Highlights of 2018

In less than 24hrs we will be entering the year of 2019. There has been plenty exciting, conflicting, turbulent, goosebump raising things that have come from the past 12 months for me. There have been many personal life changing events, milestone celebrations that included the 3rd year anniversary of my book release, the 10 year anniversary of my events business Infiniti Promotions which really had me in deep thought about everything that I have put into that venture since my university days of a struggling film student turned events entrepreneur. The ups and downs of the past decade in that regard has put a lot of things into perspective for me. I have grown a lot of which has given me much to reflect upon, and reflecting on my achievements and lessons learned are where my celebrations went as opposed to having a party as one may have expected.

2018 brought me plenty opportunities such as fun and memorable performances throughout the year, plenty business offers, unexpected sponsorship, press, as well as the ongoing pleasure of book sales and making new readers happy as seen in my growing online reviews.

 

  

There was also the 'stepping up my game' creativity of my card designs for my customers this year.

There was of course my stage play and the fortune of good reviews. Work-wise the majority of the year was based around the play considering all the pre-prduction and marketing that goes into just a 60min one-off show. It sounds ridiculous but from working in film and knowing that it takes months to years to complete just one 3min-120min production (of any kind), as well as observing my Music Producer friends take forever just to make a 3-4min track, with all that said it makes sense. Audiences just have no idea most of the time, it takes a lot of work and my word was it overwhelming being my first-time (under-staffed) and all.

The entire show including the meet 'n' greet at the end went so fast, it does make you as the Performer and Producer think to yourself "Really!" But it was fun and a "butterflying" experience despite the fact that I am used to performing all the time, the butterflies were still there. I was breaking into theatre and introducing myself into the world of Fringe so there was much to learn and absorb. The feedback was tremendous I must say, I am extremely grateful for it all :-)

Production photography by Irinia Chira.

I had the privilege of having great interviews leading up to the play between LondonTheatre1, Love Camden and Conscious Radio.

This year had a lot going on and a lot going in general, I am glad that it has come to an end so that I can embrace my new lifestyle, mindset, thus the changes that is to come of next year. As usual I am full of goals and active planning however, unlike in the past specifically referring to my twenties, I am going to take things slower in my thirties in order to have more enjoyment, better judgement and less anxiousness.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year ;-)

She Grrrowls (Performance)

Next week I'm performing at the well known Poetry Café in London. There will be an all female line-up hence the title I suppose, and depending on my level of satisfaction after completing this new piece I'm writing....I will share it with the audience. Everyone loves an exclusive. For some strange reason I have not been able to finish a poem for myself this year, or I'd finish one but wouldn't feel comfortable sharing it so lately it's a big deal if I actually do complete and share!

My performance will be the sh*t either way don't get it twisted ;-)

SHE GRROWLS

Fri 7th Dec 7pm

@ The Poetry Café

22 Betterton Street

Convent Garden

WC2H 9BX

TICKETS: £2-5.00

More info on Facebook and Eventbrite.

Long Lives the Queen of Soul, Gospel and Swag

I've been up all night distracted from my much needed sleep with the infatuation of Aretha Franklin's funeral. It is really sad that celebrity deaths have become so frequent and expected now that I fear we are becoming impervious towards it per se. I just can't believe that within five years we've lost such huge icons being the likes of Whitey Houston, Bowie, Prince, Muhammad Ali and the list sadly goes on.

However now with the likes of Aretha Franklin, yes she was of age, yes she died of the ever common, ever devastating widespread disease of cancer, so with that said we saw this coming but nevertheless it is still a great heart dropping loss to those who grew up on her music and to the music industry on a whole. I can't stand to be left with less and less, meaningful music legends as we won't have much after left them truth be told. That statement is me reiterating the lack of quality as opposed to the obvious lack of quantity.

From all the footage that I have seen and read about Aretha these past couple weeks, most of which I already knew, it is great to be acknowledged of how powerful she really was up till her dying day and not just in her 'heyday'. Did you know that she owned most of her publishing!? That's practically unheard of especially for an Artist of her time. Her business of her entire estate was on point which I suppose explains why she persevered so well throughout the decades. As debatable as it may be, I only know of Cher and Barbara Streisand to have ongoing profitable and high in demand careers that have surpassed each decade from as far back as the 60's. That's amazing.

Her estate is estimated to be worth near a billion dollars- and I should hope so if Jessica Simpson's and Kylie Jenner's brands are of that amount (according to Forbes) within such a short space of time and to a smaller audience. Most people would only think of Michael Jackson and The Beatles when it comes to that kind of money for a Musicians catalogue of work, understandably.

