (seemingly some of young men in the audience) at parts and turned some people on in many other parts, intellectually speaking. I could not help but notice the elevation of audience reaction when I touched on FGM. That came quite unexpected but it was a relief not to have to explain that line.

There weren't many people present on this occasion although it gets quite packed between both the Croydon and Wembley BYOB events, particularly in summertime. In any case there was just enough to get my message out, which I would have done so anyway. The audience was pleasant, mainly Poets who were just happy to perform, share their material and feed off artistic energy. I was the only one addressing IWD and Women's History Month which was interesting. The DJ was spinning a great mix of old and new hits, with an undeniable amount throwbacks from decades past that I thoroughly enjoyed. I saw many familiar faces which is nothing new but always welcomed, especially among fellow Artists. I met some spoken word upcomers who had some wonderful intriguing things to say. 

Gained new fans, new followers and a new customer of my book who in turn, their book I also now possess and have enjoyed the few poems that I have read so far (Press Play by Haroon Khan).

  

I loved it when Aman made a literary yet ironic reference to the Periodic Table, in regard to the corporate and political modern day colonialism of African minerals. It was a very smart stanza he wrote there! It was nice to meet the Self-Love Coach (Aphoenixx, clever name) who recited her inspirational poem. I think my favourite of the night was from a Poet/Actress named Jennifer Rose Welch, who shared a poem about remaining engaged in the art taking place and not just doing it for camera attention, a recording or social media value. It goes without saying that I completely relate to what she was saying, as we discussed later. Jennifer was so serious about her sentiments that she requested that no one recorded her while she performed, in order to fully get her point across. I love it!

I also liked that considering the recent controversies between Miranda Lambert last year I think, and Adele a few years prior calling out audience members with the demand that they put down their phones and enjoy their performance without the technology (which was abrupt, rude and embarrassing for paying concert goers who merely wanted to capture the moment), I appreciated Jennifer's polite way of asking. Each to their own. 

This time the BYOB team were doing video interviews with performers for their social media, which was fun. On my interview the lovely Host/Poet (Minnie) asked me about my background, my poetry in general, upcoming projects and any advice for upcoming Poets. This was a fine time to promote my exclusive Spoken Word Concert taking place in a couple months' time, which for now is GUESTLIST ONLY (send me a message or comment on this page for more info). 

I was also happy to share advice, as always, about originality and authenticity as I cannot stand and will not endorse copycats or shameless thieves who go out of their way to study and steal lyrics, entire poems or styles of other Artists! No! BE AUTHENTIC, ORIGINAL and REAL, PEOPLE!! That goes for Writers, Singers, Rappers, MC's and all FFS (I am not spelling out that last acronym as it won't be appropriate, you either get it or you don't).

Interestingly enough, that little video clip is becoming one of my most viewed videos on Instagram! I don't even like using Instagram that much (I just mention it often because I have to), and the interview was edited with not that much said really, nothing too deep. So for the life of me I can't figure out why it's so entertaining to others, especially in comparison to my other reels but ok! Thanks for the likes and all the views, much appreciated nevertheless!

Love Lauren ;-)

LK Presents Love Language & Lyrics

[THIS BLOG POST HAS BEEN ARCHIVED]

Like I said on my Insta reel, this was the best Valentine's Day ever!

I just had a random opportunity after a venue scouting visit, while en route to somewhere for my errands of the day. Due to the poetry circuit, I came across The Exhibit about a year ago and kept wanting to attend their poetry night but it never happened. Now I finally had the time and reason to at least stop by the bar/event space and check it out, I liked what I saw. Although I haven't considered doing another promotion event (least of all in England anyway) for a long time and not to do so in the near future, it just so happened that one of the lovely staff member who was giving me a tour asked what I might be using the venue for.

After telling her what I would have had in mind if there was more time; which ideally ("Shoulda, woulda, coulda") would have been to hold a Valentine's Day poetry event, she informed me that they coincidentally had availability in one of their rooms on Valentine's Day. Which was in just TWO DAYS' time, and that I could take it or leave it but it was available to me if I wanted it ASAP. 

Part of this came unexpected, but considering that my life is full of spontaneity and random things, both good and bad, I thought why not? Although the task at hand did just hit me almost out of nowhere. I feel like I should take advantage of the little time that I do have left in London to enjoy what I can, while I can. Therefore I accepted the opportune offer, which needless to say it was full of manic planning (organised but chaotic) within the next 48hrs.

