Iyeoka's Roll Call

NEXT SHOW: as follows

2010-09-10T01:02:00.000-04:00

RE-CONNECTING the SLAM Dots between Brave New Voices (BNV) and THE National Poetry Slam (NPS) International COMPETITIONS

2009-07-26T09:27:00.010-04:00

FOR ME---PART OF THE REASON WHY I FIND MYSELF RETURNING YEAR AFTER YEAR TO COMPETE THROUGH THE ART OF SLAM POETRY IN THE NATIONAL LEVEL IS BECAUSE I UNDERSTAND THAT THE EXPERIENCE GOES WELL BEYOND THE COMPETITION. MY EXPERIENCE AT THE 12TH ANNUAL BRAVE NEW VOICES HELD IN CHICAGO, WHICH WAS ALSO MY FIRST EXPERIENCE AT A BNV, SHOWED ME THAT ALL OF OUR EXPERIENCES WITH SLAM HAS CLEARLY GONE WELL BEYOND BEING JUST A COMPETITION. IT IS A TRUE CONVERSATION CONNECTING A COMMUNITY OF POETS. THE MOMENT WE FIND A WAY TO EFFICIENTLY AND VISIBLY LINK BNV WITH THE COLLEGIATE TO NPS WE WILL HAVE TRULY MOBILIZED A REVOLUTION WITH THE SYNERGISTIC CAPABILITIES OF EVANGELIZING THE SPOKEN WORD MEDIUM ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD. NOTHING ELSE HAS BEEN ABLE TO DO THAT WITH THIS GENRE. WE FINALLY HAVE THE PIECES TO MAKE THIS MOVEMENT FIT SOMETHING INCREDIBLE AND SO MUCH BIGGER THAN ANY OF US INDIVIDUALLY. I BELIEVE IN THIS. I HAVE BECOME A WITNESS TO THE GROWTH. I AM CONSTANTLY IN THE PROCESS OF BECOMING. I AM A PARTICIPANT. I HAVE BECOME A MENTOR. I AM A BELIEVER IN THE IMPORTANCE FOR US TO RECOGNIZE EACH OTHER AS NECESSARY VOICES FOR THE GREATER GROWTH AND INTEGRITY OF THE MOVEMENT. WE MUST KEEP IT FRESH AND THE EXISTENCE OF THESE THREE MAJOR components PROVIDES AN UNOFFICIAL NATIONAL REALITY CHECK TO BALANCE THE PASSION, THE FUN, AND THE SOCIALLY ACTIVE AND ENERGIZED PROFESSIONALISM OF SPOKEN WORD POETRY.

-Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo
10X consecutive competitor
at the National Poetry Slam

Iyeoka will be representing Boston this summer competing on the 2009 Lizard Lounge Team at the 20th Annual National Poetry Slam in West Palm Beach, FL from August 3-8th

12th Annual Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival

2009-07-14T00:10:00.003-04:00

Youth Speaks Inc., the nation’s leading spoken word organization, is proud to present, in partnership with Columbia College of Chicago & Young Chicago Authors, the 12th annual Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival.

Convening the top young poets and spoken word artists, aged 13-19, from across the United States and beyond, Brave New Voices is a one-of-a-kind festival that truly engages everyone involved; from the participants, to the adult mentors and the audience members. Each year, Brave New Voices is held in a different city, highlighting the changing demographics of the country and a new poetic and politic for the 21st Century. For the second time, the six-day festival will be held in Chicago.

Brave New Voices 2009 features over 500 Teen Poetry Slam Champions from 45 parts of the country and 5 additional cities from across the globe, representing over 50,000 young poets in their local communities. These young writers are a diverse, creative, intelligent group of trendsetting community and cultural leaders. They come to Brave New Voices each year not only to compete, but to attend world-class workshops led by renowned poets and writers, participate in youth development programs, and highlight the voices of a new generation of leadership.

Following the April airing of the HBO special Brave New Voices – which filmed youth from across the country as they prepared for, and participated in, Brave New Voices 2008 in Washington DC – the festival in Chicago will be the largest, most high-visible Brave New Voices yet.

