POETS OF THE CITY presents
Nationally Acclaimed Poet

ABYSS

Friday, October 26th, 2007
ABYSS *A* *B*right *Y*oung *S*oul *S*earching: The true word Abyss sums the work of a true human with a true spirit. Truly a spirit having a human experience and he was blessed to snapshot reality in scribe. His scroll has an old school meaning with a new school delivery. Tales of a lost soul found. His journey through life has been a tumultuous one. No free lunches here. No get out of jail free cards there. And he has definitely had his share of loss, pain, and sorrow. The gift of scribe has always been in his possession, but it wasn’t until after the deaths of his Mother, Grand Mother, and Aunt, that his talents as a poet were revealed. The loss of these tree pillars in his life almost crumbled his foundation. And if it were not for that Main Pillarthat Chief Cornerstone (God), Abyss wouldn’t be who he is today. His pain has birthed some of the most profound pieces ever spoken over an open mike. His struggles growing up in the hoods of Detroit have molded him into a man with an attitude as hard as concrete, but a compassion as delicate as a snow flake on the tip of a burning cigar. Abyss is a giver. And as much as life has taken away from him, he still gives. He offers his time, his talents, and yes even his tenth to causes across the country. His heart is with the youth of today. He has a compassion for aspiring them to become more than what the world tells them they can be. He’s blunt, straight forward and to some, brutally honest. But when you’re on an assignment from God, those are the skills that He requires. Abyss is a mentor in the youth penal system and in the public school system. And with five children of his own, he has a mandate on his life to give hope and inspiration to a generation that has been systematically set up for self-destruction. He was instrumental in starting the 1st Word Youth Poetry Slam. He is Co-founder of Project A.R.M. He is a part of the NACA Tour in various regions. He can be seen on HBO’s Def Poetry Jams seasons 1 and 5. He sits on the board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and he has the principal role in the upcoming Ghama Films movie Vox. With a resume like this, youd imagine Abyss would be conceited and very unapproachable. On the contrary, you would be hard pressed to find a man more humble and with more humility. Abyss realizes that his gift is from God, and its to be used for His purposes. Abyss has been in the company of the likes of Alicia Keys and Kanye West, yet hell break bread with the homeless at the Atlanta Mission, if that is his assignment of the day. A Poet, a Visionary, a Leader, a Father, a Teacher, and an Inspiration. A Bright Young Soul Searching for other bright young souls who are searching. Abyss has a prophetic word in his mouth for such a time as this. And if you ever get the opportunity to hear him speak, your life will never be the same. "*Abyss's* rapid-fire rendering speaks Truth-to-Power of the Black Vernacular! He flame-throws Culture into a lyrical ruckus!" -*Bruce George, Co-Founder of Def Poetry Jam*

About The Series

EduPoetic EnterBrainment and Ray Seville Productions are proud to present the Poets of the CitySeries featuring nationally and internationally known spoken word artists supported by local talent. This fantastic experience has been brought back to the Twin Cities in a brand new venue: Picosa Restaurant! Picosa is located at 65 Main Street SE, Mpls, MN 55414. Their menu features the traditional flavors of Latin American and Caribbean cuisines in a modern, yet down-to-earth fashion.
Hosted by our St. Paul Native spoken word artist Frank Sentwali (EduPoetic Enterbrainment), doors open at 8:30 pm with plenty of food and drink followed at 9:30 pm by select local musical and spoken word artists, leading up to our talented guest poet. Bringing positive entertainment to the Twin Cities, this is an encounter for the conscience.

Free parking at Picosa!!!

**Parking is not a problem at the POTC. However, finding parking appears to be a bit of an issue. So, here's the POTC parking secret. If you drive down Hennipen and go one block past Main St. (your normal turn to the meters along the river) and turn R onto 2nd St., travel about 1/2 of a block( just as the road curves) and look to your R you will find the River Place Parking ramp. Enter the ramp and drive down to level C. Enter Riverplace, walk straight down the hall, bring your stamp in to Picosa and they will be happy to validate it for you.

You missed "The Final Word" Supershow?

**On Aug. 31st POTC celebrated its 1st Anniversary with a Spoken Word concert for the ages. Inside an elegant Ted Mann Concert hall were 9 of the nation's premiere Spoken Word artists. The pioneering event also featured a riveting performance from 2 Twin City's youth, a sultry dance routine executed by "Restles" and coreographed by Aneka McCullen, and a sanctified opening sermon by Reverend B.A Poet (A.K.A Reverend Rhymin') and the POTC band and choir. Three National Poetry Slam champions, a World Poetry Festival champion and a Tony Award winner highlighted this spectacular evening. See the taped show as it was broadcasted across the internet live and unedited. If you were out of town, didn't have the dough, or just didn't know, grab a bag of popcorn, your beverage of choice, hook the computer up to your flat screen high-def monitor (or just sit in front of your home computer) and just *click the flier-link below:
*The video will play best using a P.C with internet explorer as your browser. MAC users and Mozilla firefox users may have trouble viewing the video.
Chicken and Chorizo Papusas - Warm pastry filled with braised chicken and spicy sausage

Oyster Shooters in Tequila Lime Escabeche - Fresh shucked golf oysters in tequila lime marinate

Crisp Masa Filled With Crab - Shrimp and queso blanco served with ancho cream and guacamole

Mariquitas with Salsa Macha - Deep fried green plantain chips with roast garlic-chili paste

Empanadas Nicaraguan - Cumino scented pastry filled with braised pork served with tomatillo salsa

Shrimp in Garlic Paste - Grilled jumbo shrimp basted in roast garlic and jalapeno paste

Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Shooter - Rock shrimp and pico di gallo finished with avacado

Tuna Crusted in Stone Ground Cumin - Yellowtail tuna seared rare in cumin crust on crispy rice cake with ancho puree

Yucca - Sweet potato and plaintain fries wkith three salsa, mango-chili, salsa fresca and tomatillo

Artisan Cheeses - From South America and Napa Valley

For more information please call 612-462-4825