Just as I experienced when I planned a random barbeque, around 20 years ago when I was a teenager living at my mum's house and sprung the idea on her for our perfect garden in the perfect summer weather at the time (England did used to have reliable summer weather, I don’t care who wants to argue as my memories say otherwise!). As last minute and unamused as she was at the idea, on that Thursday afternoon for a potential Saturday event, we ended up having a fantastic time. No short of thanks to the generosity and help from my mother and her best friend, Aunty Diane. The success of that lovely barbeque (which is still my favourite barbeque to date and I have been to many), is what encouraged me to just do this and take on the stress.

I have been through much worse and under harsher circumstances. Another example is when I was putting together an exciting poetry and live music event at the perfect venue not far off Oxford Street and the awful venue owner had some issues with people who look like me so to speak, and therefore cancelled my event because he thought the issue he had with a similar demographic the night before, he would have with me and my audience that he did not know from Adam- or Eve! Thus he cancelled my venue hire in less than 24hrs of my scheduled event. 

I was so vexed and not just because of his utter prejudice and inconsideration of how it would affect me and my business, but because he didn't even want to compensate me for the potential financial loss or actual loss up till that moment! As infuriated and robbed as I felt, I didn't want to cancel the event as it was highly promoted with a great line-up and guestlist “The show must go on!!” Which was such a headache to try and pull off since I had 14 acts and anticipated 30-50 people. No one was happy about the changes (of the seemingly perfect venue in regard to its performance set-up and location). I had to just make it happen, convince everyone to still come and immediately replace the central London venue- which I actually achieved by the way.

Of course many people could no longer attend due to the inconvenience. The guestlist reduced, many acts pulled out and I was only left with less than five attendees. I was devastated but remained professional with my head screwed on and a positive, encouraging attitude for the few that still made the effort to come out and enjoy themselves. THANK-YOU AGAIN TO THOSE OF YOU THAT CAME THAT NIGHT; TO PERFORM, TO WORK FOR ME/INFINITI PROMOTIONS, TO WATCH OR TO SIMPLY SUPPORT. I REMEMBER ALL OF YOU!

Now, all of that took everything out of me but I still didn't get one grey hair, probably had a few wrinkles and unsightly bags under eyes but no grey hairs lol. Interestingly enough, the performers that did show up to both stick to their commitment and promote themselves, they did a fantastic job and the energy was surprisingly lovely! Super supportive and positive regardless of how empty the room was. Furthermore, till this day that's some of the best photography that I've had at any event, Thanks Irina!

      

[Click on images to enlarge] 

Oh yeah my DJ (DJ D.Bo) who's been with me through the good and bad of those event/club promotion days, did his thing yet again and I remember him ending his set by playing one of my favourite throwback songs Dreamin’ by Christopher Williams (from the New Jack City soundtrack, a song hardly hear anywhere) and that got me so hyped for the after party that was about to continue on from the next Promoters who hired the venue for the rest of the night.

As there were times in the past where I have organised something for two to four months in advance, yet didn't get the results I wanted regardless of the adequate preparations, I have found that sometimes longer planning time gives too much opportunity for fuss and flops in different areas. This is not just a reference to events, I say this from experience with other little projects be it decorating/home renovations, filming, crafts or what have you. Many of which works out well when I just approach it spontaneously with a short amount of time spent on planning, fussing, indecisiveness or any external influence. So I went with my gut on this short notification to just go with it. Especially as I had the stamina to do so.

I would always have a rolodex of poetry peers and Artist friends, therefore there was no shortage of options there, but I was selective of who to invite due to the short notice, the day in question and the will to participate. This was better suited to remain exclusive as opposed to relying on public attendance (although I didn't mind walk-ins). I invited some people who may have wanted to do something different for Valentine's Day, or just wanted to see me perform as genuine fans of my poetry, if not just to come and show love for the sake of it. 

To my great surprise the people that I invited did all show up! Not all for the full duration and not all on time, but then again neither did I as I had the horror of being stuck on the tube during a fire incident between stations, which was terrifying! To my knowledge no one got hurt and I didn't see any fire or smoke, although we could smell it on the underground tube/platforms. The anxiety of danger as well as being held up and late for my own organised event, that I had to convince people to be available for- in just two days' time when they likely had plans, was absolutely menacing. That was one of the longest train/tube rides of my life!