The 5-day festival features 25 events across Chicago, from July 14-19, in community-based theaters, major performance venues, public spaces and college campuses.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION FEATURING IYEOKA IVIE OKOAWO
Art AS LIfE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
BRAVE NEW VOICES 2009 CHICAGO

Workshop Description:
Living as a professional artist takes initiative and perseverance. If we are to survive doing what we love we must first find the avenues and pathways to succeed within it.
ART AS LIFE is a new PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM that introduces youth poets to the ins and outs of creating a viable foundation into navigating potential future income streams and career opportunities in spoken word. This workshop will give access to resources for individual art funding, a comprehensive “cheat-sheet” for establishing a strategic professional resume, and information on expanding your artistic profile and repertoire beyond the “slam”. Drawing from roundtable discussions, research on best practices in the spoken-word field, and artists' on-the-ground experience, this workshop incorporates a step-by-step overview of the topic, partner exercises and case studies. We will present “the process of becoming”, putting your art into action (ie: teaching, mentoring, project development etc), and working through the social/familial/political challenges of a career as an artist. Handouts will include University slam resources, a Find Your Approach list to begin framing your career strategy, and quick tips for building your support group.
Led by IYEOKA IVIE OKOAW & MATT GANO

BRAVE NEW VOICES 2009 SCHEDULE
===================================
OPENING CEREMONY
Tuesday July 14, 2009
5pm to 7pm
Art Institute of Chicago
112 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
===================================
AFTER DARK ACTIVITIES
Tuesday July 14, 2009
Multiple Locations
YCA PRESENTS: WORDPLAY
Tuesday July 14, 2009
7:30pm to 10pm
Barnes and Nobles
1 East Jackson St.
Chicago, IL
Hosted by FM SUPREME & Shadell Jamison
FEATURING; DEJA K. TAYLOR, SHANNON MATESKY, GEORGE WATSKY, JOSHUA BENNETT, ALEXIS MARIE, ALYSIA HARRIS, MILES HODGES, MELANIE AKA GEORGE, LTAB COLLEGE SLAM TEAM * Special performance by Purpose of Life
_______________________________________________________

Columbia College Chicago: 8 – 10pm
623 S. Wabash- Coaches Meeting
731 Plymouth Court- Peoples Championship Qualifier
618 S. Michigan-Peoples Championship Qualifier
618 S. Michigan- Contest Workshops
618 S. Michigan- Networking Activity(Cyber Café)

Columbia College Chicago: 10 – 12am
623 S. Wabash- Late Night Open Mic
731 Plymouth Court- Peoples Championship Qualifier
618 S. Michigan- Peoples Championship Qualifier
618 S. Michigan- BNV Future Corps Workshop
618 S. Michigan- Cyber Cafe
===================================

===================================
WRITING WORKSHOPS
Wednesday July 15, 2009
9am to 2pm
Columbia College Chicago
33 E. Congress and 623 S. Wabash.
Chicago, IL 60603
*Registration for these Writing Workshops takes place on Tuesday, July 14th at the Festival Check-in table.
===================================
OPENING PLENARY
Wednesday July 15, 2009
9am to 10am
Art Institute of Chicago
112 South Michigan
Chicago, IL
===================================
NATIONAL TOWN HALL MEETING
Wednesday July 15, 2009
3pm to 5pm
Art Institute of Chicago
112 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
===================================
FIRTS WAVE/KUUMBA LYNX
Wednesday July 15, 2009
7pm to 9pm
618 S. Michigan
Chicago , IL 60605
===================================
SPEAK GREEN POETRY SLAM
Wednesday July 15, 2009
7:30pm to 9:30pm
Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
610 S. Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605
===================================
AFTER DARK ACTIVITIES
Wednesday July 15, 2009
9:30pm to 12am
Multiple Locations

