In downtown Riverside, the cafe bar Back to the Grind hosts an open mic every Monday at 6:00 p.m. This event is free and has a multitude of great coffee drinks you can try. Back to the Grind is a cool, scenic coffee spot that has been open for more than 20 years. This hidden gem is known for its many events like chess night, paint night, science night, and so much more, but its most popular event is an open mic. On the contrary, attending and just enjoying the event is free. Kim Ashley attended Back to the Grind’s open mic night. She is a 48-year-old woman from Compton, California, who works at a recycling business. She started poetry in her twenties and fell in love … [Read more...] about Open Mic at Back to the Grind
poetry
Poetry from the heart
The Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) and the Black Faculty Staff Student Association have come together to create an open mic night for students and faculty and express themselves in a poetry slam. Poetry slam is an event where people read their original poems without using props or music. Slam poetry differs from regular poetry because it allows mistakes and helps showcase the rawness of the poets' feelings. The purpose of events like these is to allow CSUSB students to have the freedom to express themselves and show their talent. There are other similar events on campus such as "Speak Yo Truth." A variety of special guests attended the events such as CSUSB's President Thomas … [Read more...] about Poetry from the heart
Engaging with the community through Native poetry
The city of Banning came together to celebrate their annual Native Voices Poetry Festival at the Dorothy Ramon Learning Center on Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m- 4 p.m. Native American tribe members partook in the annual event to showcase their culture and traditions to the public. Members shared the richness of Southern California's native culture and explored the beauty, vitality, and uniqueness while creating poetry to help the public understand the importance of the Native American culture. For this year's festival, the learning center was celebrating San Jacinto Peak. This event was made possible by CSUSB's History and English Departments which allowed the community to come … [Read more...] about Engaging with the community through Native poetry
Not Knowing What I Don’t Get
Riverside’s Open Mic: Coffee & Creativity
Open Mic night brought people together at downtown Riverside's coffee shop, Back to the Grind, on September 25. That night, in the basement of the shop, people were in their seats ready to get another taste of the community's talent. In the crowd sat four friends, Dylan Mayer, Michael DeSantos, J.J. Garcia and Lori Knight, who came out to support their community. "I love everything about Open Mic nights--the talent, the people, the ambiance, the support--it's what people need to get away from the real world for a while," shared Knight. Open Mic nights are known for hosting a diverse array of talent ranging from poetry to live music. "Even though I don't come all the time, … [Read more...] about Riverside’s Open Mic: Coffee & Creativity
Live Art at Bbit Brewing
By Blair Hernandez |Staff Writer| Excitement flocked the streets of Murrieta at 8 Bit brewing company Saturday evening, presented by Ryan’s Comics, which featured live art by Menso, fire dancers, over 30 artists parading unique pieces of art and poetic scriptures. “This was actually my first poetry reading besides being a rapper and musician. I use to work for Ryan’s comics. He’s a good friend of mine. Ryan gave me the opportunity to perform,” said Taylor Tribble. Growing up in the small town of Winchester California, inspirational skateboarder and believer of walking with God. “My mom is my muse because she never gave up. I battled but she has always been there for me. She’s my … [Read more...] about Live Art at Bbit Brewing
A night to Speak Yo Truth
By Yesica Gonzalez |Staff Writer| Speak Yo Truth offered a platform where students could share their thoughts and recite their poetry and writing on Feb. 15. Students gathered in the Santos Manuel Student Union Events Center to hear their fellow peers express themselves in a supportive and encouraging environment. Participants expressed themselves through various art forms, whether it was through poetry or song, it was their way of sharing with the audience who they are. Students shared their experiences regarding love, politics and any personal matters. One of the performers, Jendayan Lee, recited a poem that described her personality and characteristics to the crowd. “I … [Read more...] about A night to Speak Yo Truth
Art Exhibit
By Noe Ramos |Staff Writer| The exhibit “Beyond The Fences/Mas Alla de los Fences” opened on Jan. 17 at the University of Redlands' art gallery. CSUSB professors Thomas McGovern and Juan Delgado, along with professor Raul Acero from the University of Redlands, collaborated to make the exhibit possible. Delgado specializes in poetry, literature, translation theory and creative writing. McGovern specializes in documentaries and photography. Acero specializes in ceramics and sculpture art. “I think art has great power to portray, and illuminate at a very deep and human level, and both these artists are adept at communicating humanistic, important, and poetic ideas about … [Read more...] about Art Exhibit
Chingona Fire brings self empowerment through poetry
By Hairuo Yi |Staff Writer| Chingona Fire, a group of poets plans to hold an event of spoken word poetry and self-empowerment Thursday, Nov. 3, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the SMSU room 107. Felicia De La Isla, a staff member of the Women’s Resource Center said, “Chingona Fire will bring their “perspective of Latino women.” The main purpose of this event is to remove the stereotype of Latino women and bring confidence to the community. “There are lots of people not familiar with Latino culture are mixing everything,” said De La Isla. She thinks attending this event can help Latino women define themselves. “To attend this event is a perfect way to celebrate Latino communities,” said … [Read more...] about Chingona Fire brings self empowerment through poetry
Keshad Adeniyi at Upland
By Misty Williams |Staff Writer| Popular spoken word artist Ife Nira, also known as Keshad Adeniyi, was featured at a poetry event through Lion like Mind state in Upland, Calif. May 18. The crowd was filled with fans anxiously waiting to hear his piercing metaphors. Adeniyi grew up in Watts, Calif. and is now a spoken word artist and advocate for social justice. He has performed all over the world, including our very own campus. Adeniyi performed four poems: “Colors Got a Home,” “Still I Rise,” “Born on a Slave Ship” and “Keep Climbing.” The crowd was moved with lines like “Where I’m from little boys and girls see privilege and dreaming... Dreams have become more like glass … [Read more...] about Keshad Adeniyi at Upland