I never knew she could play the piano up till now either. I have found that many other Singers have that hidden talent but show it less such as Toni Braxton and Mary J Blige, George Michael could play the piano too.

The songs I will always remember Aretha for is R.E.S.P.E.C.T, Natural Woman of course and A Rose Is Still A Rose which I think is written by Lauryn Hill well she featured on the track anyway. The message behind the song and music video (when music videos had more integrity) stood out to me so much when I was coming of age, and no doubt contributed to my attitude towards males at the time and assisted with abstinence quite well. It is a story and rule that all women have been told but that video is one I paid great attention to. That was her targetting a younger audience quite adequately at the time I might add.

Only now did I realise that R.E.S.P.E.C.T was more of a Black pride anthem than a feminist anthem. I always saw how the message crosses over because many people (mostly Black women I recall) used that specific chorus as a reference in regard to both race and gender relations but overall, as a child listening to it I just saw it as a female empowering song. Through all the archives coming to surface I have been so elated to see her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, it reminds me of Nina Simone and other courageous and righteous Black celebrities who overlooked their 'Hollywood' likability to fight for equality.

I love all the pictures of her with her afro and African inspired clothing, very much of the time and statement making. For her in particular I mean, as I know that this particular look is also increasingly popular today, contemporary in many ways in many locations and African fashion can be found anywhere any day without it having to be a political statement.

All the love and out-pour between eulogies and memories have me weeping. Smokey Robinson's eulogy touched me the most because his was so personal. Aretha meant so much to so many and was in a complete league of her own. I don't know anyone else who so effortlessly crossed between Gospel, Soul, R'n'B, Pop, Jazz and Opera! I hated that it took forever for people (news outlets) to mention when she stepped in for Pavarotti as that performance was huge!!

Many Artists have broken through Gospel to do the Blues then consequently Soul as that was the 'movement' or should I say 'reoccurring struggle' at the time e.g. Ray Charles and Al Green, but to do it, do well and go beyond while being believable is a whole 'nother ball game and she achieved that. Aretha succeeded in crossing over while sticking to her roots and continuously bringing it back to Gospel. I love that Aretha made the album Amazing Grace in 1972 and that it did not break or deter her career but in fact became the biggest selling Gospel album to date at the time of its release!!! C'mon!

Typical of my generation I didn't realise just how sampled her music was. I knew she re-recorded fellow Artists records herself but I did not quite realise how much of her music has also been used particularly in modern day R'n'B and Hip Hop, no doubt some Pop songs too. En Vogue's Something He Can feel stands out to me the most as my mother is a huge En Vogue fan, thus making me a fan and I remember singing that song aloud at their concert as a child which I had no business singing at that age but I knew the lyrics word for word and loved their voices and glamour.

Aretha Franklin's career, ongoing work ethic and swag leaves me in awe. There's a great video clip, kind of like a meme that I saw on Twitter the day the news broke of her death, where she walks onto a stage with a fur coat on making her presence felt with each strutted step and she shrugs her luxurious (sorry PETA) fur off her shoulders and onto the floor as she grabs the microphone- like a BOSS. That clip was so swaggerlicious it's not funny.

Rest In Power Queen of Soul.

Press, Play

1 week until my theatre debut, it's crunch time!

Time flies so fast, as we all know. I planned on posting an update about 4 weeks ago but I got busy and when I did dedicate a few hours to do so (yes it always takes hours to blog), technical issues reared its ugly head and had me cussing to the extent that I just thought "F*ck it" and that was that to put it bluntly.

There's been so much going on between script development, rehearsals, photoshoots, set design, wardrobe, administration, promotion including; performances, advertising, meet and greets, radio interviews and general PR. Google it and see all that comes up within the first 3 pages, which is obviously more fun to do for me than it would be for you as it's personal to me. It's my hard work, my investment and my excitement goes into seeing the ball rolling! By the way, if and when you do have the patience to look it up via any random search engine, in the unlikely case that porn or anything heinous and non-related comes up with the same title IT IS NOT MINE! Just putting that out there as I have seen mishaps happen and it's funny but not funny. Also I cannot believe how many Lauren Kaye's there are out there- Authors too WTF!

The press and PR includes an interview I did with London Theatre 1, Love Camden- Close Ups and a return appearance on Conscious Radio to name a few. As well as listings on various theatre, event, culture and community websites such as UK Theatre Web, Off West End, Afridiziak, Remote Goat etc. The performances include a lovely return to the newly relocated Dial Up at Improv Theatre, of where my play could've initially taken place regarding the offers I received during the Camden Fringe application process. That show was a particularly fun experience- tears and all, you'd have to of been there to understand. Similarly, another highlight performance was my return to the newly relocated FLO Vortex at Hideaway Jazz Club by Floacist which was a great night. The enthusiasm from the audience, post-show even, was so tremendous that I went home smiling.