Columbia College Chicago: 10 – 12am
731 Plymouth Court- Peoples Championship Quarters
623 S, Wabash- Peoples Championship Quarters
618 S. Michigan- MC Olympic Quali Fire
618 S. Michigan- Future Corps Workshop(Pre Registration Required)
618 S. Michigan- Cyber Café Open Mic (Space is Limited)
===================================
QUARTERFINALS
Thursday July 16, 2009
9:30am to 11:45am

Poetry In Motion at Esalen

2009-05-30T23:33:00.003-04:00

Making her 4th appearance at the Esalen Institute, Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo accompanied by musician David Franz will be presenting an Artistic Offering of empowering poetry and music. Iyeoka is one of the leading presenters of this hybridized genre of music intertwining spoken word. Themes for the evening will include work from her newest Cd and her latest collection of poetry that speaks of her learning journey's to Oaxaca Mexico, Hawaii and to her homeland of Nigeria.

The Esalen Institute is a center in Big Sur, California, in the United States, for humanistic alternative education and a nonprofit organization devoted to multidisciplinary studies ordinarily neglected by traditional academia. Esalen offers more than 500 public workshops a year in addition to invitational conferences, residential work-study programs, research initiatives, and internships.

"Iyeoka embodies such a unique gift, which she beautifully and willingly shares. It is the gift of transmuting one's personal experience into a collective expression of the human condition. She bears witness to experience with her riveting presence, her vulnerability, her joy and her sublime artistry. Her voice stirs the soul to remember what it is to be human and we become connected to all other human beings through her stories and songs."

Margaret Wheatley, author, "Leadership and the New Science" and many other writings

IYEOKA IVIE OKOAWO RECEIVES REVIEW FROM Page and Stage EVENT @ ACADEMY OF MUSIC IN NORTHAMPTON

2009-02-16T22:44:00.004-05:00

Yesterday’s Spoken Word: Page and Stage, put on by the Northampton Arts Council as part of their Four Sundays in February series, was a variety show at its best.

The three headliners were US Poet Laureate Richard Wilbur and slam poets Taylor Mali and Iyeoka Okoawo. They were joined by members of the Hampshire Slam Collective and UMass MFA candidates. By sharing the stage with each other they implied respect for one another. It was a beautiful thing.

Iyeoka Okoawo performed with a strong, honest voice and powerful imagery. Richard Wilbur read regally. ...

I attended the event to support the poetry community – and there was a great showing, as the Academy of Music was nearly filled by several hundred people. Thanks to all who made the show possible!

Posted by Kat Good-Schiff at 12:50 PM

2009-02-08T22:38:00.001-05:00

The Return of Hip-Hop's Slick Rick to Boston at Harpers Ferry and The Rise of The Rock by Funk Tribe

New LIVE Video

2008-12-29T03:03:00.002-05:00

Iyeoka and the ROCK BY FUNK TRIBE LIVE @ THE ALCHEMIST LOUNGE BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS:
Once a month @ The Alchemist the Rock by Funk Tribe take the stage and showcase for the locals and the loyals providing LIVE music, Poetry, and enough moments to remember to last till the next one. This video features Iyeoka on vocals, Steve Desrosiers on guitar, Mark Purrington on drums, and honorary funk Tribers Kyle Higgins on bass, and Regie Gibson on congos.

2008-11-10T02:06:00.001-05:00

Anyone for AUSTIN?

2008-10-20T00:47:00.000-04:00

Phanai Entertainment Group Featured

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo of \"Diva Dictions\" joins rost...

October, 2008 @ 1888PressRelease.com

Press Release: Phanai Records

2008-09-07T11:24:00.004-04:00

"Poetry just fits so perfectly into our current mainstream vernacular.
A brief break in the momentum of the jazz-based spoken word beat poetry that preceded the rapping in hip hop music period forced it underground," says Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo, a Nigerian-American writer who exchanged her comfortable career as a health care professional Pharmacist to follow her life and spirit calling her to pursue a career as a spoken-word poet and nu-jazz vocalist.

Iyeoka is one of a number of full time driven performance poets who are championing the spoken-word scene, and proving that poetry can smack a power punch on a bigger stage than the coffeehouses the genre has sprouted from since the turn of the millennium thanks to opportunities such as Def Poetry Jam on HBO and National Slam Poetry Competitions.

