Blooming by, Shanna T. Melton 2009

It seems I get sentimental when our anniversaries arrive because I know each step it took for each one to arrive. It is a blessing to know you. I have watched so many artists grow in this love space for the past 5 years and even when it seems I am losing my mind in the end it is all because of love. So many people have met and worked together, fell in love, married, come out of depression, realized their words are worth listening to, listened to themselves because they found a way to be surrounded by artists of like minds. Many of you have pulled me aside to tell these stories and thank me for having Lyrical Voices because without it certain things in your life would be extremely different. It is my turn to thank you. If it wasn’t for the support and encouragement I am given as Lyrical Voices grows I might not have a steady place to show my paintings, share my words, or heal through friendships that are sincere and humbling. Nothing you do and say is taken for granted and every decision I make about this venue is based on what you say you like, want, need. Thank you for showing up each time and motivating me to arrive the next because the room is full and the poems are ready and the outfits were clearly prepared and the energy is high and the pure intention to receive is in place and, and, and….it is an experience like no other.
Buddha LuvJonz, the poet, dj, artist, friend, friend, friend, friend, friend. God I couldn’t stand Texas when he moved there (never been there by the way)!!! I started Lyrical Voices shortly after Buddha moved and he would make me call him and keep the phone on so he could listen to the poetry for a while and feel like he was there. When he told me he was moving home to CT it was like a weight lifted and balance returned. “Yo, I am teaching myself how to dj, could I rock Lyrical Voices?” That’s what he asked, knowing I don’t say no to him and I am thankful because he brought a whole new dimension to Lyrical Voices. He documented the energy through his mix cd’s and somehow finds the perfect song to match the poems, and makes us laugh with his random downloaded movie lines. He says it’s me, but he is the one who refuses to let me quit during the paper lined window, dried up bacon and bird feathers, relocating during the open mic, no electricity in the building swiftly moving the night outdoors times. (yes, all of that has happened). “It’s going to be alright, we got this Shanna,” and suddenly it’s alright and people are flowing. Thank you Buddha LuvJonz for believing in the vision and helping it manifest in all your efforts. I am among many who see and appreciate all that you do to make each Lyrical Voices as edgy and full as it is. Love.
To everyone who tells everyone they know about Lyrical Voices, we thank you. (Deacon) Phenix and Local who have become my street team telling everyone who will listen, and those who don’t, to come to poetry. Ajani, who documents each event with his photography. Everyone who just gathers their good energy, creativity, and love so they can secure it in this venue…goodness…I thank you.
All the hosts!! Traveling, sharing, guiding the night and making new comers feel just as important as experienced poets. Listening to the words and encouraging growth is nothing to take for granted. You all have done this with your nights. We go home wanting to write more and share more. We anticipate the next chance to be in the company of poets because you are great introductions into what this art can feel like. Thank you for doing that in this venue. Thank you for being those kind of artists in this venue.
I am a better artist, woman, friend, and person for the experiences we share and I thank you.

SHANNA INTERVIEWED ON FISIWE'S LOVE ART LIFE RADIO 11.8.09

IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE AND PLEASURE TO BE INTERVIEWED BY FISIWE ON LOVE ART LIFE RADIO. SHE IS A LONG TIME FRIEND AND INSPIRATION AND THIS WAS A MOVING EXPERIENCE. SUPPORT HER ONLINE VENUE ALONG WITH TSHOMBE OF FREEDOMVERSECAFE.COM. FISIWE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND MOTIVATION OVER THE YEARS. LOVE ALWAYS~SHANNA

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF LYRICAL VOICES!!! NOV. 20, 2009

Y