boston progress radio

I have to say that East Meets Words’ fourth birthday was simply amazing. Since I began going to the open mic event in 2007, I don’t remember ever seeing a bigger crowd. I think I’ve had the privilege of going to every open mic (except one) since January 2007. So, that’s… 1… 2… 28 open mics that I’ve attended. In total, there have been 49 51 (49 on the second Friday of every month and 2 special ones—Native Guns/ill-Literacy and Denizen Kane) open mics since the start of East Meets Words in March 2005. Wow! This month’s event drew more people to the store than the Beau Sia open mic. Beau who? Yes, the open mic has truly become bigger than any individual performer.

I don’t remember all the performers that came to grace the open mic that day, but all of them came to celebrate and give a gift to the open mic, a gift of the mind and soul. Fifteen folks came up to share before the feature hit the stage. I don’t remember all the pieces, but I do remember a few. I remember a piece by Jess about rice and it’s impact on the world’s well-being. I remember a piece by Emily Lawsin on domestic violence, classism and racism. I remember Vudoo Soul showing up and singing his ballad Ready for Love, Ready for You. I remember Eric’s piece about superheroes that made me remember when I was kid and all I wanted to do was be a goalie and win the Stanley Cup. It was a night where the energy surrounding the store started high and ended even higher. We literally blew the roof off.

Almost 2 hours after the open mic started, the feature finally hit the stage. The BPAC Beat Collective playing publicly for the second time. Comprised of a crew of talented musicians, the Beat Collective brought their best and lit the store on fire. With guest Vudoo Soul on a second keyboard and Afro D on the trumpet, Glenn on guitar, the beats, melodies and rhythms got me up on my feet, bobbing my head, waving my arms and tapping my feet. Guest emcees tvu and Amon picked up when regulars Victor and Pen Khek caught their breaths. Even now, I can still feel the notes from the bass guitar resonating around in my chest.

For me, the open mic has always been special. It was the open mic where I first met the cool kids: Theresa and Hsindy. It was a hot summer night in July 2006 and I remember Hsindy hosting. Fast forward to January 2007—when I went on my last first date. And 25 26 open mics later, it is still as fresh as when I first experienced it. Happy Birthday East Meets Words… may you live forever and ever.

Last 5 posts by eugene

• Asian American Raffi: Where are you? - January 13th, 2010
• Recap: East Meets Words, Jan 2010 - January 12th, 2010
• East Meets Words Featuring Fatimah Asghar and Jamilla Woods - November 11th, 2009
• Hip-Hop Values from Oliver Wang - October 29th, 2009
• AARW 30th Anniversary Banquet - October 27th, 2009

Tags: Open Mic, Retrospective.