Access Iyeoka's complete Electronic Press Kit Here

Promo video,performance schedule,high res. pictures, press quotes ect.

View Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo & the Rock by Funk Tribe's EPK

LECTURES & PERFORMANCES

2008-09-02T09:37:00.002-04:00

the ART as LIFE LECTURE Series

This message is for you…
from the college student to the working class professional
I hope you’re still making plans to live your passion!

-Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo

This lecture is geared towards college students in the budding stages of their boundless careers in art! Have you considered planning ahead on how to live your dream after college? The process begins now. This incredible workshop/lecture presentation showcases the 101 know how on HOW to make your dreams of living and breathing your art a reality.

Iyeoka holds a pharmacy degree from Northeastern University and is a Registered Pharmacist. 3 years ago Iyeoka transitioned her life-style from full time retail pharmacist to full time performance poet. Find out how she did it, why she loves it, and how you can find a way to live your passion too!

for booking info on this lecture series or other presentations offered

please contact bookingiyeoka@gmail.com

Limited offer of $5 to Download our music!!!

2008-07-30T02:54:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends,

We just started selling our music on AmieStreet.com, and to kick
things off they are giving our fans $5 to download our music.

All you have to do is click on the link below to get $5 to download
our music. As independent artists, your support and comments makes a HUGE difference in our chances to generate possible coorporate support and funding.

Just click the link below and you'll be all set!

http://amiestreet.com/_l/cdbabygift

----------------------------------------------------------
one last huge favor is that after u check out the albums u jump on itunes and leave a review of the album there too.

Best in love,

Iyeoka

2008-07-25T02:23:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends,

We've just finished putting the near final touches on our Facebook Music Page and we couldn't be more excited to have you guys check it out.

View Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo's FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

This is our way of getting in touch with everyone and inviting them into our world. You can become a fan and stay connected, know when all our shows are, what we've been up to, check out photos, videos and mp3s.

We're so pumped right now!

We just uploaded a handful of new recordings from a live radio show we did in Honolulu last week.

Thanks so much for you love & support,
be.well
Iyeoka

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

2008-06-30T10:59:00.000-04:00

National Performance Network and NCCC Grant Funds Boston Poet, Iyeoka to Speak the Word in Hawaii

2008-06-26T03:40:00.000-04:00

Zap Mama Returns to Boston to headline at the Paradise Rock Club Saturday 28th, 2008

IYEOKA and The ROCK by Funk TRIBE opens for ZAP MAMA

2008-06-17T17:16:00.003-04:00

SATURDAY June 28th 2008
THE PARADISE ROCK CLUB
Doors:8pm
18+
$22

click the title for tix purchase.

Find me Here.

2008-06-07T12:57:00.002-04:00

We embrace the idea that if you stand somewhere long enough someone will find you, if you say something loud enough someone will hear you, if you desire a moment strong enough the universe will gratefully grant it to you. Find me here and I will speak with you of the word that speaks through me. -Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo

2008-05-28T17:42:00.001-04:00

May 30th @ The Milky Way

2008-05-11T14:57:00.000-04:00

2008-05-07T00:05:00.001-04:00

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo, The Cloud Foundation and Opera Boston are teaming up to create an opera workshop for teens based on music from the opera Carmen

2008-05-05T12:48:00.004-04:00

2008-03-17T02:56:00.001-04:00

Iyeoka joins Grammy Award celebrities to sing Bono and U2 songs to raise money for The Global Fund

U2 Compilation In The Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2 ignites major ripples in a Nigerian girl

2008-03-15T07:23:00.002-04:00

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
3/14/08

Iyeoka is a Nigerian Girl with an African violet in her hair.
She wants to go back home.
Mother calls her from a Nokia cell phone in Benin City every Tuesday.
Mama says, “we miss you baby girl, when will you visit us again?”

“I’ll be home soon mommy, first I need to get to the Notable Productions studio and record this U2 “Desire” song for the Africa Celebrates U2 compilation.”

