The Bashful Dragon Boogaloo This will make sense to no one except me, but I will say it anyway: Jelena Andjelkovic is the reincarnation of James Baldwin (or maybe I should say the James Baldwin that is in a photo book I have at home). She has the same fire in her eyes, the ready-to-pounce body, and the expressive, dangerous, dancing hands (Can you tell I've been going to a lot of poetry readings lately?). I think I've even seen her wear the same shirt.
I always find it exciting to see someone whose work I know really well do a feature. It allows me to hear the poems in a different context and as part of a larger body of work. I find that I always end up seeing the poet in a different way (in this particular case, as James Baldwin).
The "Mia" poetry reading at the Tanner's Coffeehouse in Santa Monica has been a wonderful place to see up and coming poets do their first feature. Yet another excellent reason to support them (The other being their kahuna-sized mochas. 'nuff said.). ~ WB
PS: For all you unhip cats that wrote me asking what a boogaloo is: it's a dance.
PSS: For all you unhip cats who are about to write me and ask me what a bashful dragon is: it's Jelena's nom de plume.
"Mia"
Saturday at 7:30, FREE
At Tanner's Coffee
On Colorado between 2nd and 4th in Santa Monica
It's usually outside, so dress appropriately.
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