Hip poetry did not die out with the dawn of the 70’s. In fact it is alive and flourishing in NYC. One of the hippest spots in Manhattan, the Bowery Poetry Club, is where the locals gather to celebrate the spoken word. With a calendar chalked full of events, from poetry readings to hip-hop nights to sketch comedy, the joint is hopping every night of the week.
This week, I attended an event called Rapid Response. A little storytelling, some music, sketches and poetry make up the fabric for this witty show that is performed every other week through May 16th. Imagine a gritty, funny, urban version of Prairie Home Companion with a political twist. Inspired by the headlines of the week their goal is to make "bad news into good shows." The writers and performers only have a few days to write and rehearse each installment, thus the title of the company.
Sometimes thought provoking, sometimes a little weird, sometimes down right hysterical, Rapid Response is more edgy and raw than anything you’ll see on TV. The talented cast provides a well-rounded evening as they satirize current events. The charismatic host, Isaac Butler, keeps the joyful, energetic spirit moving throughout the hour-long performance.
Another fun element of Rapid Response is that each installment is recorded as a podcast. It is a technological update that harkens back to the golden days of radio where a studio audience is privy to the live performance. The podcast is available online at http://www.rapidresponseteam.org/ along with a calendar of remaining dates.
This week, I attended an event called Rapid Response. A little storytelling, some music, sketches and poetry make up the fabric for this witty show that is performed every other week through May 16th. Imagine a gritty, funny, urban version of Prairie Home Companion with a political twist. Inspired by the headlines of the week their goal is to make "bad news into good shows." The writers and performers only have a few days to write and rehearse each installment, thus the title of the company.
Sometimes thought provoking, sometimes a little weird, sometimes down right hysterical, Rapid Response is more edgy and raw than anything you’ll see on TV. The talented cast provides a well-rounded evening as they satirize current events. The charismatic host, Isaac Butler, keeps the joyful, energetic spirit moving throughout the hour-long performance.
Another fun element of Rapid Response is that each installment is recorded as a podcast. It is a technological update that harkens back to the golden days of radio where a studio audience is privy to the live performance. The podcast is available online at http://www.rapidresponseteam.org/ along with a calendar of remaining dates.
While Rapid Response is appropriate for adults only, The Bowery Poetry Club is open to all ages and provides progams to nurture the future poets out there. It also sells refreshments (coffee and pastries) and includes a bar (where drinks are served to only those patrons that are 21 years and older). To check out a complete list of events happening at the Bowery Poetry Club go to http://www.bowerypoetry.com/.
Inside Tips:
There is only 1 insider tip here and that is check out the websites.
Inside Tips:
There is only 1 insider tip here and that is check out the websites.
The Bowery Poetry Club has several events every day including some programs that are age appropriate for kids. I'll bet you'll be able to find something that tickles your fancy.
Rapid Response archives all of their podcasts so it is a great opportunity to check out what they do.
Rapid Response archives all of their podcasts so it is a great opportunity to check out what they do.
No comments:
Post a Comment