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo states that she has always had a simple goal to somehow change the
world one poem at a time. Little did she know she would be granted the opportunity of a lifetime to contribute to a track on an unprecedented release of Shout! Factory’s newest project "In The Name Of Love: Africa Celebrates U2". On April 1, 2008, Shout Factory is slated to unveil an album celebrating the music, culture and future of Africa, paying homage to Bono and U2 for their ongoing humanitarian relief efforts aiding her beloved continent.

“It is such an incredible honor to be included in an album with my fellow countrymen Tony Allen and Keziah Jones. I have followed Keziah’s work for some time now and my father is a long time fan of Tony Allen since the days he played with Fela. So to now be associated publicly with artists I have looked up to like Angelique Kidjo and legendary Vusi Mahlasela…even to see my name and picture in the same album booklet is a surreal experience.”

Iyeoka lends her talents to a song with the African Underground All-Stars featuring Optimus from The Foundation Movement and Sierra Leone rapper, Chosan in this song called Desire. The album will be released April 1, 2008 on Sony BMG.

"Desire" is the lead single from U2's 1988 album, Rattle and Hum. It was their first #1 single in the UK.

Africa Celebrates U2/ In The Name of Love

2008-02-25T11:47:00.002-05:00

Check out Iyeoka's performance with the African Underground All-Stars delivering a fresh hip-hop cover of U2's "Desire". The album which features covers from both Grammy Award Winning African artists and up and coming artists includes U2 covers from Angelique Kidjo, Les Nubians, and Keziah Jones.

http://www.africacelebratesu2.com/

2007-12-28T12:37:00.001-05:00

if i didnt know better than i would have to believe...

www.iyeoka.com

http://www.myspace.com/iyeoka

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

FESTIVALS, CONFERENCES, PROMOTERS, COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES-Booking /Press Inquiries

2007-12-20T12:52:00.000-05:00

Iyeoka is currently available for booking in 2008.
contact: Phanai Entertainment
bookingiyeoka@gmail.com

2007-11-04T17:34:00.000-05:00

Catch Iyeoka on Television PBS (WGBH)!!!

2007-10-06T01:08:00.001-04:00

Watch Iyeoka as the poetry expert on:
Episode 216 of FETCH! With Ruff Ruffman
Episode Titled:
"How to Get Dogs and Doggerel in Better Shape"

Iyeoka coaches the cast member how to write poetry.

Original Air Date 6/21/07
The Episode will air again on Monday 10/8/07 at 12:00pm (noon)
(channel 217 WGBXDT4)

2007-10-04T18:09:00.000-04:00

photo by Michael Perez 2007

a BOSTON GLOBE mention on "QUICK PICKS"

2007-09-18T02:51:00.000-04:00

QUICK PICKS

By Nick A. Zaino III

Monday nights through Oct. 1, the Paradise Lounge is the place to catch local soul, funk, and hip-hop with the Soul Power Tour '07. You could squabble and say it's not really a tour, but it does show off some under-appreciated talent from the local scene. Tonight at 7, it's Iyeoka Okoawo, whose inspiring, lyrical grooves bring to mind Lauryn Hill; R&B singer/songwriter Rob Murat from New York, who could play her ; and local blues drummer/vocalist Short'y Billups. You can also hear Okoawo on "Next On the Mic," a new collection from the Poetry Jam Collective and Rounder Records. 18+. Tickets: $8. Paradise Lounge, 969 Commonwealth Ave., 617-562-8800. thedise.com

2007-09-05T11:26:00.000-04:00

Check out Iyeoka featured on the MUSIC page of GALRILLA Webzine!!!

2007-08-16T02:29:00.000-04:00

MORE PRESS for ya...Check out Iyeoka's INTERVIEW on AFRICAN PATH!!!

2007-08-15T02:29:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to IYEOKA...

2007-08-14T13:47:00.000-04:00

For winning 2007 SPOKEN-WORD ARTIST OF THE YEAR for the Mass Industry Committee Hip-Hop AWARDS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

gET IT wHiLE IT's HOT!

