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'Poetry and a Beverage' relaxed
and supportive
By Julie Garcia
March 6, 2006 | Dim lights, chill music, cool beverages
and dozens of USU students filled the TSC Skyroom on
Saturday evening. It was all part of the well-known
event at Utah State called Poetry and a Beverage. Although
there wasn't much poetry read, there were poetic lyrics
sung.
"My songs are derived from poetry," Bruce Dickinson,
a performer at Poetry and a Beverage, said.
Dickinson said the event utilizes the liberal definition
of poetry by having soulful lyrics sung instead of having
straightforward poetry read.
Attendees didn't mind having live music instead of
readings. Many of the event-goers came to see and support
their friends who were performing.
"It's really about what's inside your heart. That's
the real poetry and the beverage -- well, that's the
stuff we drink," said Charlie Milolo, a performer at
the event.
Every night is open-mic night. Anyone who wants the
chance to shine on stage can. Dickinson said it gives
people who wouldn't normally have a chance to perform
the opportunity to do so.
"A lot of my friends come so I can get at least a little
applause when I play," said Dickinson.
Occasionally a headliner or a featured-performer is
hired to play for a little while. Then the microphone
is opened back up to anyone who's itchin' for the spotlight.
Many Poetry and a Beverage-goers attend the event
for more than live performances. Attendees can draw
and create colorful art on the paper tablemats.
Board, card and other games are also available to
make it more fun and easy for students to socialize
while making new friends. People from all walks of life
attend the affair and adore it for its welcoming, friendly
appeal.
"It's gotta good vibe goin' on," said Dickinson. The
laid-back activity is usually held once a month in the
Skyroom and admission is free all of the time.
There isn't a lot of advertising for it, but you can
usually find when it's occurring in the "Backburner"
section of the Statesman. Milolo said students usually
just know when it's going on.
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