Indulging in the 2014 Literary Arts Festival was an out going, free spirited experience with nothing less than a optimistic vibe. Filled with creative videos, poems and music which were work from The City Tech students and Alumni. I expected nothing less from the performances especially when it’s people who have a passion for creative expression. The festival also offered half time finger food options to curve the taste buds of the audience and were gone briefly do to all the “creative” people in one vicinity. The opening poem was done by an Italian American who reflected his strong but moving thoughts through a average families eyes that filled New Orleans the day of the massive hurricane. Devastating many families with the after effects of the Hurricane including floods, water contamination, famine etc. He discussed the lack of help they received and it moved me due to the fact of how easily important matters can be forgotten.
A surprised guest arrived which is world renowned Eady Cornelius the recipient of Guggenheim, Rockefeller, and NEA fellowships, as well as founder of Cave Canem Foundation, a nonprofit organization for black poets. In addition to reading his work, Eady will perform with two members of his band “Rough Magic:” Concetta Abbate on violin and Charlie Rauh on guitar. Eady was a great singer and Guitarist along with his band who played songs that had all different tones including love poems, how mother met father poems which turned out to be all wrong once Eady asked his mother again but was to late because it already got published. Also songs that were accessed permission from the artist.
Thus, this was the first time I’ve attended an event as such I can say it’s help reopen the creative part of my thinking and driven me to take a little more pride in my writing. Living in a shell of your ideas isn’t cool at all express your self and help others understand your ideas like these creative individuals have. Standing on a stage isn’t easy but the way these poets stood in front of everyone putting in the body language as they read their work really helped everyone understand their work.
Besides this being an extra credit assignment, I Highly respect the young innovative minds that are behind Fest-ival. Hilarious hosts to dim any awkward moments, surprise guest to give none majors an incentive to join in on the event, and a supportive crowd including Students, alumni, family, and friends. Living up to the means of a annual event only gets harder and more innovative as years past. I can see my self going to the Literary Arts festival in 2015.