2007-07-25T23:22:00.000-04:00

"Next on the Mic" is one of 2 major record label compilations Iyeoka will be a part of in 2007.
This compilation will be released under Rounder Records August 28th.

Iyeoka is now a NEST eligible artist!

2007-04-30T22:03:00.000-04:00

Are you looking to invite Iyeoka to perform her empowering poetry at your event or cultural program? Iyeoka has now made it easy for you to obtain funding if you are located outside of Massachusetts. Read on...

New England States Touring (NEST) is a cooperative program with the state arts agencies of New England, that provides support to nonprofits for performances, readings, and related community activities by artists that have met the eligibility criteria for the NEST program.

*A "presenter" may be any nonprofit organization interested in bringing cultural arts programming to its community. Libraries, schools, theatres, service agencies, & arts organizations are all examples of eligible nonprofit “presenters” that can apply for NEST funding.

Grant Guidelines

NEST grants are available in amounts up to 50% of the artists' fees. The total fee may include travel, accommodations and per diem. Minimum grants are $200 and applications with requests below that amount will not be accepted.

For more on NEST go to: MORE INFO ON NEST GRANTS

2007-04-23T00:25:00.000-04:00

Current mood: Heavy.

Due to a relationship pushing a barrier of stuff that drives sadness and rust---

The deep descent of doubt that disintegrates

YEARS of building friendship and foundation together

These are the rough patches I never asked for.

Note to self:

One of the top 10 worst ways to hurt a friend is when the moment resembles an accidental rainstorm. The neglect is unintentional yet demandingly powerful.

The abandon becomes a reoccurring wave of lifting one choice over another.

Nurturing one garden as another grows dry and weak, heavy with weeds.

I want to feel light again.

I need my approaching celebration of a new birthday to be about what God sends.

Be about what that day needs to be reserved for. What love represents…

The thank you’s for another year.

The thank God I’m still here.

The people I find a way to make time for.

The--- I know my life is full of something and today is the most important reason to open that door and remember it…to fight for it!

Today is the most important day to live for it. It’s ok to do it in silent meditation. It’s ok to bring it in with a thousand of your closest friends. It’s ok to bring it in with your mom and dad on the telephone, no matter how far they are across the Atlantic Ocean.

I need 32 to be about where I am 10 years after 22.

Where I want to be 10 years past 42

The numbers will never appropriately serve you.

Your age should never be allowed to define you.

Because dreams are limitless...

There is not enough time and not enough room to linger on the moments in the desert that quietly breaks the heart that is built to remind you how to get lifted.

And I want to feel light again.

Light with friends that feel you’re worth it every single time.

So light they can see through the tears in your eyes that may never physically ever materialize.

I want to feel light again.

The kind of light you feel when the sun is shining on you for no apparent reason.

The kind of light you feel when everyone around you loves you for a reason.

The kind of light you need when the heavy finds you caught off guard and restless to survive the break into the dawn of a new season.

Top Boston Poet

2007-04-11T18:06:00.002-04:00

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo is amongst the Top Poets in Boston and the Nation for that matter. Nominated for her 2nd New England Urban Music Award for Best Spoken Word Female, Iyeoka was recently asked to be involved in a upcoming Global Hip-Hop music compilation project produced by Notable Productions president and producer Daniel Cantor.

The project is a high contender to be used in the next instillation of the Red Hot + Riot, a series of music compilation projects from the Red Hot Organization to be used as a fund-raising tool for AIDS awareness efforts.

A previous project from the Red Hot Organization was Red Hot + Riot: The Music and Spirit of Fela Kuti) The album, which takes inspiration from the late Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, was released by MCA on October 15, 2002 and featured more than three dozen artists on a score of tracks.