It's been long, semi-exhausting but all still thrilling nonetheless, I'm getting butterflies. I write and perform poetry all the time so to perform to an audience, especially a dedicated audience of mine, isn't what's got me all over the place. It's the Producer and Director roles that I miss dearly but now have to channel in a new direction (theatre as opposed to film/video), that's got me like this. As well as the fact that is it literally a one woman show, 'control freak' and 'one-woman-army' is an under-statement here but it's all good.

Life is so funny, you make one plan and it makes another for you. I swear I said this recently? Anyway, not even in addition to your original plan but sometimes just erasing your plans altogether to be like "No! This is what you're going to do..." And you just have to role with it. This has been a very challenging year for me in many different ways but this project, specifically the finale (the exhibition of it) is going to be my 2018 highlight- a climax of a highlight for me.

I don't want to have bags under my eyes on the night but judging how the actual show is set to play out, I suppose it'll be convenient if the dark under eyes stay for the sake of performance, as unattractive as they'll look between the time. It's all good. That's my motto for now.

Here's some behind the scenes footage and promo pics for ya.

I'm in awe at the realisation that it has been 3yrs since I self-published I'm All In and that I still have 5 STAR RATINGS ON AMAZON!!! As well as continuous 5* verbal ratings from people who come up to me when I do book readings or perform at shows! Nothing can top that in respect of my expectations during the making of that little gem. Now I am finally adapting it into a play as desired, well not quite as desired but a taster of what I have in mind theatrically........."Pinch me"....actually don't because I'll most likely slap you.

Thank you so very much for all the love and support that I have been getting. Each of your moments of kindness, encouragement and joy for my personal/professional joy has melted my heart and kept me going.


See you there,

@LK_ReelDeevah

Big Announcement: Going Live!

And it's happening! During my book tour in 2016 I started writing a stag play adapted from my poetry book. Although the initial plan and script that I had in mind of the original idea is not yet going to be made as envision, due to its....intensity shall we say, I have decided to go in a different direction for the sake of time, money and to simply get sh*t done. Never fear, the quality will always be there!

Et voila...

I proudly present my theatre debut of I'm All In LIVE to feature at Camden Fringe Festival this summer!!!!!!!!!!!! This is so exciting for me, I have been bored with film and video production for a while, publishing has indeed kept me motivated and productive (not to mention performing) but for a long time I have had plans to produce theatre and now here I am.

The story is literally based around my poems in the book and more. A spoken word piece, one woman show to come from LK Productions. The funny thing is, it coincidentally coincides with the 3rd anniversary of the books release. I had the first book launch 15th Aug 2015, so this is doubly special for me and even for those who have wanted to have a spoken word version of the book (I haven't forgotten you).

I'm All In LIVE

Camden Fringe

Wednesday 15th Aug 2018, 7pm

@ Camden People's Theatre

58-60 Hampstead Road

London  NW1 2PY

A poetic play about attraction, amour, adulation and abhor. Heavily influenced by 80’s ballads and 90’s slow jams, Lauren Kaye pours her heart out depicting the origins behind the making of the book, with this intense heart-wrenching yet comical piece of theatre. The storytelling of events that emotes lust, loathe, love and loss as befittingly categorised in the five star rated poetry collection. Between the page and the stage, the content is nothing short of intrigue and passionate raw honesty.

This production debuts prior to the anticipated release of the books’ special edition which is to follow. Signed copies of the paperback first edition will be sold on the night.

Tickets: £7, £5 concession

BUY TICKETS

Crystal Palace Festival 2018 Appearance

For a second year in a row I will be making an appearance with my poetry at Crystal Palace Festival. However, this time it will be at one of the spoken word events at a partner venue as oppose the spoken word tent of Crystal Palace park itself. The event 'A Celebration of People & Places' will be featuring the launch of Ruth Padel's latest collection, as well as another Poet Nick Alldridge.

For more information please see to the website.

CRYSTAL PALACE FESTIVAL

A Celebration of People and Places

Tues 12th June 2018, 8-10pm

@ Gipsy Hill Tavern

79 Gipsy Hill

London

SE19 1QH

Spoken Not Stirred Feature

Through a couple of my performances during my 'Valentine's Tour' last month, I subsequently booked more gigs for the year but luckily some are taking place much sooner such as my feature appearance at Spoken Not Stirred next week.

