When school gets to be too overwhelming, many tend to look for ways to get rid of stress. “Poet’s Lounge” is a way for students at SHSU to relieve some of the things that are on everyone’s minds. Every Wednesday from 8 p.m. until 9:45, Room 320 in the Lowman Student Center is open to any students who wish to come and recite poetry or to simply listen to the rhyming thoughts of fellow Bearkats. Poet’s Lounge is held every Wednesday in the same location in the LSC.
Though the title of the event is Poet’s Lounge, the weekly program actually features many forms of soulful expression. Performers have been known to sing, play instruments, rap, along with other ways of showcasing their talents. Poet’s Lounge is generally not a form of competition. Many come out to listen, perform, and appreciate, but not to judge.
Generally some that perform will have stage names for the crowd. However, there are those that simply use their real names when performing. The group that directs Poet’s Lounge is accepting of people from anywhere. Students and individuals from other schools have also performed here.
Poet’s Lounge also serves as practice for SHSU poetry slam team. The team consists of Mary Stringer (Brett), Brandon Jackson (Phenomenon), Ashley Davis (Bittersweet), Sharnice Taylor (Lyric), Jonathan Fisher (Arcane), and Brandon Price (Artistic Virtuoso). The slam poetry team has been part of the national and regional poetry competitions for the last two years. With the regional competition coming up on Feb. 27, they are attempting to get all the practice that they can.
Performances and poetry will be available on Wednesday, Feb. 18 when the Sam Houston slam poetry team will host a Neo Soul Night that will feature jazz, poetry, and live music. Poet’s Lounge is held every Wednesday in the same location in the LSC. This will be held in the LSC ballroom and tickets are $6 presale and $8 at the door. Much like Poet’s Lounge, this is a showcase of talent, rather than a competition.