Iyeoka's Hit Songs now on rotation at BOSTON'S TOUCH 106.1

2007-04-08T22:50:00.000-04:00

TOUCH 106.1 IS NOW ACCESSIBLE NATIONWIDE through online streaming!
Call in to request Iyeoka's new songs "This Is Life" ft. The Foundation Movement , "If They Only Knew", or "Shine This Way" ft. Afro DZak on the radio. Listeners can contact the station by visiting www.touchfm.org or by emailing to touchfm@yahoo.com

2007-04-04T13:25:00.000-04:00

Access IYEOKA IVE OKOAWO'S ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT here

2007-02-25T13:22:00.000-05:00

2007 Hawaii Tour

2007-01-30T02:15:00.000-05:00

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Family!

If ur in the HAWAII area or have any friends and/or family that will be in or around honolulu this week please come out and spend some time with me at any one of my shows. I will be releasing a LIMITED EDITION prelude CD to Hum the Bass Line. This will only be available at these shows. This album will include "This is Life", "If they Only Knew", a live recording of "Blink of an Eye" with the Jeff Robinson Trio and new songs and poems. It will also feature 4 NEW poems from my brother Omoizele "Oz" Okoawo who as you all will discover or probably already know, is a better poet than I am...and I'm pretty darn good...so...yeah...

Anyway...thanks in ADVANCE for ALL YOUR SUPPORT!
LOVE HUGS AND more POEMS...more poems...MORE POEMS!!!

Iyeoka

01/31/2007
Midnight-ish - Radio show at KTUH with dj Bones.
(www.ktuh.org)
HONOLULU, Hawaii

Description: radio show at ktuh (www.ktuh.org) on Wednesday nite after midnite with dj Bones. TUNE IN... ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE

02/01/2007
08:30 PM - Hawaiian Hut (SPECIAL APPEARANCE)
410 Atkinson Drive
Honolulu, 96801
US
Cost: $3

Description: February, 1 2007 at Hawaiian Hut - HawaiiSlam's First Thursdays 410 Atkinson Drive (ground level in the Ala Moana Hotel), Honolulu, 96801 Cost : $3 before 8:30, $5 after First Thursdays is the largest poetry slam in the world (with 650+ in attendance). Each month, the event offers $100 in cash prizes to the winner,info@HawaiiSlam.com

02/02/2007
09:00 PM - Ong King Arts Center
184 N. King street (near River st) Chinatown
HONOLULU, Hawaii
US
Cost: $10
Description: Event: First Friday at Ong King Arts Center Time and Place: Ong King Arts Center, 184 N. King St., Friday, February 2nd, 5pm-2am (art gallery opening 5pm-9pm, performance by Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo and the Quadraphonix 9pm-2am) Cost: 10$ (art opening free) Who Can Attend: All Ages! More Info: www.ongking.com see@ongking.com

02/03/2007
8:00 PM - Jazz Minds Arts and Cafe
1667 Kapiolani Blvd.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
US
Cost: $5
Description: Tempo Valley and Iyeoka jam it out at Jazz Minds

NEWS

2007-01-16T15:10:00.000-05:00

Iyeoka's poem "For Rwanda" which is featured in a new documentary film that is being Executive Produced by Ambassador Andrew Young titled "Rwanda Rising" has been chosen to open the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles in February.

NEWS

2006-12-05T12:17:00.000-05:00

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo has been commissioned by the Malaria Foundation International to compose and present a performance poem for the PALTALK MALARIA BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE.

"Inspiring the World"1:30 December 5, 2006 Doors open at 1:00 PMTull Auditorium, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia

The purpose of this original poem is to
creatively induce local and global action and awareness of the presence of a
PREVENTABLE AND TREATABLE disease that kills an average of over 3 million people a year.
This project has inspired Iyeoka to
organize a creative awareness initiative:
POETS SLAM AGAINST
MALARIA.

Preview LEVERAGE Magazine

2006-11-22T09:23:00.001-05:00

2006-11-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

New Poem...inspired by my Tour in Hawaii. Click on poetry or read the blog on myspace!

2006-11-03T08:10:00.001-05:00

Hawaii Tour Update

Tonight’s show at the Ong King’s Arts Center was truly spectacular. First, to have been featured in Honolulu Weekly “Hot Picks” with a photo and free publicity really played a role in packing the room. Secondly, to have an opportunity to perform with Quadraphonix, one of the top live dance groove bands in Hawaii, was a blessing that I could have never foreseen. Never have I experienced a room so willing to be a part of an experience with music and poetry as this room had been. By the end of my first set, the room was literally on their feet dancing to my new song, “Hum the Baseline”.
A few days to process the night will be all I need to fuel the fire for future inspiration.