I didn't want to upset anybody that had arrived early or punctual and may have thought to themselves "I made the effort to come here and change my plans and Lauren isn't even here!” I showed up rushing to the venue ready to set-up everything, hoping that people didn't lose too much patience. Duncan (a Poet) graciously helped me with my things, and to my extremely pleasant surprise everyone was enthusiastic and calm.

Some people were already mingling with each other, some already knew each other and some were people I hadn't seen in a few years, especially pre-COVID, so it was like a lovely reunion for some of us. There were only a handful as anticipated, but it was still nice and perfect. We were all there for the same thing, which was to enjoy ourselves, revel in poetry and have a nice Valentine's and so was had!

It was such a pleasure to see. One of my old poetry friends, David Lee Morgan, who I hadn't seen in many years and the last time that we worked together was when he performed at my last Poetic Justice event in 2013, which for the life of me I could not believe was eleven years ago now. Almost 11yrs to the month (as it was March 28th 2013 my word!). It was such a nice reunion and a beautiful long hug we gave. As we see each other on social media, we interact here and there on Facebook, it’s like that amount of time of absence hadn't really taken place. Since we weren't completely out of sight, therefore we were not completely out of mind either. Considering that David is such a powerful performer and I know his poetry relatively well, I knew I had to make him a featured act. Thus he opened the show effectively.

One of the members of the Black Heroes Foundation came with his wife. As he has heard me perform a few times at his foundation's events in the past and purchased my book at the time, it was nice to see him again and to meet his lovely spouse. Coincidentally, a long-time fan of my poetry and overall lovely person, came later on with her non-poetry inclined friend who was clearly encouraged by her to try it out lol. 

The coincidence here was infact (the word has generally transformed to US English "in fact" now) from recognising my Black Heroes Foundation friend, she informed me that they knew each other from the Black Heroes Wall of Fame musical in the 90’s which she just so happened to perform in way back when. The world is indeed small! It was nice to see them two reconnect as I had no idea of their connection, nor of her artistic past although I am not surprised. Professionally and artistically speaking, you could see that their past has alot (again formally one word according to UK English, which I have to keep annoyingly putting out as a disclaimer now) of love and respect which made me smile.

My love language is, well are I suppose as it’s plentiful, so my love languages ARE hugs, gifts and my art. My art starts with my poetry and spreads out into other things such as my crafts including my beloved Custom Poetry Greeting Cards™ of course. Being that I love to hug and have not been able to as much following the pandemic of social distancing, general paranoia on both sides, my diagnosed OCD, making my inner circle smaller as I get older and wiser, and having immigrated briefly, all of the above has significantly reduced my loving hugs. 

Therefore it was so nice to have a love filled event where I knew almost everyone and greeted them with a nice, warm and caring embrace. As I know that many other Artists share and show love through their art too, especially Poets, I found my consciously alliterated title of Lauren Kaye Presents Love Language and Lyrics (that I didn’t even get the chance to print or promote in time lol) would be very fitting, along with the day in question.

Some of the Poets knew each other which I suspected to begin with, Duncan (who helped me carry me things inside “Thank-you!”) and John sat next to each other. Lady Rhymes pleasantly surprised me with her entry, and the enthusiastic commentary from her friend was more than welcome as I love it when respectfully interactive audience members fully engage with performers.

My mother was the first to arrive and support me with her presence, mingling with guests as the “Mother of the Bride” per se until I arrived. The infectious positive vibes of Shore by the Tide, was felt with her presence just as I knew her special feature would be. We met at the Cosmic Pumpkin event last October where we both heard each other’s poetry for the first time with great admiration for one another’s performance, therefore I knew I had to share a stage with her in the future somehow and the time finally came. Of which she gave quite the spiritual and eclectic performance between her poetry and her songs with her acoustic guitar.

I was introduced to another sweet soul named Eliza, who joined the open mic alongside Duncan and John. Eliza's poetry noticeably (noticeable to me anyway) got a big applause from a “philistine” in the audience as he seemed to really yet unexpectedly appreciate the deep words she had to share. It was all a joy to see and hear.

It was just a fabulous night. The less than 48hrs of stress- more so the intensity to pull this together, was well worth-it. The event and time spent for my alternative Valentine’s Day made me very happy. There was a little bit of audible and acoustic awkwardness due to the logistics of the room and things that I would change having known better or had I arrived earlier to get a grip of XYZ, but I am grateful to have had the assistance that I did from the staff on hand who were very attentive (the young lady in particular who was working between floors that night was super accommodating. I never overlook great staff).  

