ST. LOUIS, MO.- Legacy Bookstore and Cafe featured an open mic night on Friday, July 30,2010. The vibe was overwhelming with support and unparalleled repressed emotion.
The evening began with a segment of vocals performed by Louis Confliction. Despite the open floor plan that permitted and encouraged familial intimacy, the night was young. And restless.
The poetic talent was as varied and diverse as the crowd: a recovering crack dealer, a sentimental veteran of the prisons, a bible pushing street peddler, a 30-year-old man with a tall tee, small feet and a past that harbored darkness. The crowd reflected those on stage, young and old and both yearning for the opportunity to shed light on their lives and copious amounts of pain and an undeniable amount of optimism. Serenaded by an overzealous, boisterous poet with pipes comparable to organs, followed by an older gentleman reading poetry from his published book, the night featured uninhibited talent with a strong foundation of soul. And black power.
Mixed with the dreadlocked and twisted crowd, lively and supportive, the night was rooted in “showing love for the family present.” The underground voices hit home, wherever that home was for each individual person, inspiring them to remain critical of society, media culture, government, relationships, love, and religion. The spoken word reflected a neowoodstock theme truly inspired in intellect, wit and social commentary.
Legacy Cafe is a best kept secret and the spoken word that lives within its walls invokes emotion and power within the walls of its audience. While tissues and collection cups were not passed, the audience was moved with a myriad of cacophonic words and passionate yet realistic vernacular.
Kristyn Potter 