Spoken word performances are a relatively new and exciting developments in poetry. Poems are sung and/or performed; words have their counterparts in the gestures of the performer or in the sounds of a chant. The dynamism of these performances forms an emotional bond between the audience and the poet. The two previous Golden Libations events at five myles, organized and curated by the vocalist and poet Tanya Thomas, were immensely successful, with capacity audiences attending.

Poets and musicians have included Kenya Pope, Ainsley Burrows, Ngoma, Ola Jen-dai, Marshawn Mandley, Shareef Ali, Oosagyefo and others. Based on Tanya Thomas’ successful presentations at five myles, she was asked to organize a Golden Libations event at the Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, for their Black History month celebration in Febr. 2003. It is important to continue these performances at fives myles, it gives this art form a place and space in Brooklyn where poets can hear each other, where audiences can follow the work of known poets and be introduced to unknown ones. Tanya Thomas, known as Ten Nebula, is well known among spoken word performance artists and respected as a singer and poet. She will present three Golden Libations events throughout 2004: Jan. 24th, June 12th and Oct. 23rd.

These events are an essential part of FiveMyles’ mission; each event presents exciting new work and at the same time enriches our community through art. Both Golden Libations events at five myles included a call for an open mic. The response from our community was extraordinary. The first time we finally closed the mic at 11 p.m., and even then more future poets, singers and solo musicians were lined up to perform. The next day we asked the neighborhood kidsto write poems, and then had them read their poems at the following event. We intent for the writing and the reading of the children’s poems to continue to be part of the Golden Libations.We have not been able to pay a small fee to the performers; but at this point it is becoming important that we do so. The events are always presented free of charge; the poets and performers see the events as a gift and a source of solidarity for the audience.