For the most part everyone adored The Exhibit, found it easy to get to, enjoyed the food and drinks etc. The whole venue (several bars and rooms across separate floors) was highly active with people and events filled with lovers, singles, drinkers and “Galentine’s mates” on the night. Apparently lots of men were waiting for their partners at their tables or on the terrace with bouquets of flowers ready to hand, which is a sight I have not seen in YEARS (especially not in multiples)! I would have loved to have seen that. I don’t care who may find it corny, it is traditional, chivalrous and sweet! “Flowers ‘n’ candy” or chocolates but above all ROMANCE needs to come back in style and fashion dammit! That’s all I’m sayin’. 

   

Alas, I myself am glad to have finally experienced this place in a performing capacity, although I am unlikely to use that same room again. I would like to experiment with their other spaces in the near future, although I am still not in a hurry to go back to event planning but we’ll see. What especially pleased me other than the accessible location, was their bottled water! 

I know that most people do not give a damn, as most people prefer to drink alcohol or something more flavourful but seeing as I am a keen water drinker, thus picky about my brands (not all wine tastes the same THUS THE SAME GOES FOR WATER), it satisfied me completely when I asked for sparkling water but for some reason received a glass battle of still water, that tasted GREAT and was not a waste of a mistaken purchase! 

I had never heard of Kingsdown water before but for a bar/restaurant mineral water product (most restaurants sell crap water, regardless of how familiar or expensive the brand may be as they usually all taste like tap water or nasty arse Volvic) Kingsdown is the sh*t! Reminded me of the surprisingly good bottle I had in Namibia by a South African brand that also got me through my food poisoning between my ginger teas). If I had it in me to go into more detail via my food blog then I would but I have only just gradually gotten out of my writer's block as I keep referring to on my IG and Tweets, so this little snippet that would be appreciated by like-minds, will have to suffice. 

The food from the onsite restaurant was nice too and made for a good breakfast from my left-over takeaway box. This was just a really lovely (a repeated adjective now as is the word “pleasant” so far, I know) occasion. Myself and everyone seemed to have really enjoyed ourselves. There were good vibes and great diverse poetry all around. Love was in the air (more platonically and verbally than romantically), and I felt beautifully supported which is rare. I will forever savour the sweet moments of the past couple days that brought me here. 

   

From the last minute event opportunity offered, to the contemplation and action with immediate results, from contacting my poetry friends and building my guestlist. To the wonderfully peaceful and enjoyable Valentine's morning that I had with my fantastic music, my uplifted spirit, juicy delicious Vietnamese prawns seasoned to my perfection with its condiments and additions. The bright sky and decent weather (before the rain later lol) and nice messages. To putting my themed outfit together with my glorious gold rope platform shoes that matched the teal and gold decorated venue, as well as the occasion in question (with my teal and gold heart shaped earrings). 

Seeing the guests from my audience interact warmly with each other. Enjoying the intimacy of the art shared and appreciated among us. Hydrating tastefully from my mocktails and water served "Thank-you to those who bought me drinks by the way." Taking frustratingly blurry or dark pictures with my hard to understand new Honor (a Chinese brand that spells it in US English to be clear) mobile phone. To have come across an astonishingly sweet Taxi Driver (of a black cab) who charged me way more than their premium price, since he took the longer route KMT.

I personally think he went from "sweet to silently mean" purely because I was on the phone and not paying him much mind when he probably felt left out or ignored, especially from being bored waiting on customers in the middle of the rainy night beforehand. My sentiments are "B*tch don't kill my vibe!"

I digress, the main thing is that I got home safely, and that a pleasantly memorable, funny, entertaining, unpredictable time was had. Yes indeed! I was mash-up and exhausted by the time I got in but I went to bed smiling. My smile returned two mornings later when I eventually checked the graciously sweet messages from attendees. Honestly, the BEST Valentine's ever :-)

Go to my IG to see some video clips of the night. I apologise for some of the blurry photography in advance, since I did not hire a professional Photographer as I normally would have for a well-planned Infiniti Promotions event of mine (yes that website is still down for the time being) but they are as clear as can be.

 

MUCH LOVE,

Lauren