Rhyme Time
Hip hop, slam poetry and improv performers highlight Writers in the Schools fundraiser
For the uninitiated, the Writers in the Schools fundraiser for the 2015 Meta-Four Houston slam poetry team was a learning experience in itself with performances by rapper Biz Vicious, improv comedy and freestyle hip hop group Space Rhyme Continuum, inspirational hip hop artist Rocko Stedyandhip hop artist JAYYSKYY.
The fundraiser began with a cocktail reception at Esperson Gallery where the party saluted birthday babies Emanuelee “Outspoken” Bean, Meta-Four coach; Carliss Chatman, WITS board president; and Sara Speer Selber, WITS friend.
After light bites and libations, the party continued in force in The Lawn at GreenStreet where the aforementioned talents performed. They were joined by evening's emcee JP Stevenson, Houston Rockets announcer, and by Bradley Basker and saxophonist Chris Mitchell.
Funds raised will support the slam poetry team as it represents Houston at the Brave New Voices teen slam poetry competition in Atlanta in July. The team includes Marcus Rodriguez, Carl Williams, Sarah Portugal, Rukmini Kalamangalam, Anaiis Simon and Lily Bowman.
Mixing it up were Barry Mandel, Lisa Helf, Ellen Jackson, Barby Weiner, Esther Perrine, Juni and Chanler Langham, Shannon Buggs, Tom McCasland, James and Heather Yanak Phelan and Deonne Cunningham.