What I liked about this show when I attended last month was the nice set-up, the cool and pleasant vibe from everyone that was present, and strangely enough the host happens to have a striking resemblance of some family members which also left a lasting impression on me lol. I look forward to coming back and with more poems to entertain the audience. You are more than welcome to join!

This is a monthly event that is produced by an organisation called Studio 3 Arts. Follow the Facebook link for more information.

SPOKEN, NOT STIRRED

Thurs 22nd March 2019, 7:30-10:30pm

@ The Broadway Theatre

Broadway

Barking

IG11 7LS

Fabulousness of Feb '18

This has been a damn good month let me tell you. I can't help but smile, hence the ever so subtle emoji.

Life was just getting so good in general; health, wealth (spiritually and financially), I got certain things that I wanted, plenty of what I needed and for the most part things have been on the up and up, of which I am so abundantly grateful for. My main goal was to sell books and cards of which I met! These products of mine are subject to peak seasons such as Valentine's Day so one must capitalize #BossMoves.

One of my cards was not even sold through my custom service, it was through reading the poem of an exclusive card that I made for the upcoming special edition of I'm All In, as part of my performance and a lady liked the card so much that she wanted to buy it on the spot. Although I was reluctant to depart from that beautiful unique design, I knew that it would make her happy to have it which is the whole reason why I began making cards in the first place and she was a paying customer so I obliged. I put a lot into that card so it pleased me a great deal when the audience oooo'd and ahhh'd upon reveal. I also had to brush off my shoulders in pride when another lady pointed out how much she loved the presentation of my card sale when I presented it with a gift bag that I handmade the ribbons for. Presentation is everything and the appreciation from others makes it all worth-it.

It was that same event where two grown men were fighting (a friendly argument) over who could buy the last copy I had of my book. It blows my mind when I see or hear of people getting possessive or excited over my creations, it's unbelievable, humbling and pleasing all at the same time. I remember feeling this way when a fellow Poet told me a couple years ago that after shortly buying my book she borrowed it to a friend but her friend wouldn't give it back. That's the sh*t! For me to hear but not for her of course lol.

I performed at a new show in Hampstead and unbeknownst to me, Hampstead is a very artsy vibrant area of which I shall make more use of it in the future. It was that same event where a mature woman (older and graceful) said to me "You're a young Shakespeare" OH SH*T! Excuse my repeated profanity for anyone that's offended but I will always express myself in an authentic way. Can you imagine being given such a compliment!? I mean that's HUGE, she didn't compare me to just anyone or someone more contemporary to better suit my generation, she compared me to SHAKESPEARE. And I'll stress that she is of a certain age therefore, she has lived and has clearly heard many poets and read plenty poetry yet feels that I'm worthy to be compared to such a legend.

Those words had me smiling all afternoon, much like that Maya Angelou comparison I got last year from performing at Beyond Words. I wish I recorded them saying so (both times). I also wish I had a picture of me performing at the Victorian inspired Hampstead venue with the piano in the background. I hate missing out on the opportunity to capture the moment with a nice backdrop or pleasant memory in general. Kmt.

[Photography by Aleksandra Wozniak]

This month has really been full of surprises, eclectic events some pre-planned some unprompted, performing to very different crowds each time and meeting new people- lovely people might I add. One charming fellow Artist, I think he was a Singer from Scotland if not Ireland, let me know that I had to change the picture on my flyers. I believe his words were "What (the woman) I just saw up there (on stage) is not what I see here. There's no sassiness, you're gorgeous but you're picture looks like you're at home eating cookies in your PJ's!" Well. That was quite the statement. Had me laughing hysterically as I could not believe he was so blunt, but then again many people get shocked at the things that I say and respond with the same laughter sometimes.

Although I disagree with how the picture looks, I do agree that it doesn't match up with my image today as it was taken a long time ago regardless of the fact that I haven't changed much physically. Even though I'm photogenic and have even been with agencies off and on since I was eleven, all till now I struggle with profile pics and pictures of me in general (especially for the public) hence my lack of uploads online. What was really nice was the way this moment took place, the Host had just announced that we've reached the end of the show then this Singer as well as female Singer, came to sit with me at my table to say Hi and introduce themselves which was very nice. I love it when Artists are social and interact with each other like that.

[Photography by Aleksandra Wozniak]

We all spoke about each other's performances, exchanged business cards which was flyers in my case and subsequently focused on my inappropriate photo. The female Singer who also could not help but to laugh, tried to convey his message in a more polite way and concurred by saying "You're picture does not look as sophisticated as you do in person." I completely understood where they were coming from and much appreciated the advice from one, or should I say two, Artist(s) to another. I'd hate to go on thinking something is good and well when it's not. Constructive criticism is necessary.

