First Pacesetter Poetry Open Mic was a fantastic night of poetry from creative writers from across Central and Southern Mississippi. We were excited to welcome a members of the  Mississippi Poetry Society.  Many members meet regularly at the Flowood Library, check out their Facebook page to get involved with their monthly Saturday meetings.  We were all so excited to get this open mic started!  Pictured are poets from the Mississippi Poetry Society that performed and supported this amazing event, Bill Gressett, Patsy Ward Twiner, Daniel Pickett, Andy Kelly, Tommy Little, Steve Curry, Jason Irvin, and Jeanne Kelly. Not pictured, but a major supporter and organizer of the event, is poet Linda Watson Owen.
So many great genuine and well-spoken individuals came out and shared their views and visions.  We loved hearing the poetic stylings of Oliver Ellis, Jermaine Van Buren, Jr. Sherri Slusher, Jada McDaniel, Alex Boatrite, and Sophie Hawkins.  Each poet brought a unique perspective and their authentic selves to the mic which gave me a real appreciation of each and every moment as the night unfolded. Jermaine Van Buren, Jr. of Hattiesburg, MS really brought the house down with his memorized poetry performance.
We had some amazing herbal teas from Johnnie Suzette of Herbaly Yours. The tasty treats and  teas soothed the soul just like the spoken word that evening. We were blessed with a great night of creative fellowship, inspiration, and unity at Pacesetter gallery. Join us April 7th when we meet up again from 6-8PM for the next Pacesetter Poetry Open Mic Night! Click here for more pictures and details about this great event!

What a blessing it is to host creative people at Pacesetter Gallery!  Everyone at Pacesetter Poetry Open Mic Night in March had a great time of fellowship with other poets and enjoyed all the diverse perspectives and styles of poems presented!

Pictured right is Lainey Hill from Flowood, MS. Lainey is a current Mississippi College art student and the assistant gallerist at Pacesetter Gallery. Lainey is pictured with friend and participating talented poet Sophie Hawkins!

We were in awe of the level of performance brought by Jermaine Van Buren, Jr.! Jermaine graduated from Troy University with a Bachelor's of Science- Theatre Track in 2020 which is where he first found his voice in poetry.  He describes his style as narrative, percussive, and melodic.  

 

Jermaine performed his piece from memory, with great passion, perfect timing and tempo. Jermaine is a student in the Master of Divinity Degree with an emphasis in Counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary. 

Jermaine Van Buren Jr.

Excerpt of March 3, 2022 performance at Pacesetter Gallery

Oliver Ellis, is a long time poet and lover of words.  He always brings a rhyme and a smile to everyone he meets. He is also member of the local Flowood BNI Chapter and is an excellent salesman for Mac Haik Ford! We loved the excitement and inflections he brings to his poetry.