Poetri is one of the top and most visible spoken word artists in the Los Angeles area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its All About Poetri, Baby !

Poetri is love, a big warm hug and a beautiful smile. He is one of the warmest individuals on the poetic scene.

I met Poetri at CBS studios in Studio City, north of Los Angeles. He was there to host and emcee an evening of poetry and spoken word by children from second grade through high school.

The celebration was the culmination of an event directed by Melanie Winter, in cooperation with her generous efforts for The River Project.

Poetri is one of the top and most visible spoken word artists in the Los Angeles area.  He was chosen as one of the first poets for the Peabody Award winning HBO series "Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam Presents".

Poetri was then selected to co-write and star in the critically-acclaimed Broadway play based on this HBO series. A performance which won the prestigious Tony Award. 

Poetri has performed all across the world, Austrailia to the famous Apollo Theater. You might recognise his voice as the voice of the popular radio show on Delta Airlines called "Chart Attack". 

Poetri's ambition and positive energy is a force everyone enjoys dealing with. He has written, produced and arranged over 150 commercials for radio and television for Nike, NFL Films, and BET and has worked with well known personalities such as;  Curtis Mayfield, Nona Hendrix  and Bootsy Collins as well as LL Cool J, Ahmir Thompson and Sarah Jones. 
    
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be the recipient of a great big ol' Poetri hug, and to watch him "in action" as he honoured each young poet of the evening. It was a wonderful and beautiful experience.

Poetri has a passion for life, for the spoken word and for sharing his gift with everyone he meets. He also has a passion for acting. You may be familiar with his work with such shows as "Livin' Large", "The Today Show", "Showtime at the Apollo",  "Teen Summit", and the VH-1 PSA for Black History Month. Poetri is practically non stop in his endeavors and he has also co- produced the soundtrack to "The Truth". (a graphic novel about a black super-hero)
     
Poetri is also the host and emcee of the largest and hottest weekly poetry venue in the USA, Da' Poetry Lounge,
where, on any given week 350-400 people attend to listen, read and enjoy the gift of poetry.

Poetri's venues have not only broadened the appeal of spoken word in Los Angeles, but have become a virtual haven for young people to express themselves in a wonderful and positive atmosphere. It is safe to say that Poetri is definitely a compassionate, loving and giving person. 

His latest project, a full length CD, entitiled:  "Poetri...The Beginning of Po-Hop"  a collection of  poems with music and some, spoken word, is available through the following website:    

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/poetri

Take my word for it, this is a CD worth owning, so what are you waiting for???  Click the link and get connected to Poetri.
It's all about Poetri, Baby! 

Deborah Russell, © 2004

(Deborah Russell & Poetri. Photography by Melanie Winter.)