They spoke, I listened and have since changed the profile pic on my flyer! One of the many nice things that the female Singer said about my performance was "English is not my first language so it was hard for me to understand everything but I just loved listening to the sound of your voice." Yet another sweet compliment that warmed my heart. It really is amazing that you do not know how good you are making people feel as you are performing to them, whether they fully comprehend or not. It's great that the connection between you and the audience is still there regardless of language barriers.

From Black Heroes Soul Café, I met a Musician who was releasing his latest single Are You A Slave and hosting a private screening of his music video the following night. We both appreciated each other's work, got into an in depth discussion about the industry and politics which led to an invite for me to perform at his private event in Docklands. It's funny how so much of my bookings in the past came from spontaneous sightings or conversations, but that does validate their interest so I am not complaining at all. The screening was a very pleasant, intimate, entertaining affair at an ideal venue- as someone who runs an event company I am extremely fussy about venues and this one fit the bill perfectly.

There were some familiar faces present, as well as community leaders and industry folk including Judith Jacobs who I met on my book tour in 2016. The event just so happened to be the debut of live shows hosted by DJ Elayne who unexpectedly interviewed me on camera, thank goodness I was dressed for the occasion although I am one to be 'camera ready' most of the time anyway ;-)
Despite having to rush between locations of a double booking I'm very glad I went to that one as it was very positive and uplifting. For the footage that was recorded throughout the evening with interviews and all, I am sure it will be available between YouTube and Facebook within the next few months. I'll add links when I can. Additionally, Noel McKoy (the Musician) has launched a crowdfund for his upcoming album so you can check that out for more information.

I returned to Once Upon A Mic again which would make it my third appearance now much like with City Link Up. I love small consistent events like those that have their dedicated audience and passionate Poets & Artists eager to share their creativity for the sake of doing so. It's nice. I particularly liked that way Math Jones (their new Host and fellow Poet) introduced me by saying something about me being one of the most "classy" or "glamorous" he knows, wish I could remember verbatim but it was some adjective to that effect, emphasizing on how I carry myself. Either way his kind words were much appreciated. I noticed three girls recording me that night which always makes me blush or feel uneasy but I know it's a good thing when people want to record your performance....then again people also want to record you when you do something embarrassing so I may just retract that last statement and say; I know that they were recording for a good reason lol.

There's been so much love in more ways than one I am so here for it! I continue to meet some of the most fabulous people in regard to both customers and those I network with. A few of my last minute open mic appearances led to features. Not all of this month's progression was poetry related by the way, what really made me feel elated (wasn't meant to rhyme) was all the production opportunities that have been coming my way from last month till now. My media production work has taken a back seat to my publishing, performing and other business for the sake of preference, convenience and opportunity but I am extremely excited about these production projects. I'm getting my feet wet again and ready to dive!

The past 4-5 weeks have been full of progress and positivity with very little to complain about so I just have plenty to smile about, look back and grin, look forward and beam.


@LK_ReelDeevah

Upcoming Valentine's Shows

Naturally I'll be performing throughout the month of Valentine's, not just to promote my book which was made for it but because it is just a joy to do so. This is my favourite festive season as I have expressed before. It is the guaranteed time of when love is truly in the air- romance anyway, even with all the cynics that try to suppress it, it is a nice time to experience and observe for me (in regard to both my love life and that other others around me).

In comparison to other celebrations like Easter, Christmas or Halloween these ones often make the best shows to go to and perform at as everyone is coming with positivity. Furthermore, as it is not necessarily a religious or patriotic celebration most people can relate the theme of love, relationships and just enjoy. I'm all for it and can't wait to serenade the **** out of audiences with my specially selected poems.

Some of the events are ones that I have performed at in the past (with different material) and have been welcomed back to. Below are the dates that practically look like a tour but it's not, I just happen to be high in demand this time of year. As is with the seasonal sales of my Custom Poetry Greeting Cards™ that I feel so privileged to be chosen for each time! Come to a show and enjoy yourself with the sounds of Musicians, Poets and other Artists!

4th Feb  2-4pm  Unplugged

12th Feb  8-10:30pm  Fusion of the Arts

14th Feb 7pm-12am  City Link Up

22nd Feb  7:30-10pm  Black Heroes Soul Café

23rd Feb  7:30-11pm Once Upon A Mic

Follow the links highlighted above for more details and follow me on Twitter to keep up with my performances, products and services. 

Timing is everything people so I am giving you a polite reminder NOT to wait till the last minute to order one of my cards, as each detailed special creation takes ages to make- the intricacy in my passionate hard work is no joke! That's why they are completely worth the money ;-)