Photo Credit: Arnold Browne
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Montserrat Poetry Festival
Montserrat Vineyards
Montserrat, Missouri
Knob Noster, MO 65336
(660) 747-WINE (9463)
Hosted by: Mark Pearce
Here is the line-up:
1:00 Katy Trail Trio*, Sedalia
1:20 Larry Welling, Kansas City
1:40 James Kneece, Independence
2:00 Christina Pacosz, Kansas City
2:20 Dave Ewing, Warrensburg
2:50 Alec Bell, London, U.K.
3:20 Gustavo Adolfo Aybar, Kansas City
3:40 Hubert Neth, Lee’s Summit
4:10 Jim Coffman, Columbia
4:40 Eva Ridenour, Armstrong
5:00 Walter Bargen, Ashland
5:30 Tantra Zawadi, New York City
6:00 Doug Kiburz, Sedalia
6:20 Debbie Noland, Sedalia
6:40 Glen Enloe, Independence
7:10 Larry Allen, Columbia
7:30 Mark Pearce, Warrensburg
7:50 Rachel Brown, Warrensburg
* Anna Lee Bail, Mable Fowler and Mary Frances Herndon
There are a few returnees and a number of new presenters this year. With over four dozen submissions, the field is strong and varied. Though it’s designed as a come-and-go affair, you might find yourself wanting to stay for all seven hours.
Those wanting to attend from out of town might choose to stay in nearby Warrensburg, Missouri, where there are three or four Bed and Breakfasts and several nice motels from which to choose. http://www.visitwarrensburg.org/
Tantra-zawadi, an award winning poet/artist/filmmaker from Brooklyn, New York, has performed to standing-room audiences in the USA, South Africa, London, Germany and Toronto. Her new book, GATHERED AT HER SKY, contains excerpts from her off-Broadway production SOLDIER BLUES, and her one-woman performance piece GIRL: A CHOREOSPECTIVE, as well as the text of previously recorded spoken word tracks. Gathered at Her Sky
Life Poems by Tantra-zawadi
ISBN 978-0-9841844-6-0 Trade Paperback, 42 pp.
List Price: $12.00
Poets Wear Prada, May 2010
Soon Available from Lulu.com, CreateSpace.com and on Amazon.com
“Tantra-zawadi is one of the finest and greatest female poets who undoubtedly has ushered in a new era and genre that will take the 21st century into one where humanity will move forward. She rejuvenates the weak mind, shakes and
moves hard hearts. If one wants the power of poetry, then Tantra’s is the
holistic package.”
— Betty Makoni, Founder of the Girl Child Network
and a 2009 Top Ten CNN Hero
“Tantra-zawadi's poetry speaks of a global consciousness and ambassadorship; each word of every line reminds us of the connection we have to one another in the race to win.”
— Tshombe Sekou Harris, Founder/Host of Freedom Verse CafĂ©
“Tantra's writing oozes with the passion of Neruda and the sensitivity of Sonia. Her words can warm the coldest of hearts.”
— Bruce George, Co-Founder of Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam
“The power in her words percolates; the truth in her story persuades; and the activism in her message is victorious.”
— Chuma Whahid Rasul, Founder/CEO of Chuma Spirit Books, LLC,
and author of The Third Eye of a Butterfly
About the Author:
Tantra-zawadi, an award winning poet/artist/filmmaker from Brooklyn, New York, has performed to standingroom audiences at venues as far away as South Africa, London, Germany and Toronto. She has performed original works in off-Broadway productions including Soldier Blues, and her one-woman performance piece, Girl: A Choreospective. She is known for being on the cutting edge as an artist regarding issues such as HIV and AIDS awareness. Tantra’s poem and video, “Scarlet Waters,” was featured on the Product (RED) video wall to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS in Africa and her short documentary, A Silent Genocide ~ A Brief Insight into HIV/AIDS edited by Oliver Covrett, takes another look at the personal impact of the disease.
Follow Tantra-zawadi online:
www.tantra-zawadi.com
www.facebook.com/tantrazawadi
www.myspace.com/tantrais
www.youtube.com/tantrazawadi
Greatest thanks to Montserrat Vineyards for hosting the event and to public television station KMOS-TV for helping to promote and sponsor it.