2006-11-02T14:17:00.000-05:00

Above: Iyeoka at First Thursday's Hawaii Slam

2006-11-02T13:41:00.000-05:00

see gallery for more pictures from Hawaii!!!

2006-11-01T01:16:00.000-05:00

Discovering Hawaii

Location:
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail aka “The Cliff of Treacherousness”

I suppose some experiences are just easier to embrace than others.And I obviously didn’t really think this one through as thoroughly as I typically would have. ..

Click here for the rest of the entry.

2006-10-31T01:52:00.000-05:00

So due to an overwhelming outpour of requests for me to refrain from neglecting my Blog duties, I decided to TRY and keep it up during my Black and Blues Tour in Hawaii this week.

Lucky for you guys, my flight from phoenix to Honolulu was delayed so I kind of have nothing better to do but this, since I soundly slept the six hours from Boston to my current layover location.

And the answer is yes.
Yes I do still freak out right before take off on an airplane.
Click here for the rest of the entry

OIC 35th Anniversary Gala at the NJ Performance Arts Center

2006-10-01T12:32:00.000-04:00

The Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) was founded in Philadelphia in 1964 by Dr. Leon Sullivan. OIC is a decentralized network of employment and training programs, bound together by a common commitment of helping the poor, unemployed, and under-employed improve their quality of life.

Iyeoka prior to show at NJ Performing Arts Center

On Sept. 29, OIC celbrated had its 35th anniversary gala at the beautiful NJ Performing Arts Center, in which Iyeoka was one of the featured performers along with legends Marcus Miller, Al Jarreau and the beautiful and talented Rachelle Ferrell. The key speaker was Ambassador Andrew Young.

Iyeoka with Civil Rights great - Ambassador Andrew Young

With Hal Jackson

Iyeoka and OIC chair Travis Williams

Iyeoka backstage with Al Jarreau

Rachelle Ferrell and Iyeoka

Iyeoka and Francis

2006-09-14T22:03:00.000-04:00

The Paramount, Austin TX

2006 Individual National Poetry Slam Finals

photo by Jerome Huaulme

2006-08-22T02:01:00.000-04:00

Abuja, Nigeria

National Poetry Slam 2006 Austin TX 9th-12th

2006-08-16T10:58:00.000-04:00

Big congratulations to Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo (representing Boston, MA) for ranking within the top 10 2006 National Poetry Slam Individual Finalist in Austin TX last week! Oh right... and did we mention that 75 teams represented from across the nation with 3-5 members a team? You do the math. This marks Iyeoka's 2nd time in 6 years making it to the Individual Final Stage for a National competition.

Iyeoka delivers poetry to Sullivan Summit VII

2006-07-23T14:40:00.000-04:00

Sunny Ade, a major highlight performer

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo and President Olusegun Obasanjo of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the Leon H. Sullivan Summit in Abuja, Nigeria July 17-22nd

2006-07-22T15:01:00.000-04:00

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo and Sheryl Lee Ralph- guest performers at Sullivan Summit VII

Moving the world one poem at a time...

2006-07-13T00:43:00.000-04:00

Iyeoka is scheduled to appear on the cover of the inaugural issue of Leverage.
The Leon H. Sullivan Foundation’s quarterly magazine Leverage is set to launch at the Leon H. Sullivan Summit taking place in Abuja, Nigeria on July 17-20, 2006. The purpose of the conference is to build a bridge between U.S. and Africa, and raise global awareness regarding the importance of Africa as a global citizen and a viable player in the economic arena.

2006-06-25T13:21:00.000-04:00

Iyeoka's thoughts after serving as a panelist and performer at the
Identity Mashup Conference June 19-21st 2006 at Harvard Law School

Never be afraid to be different.
Never be afraid to embrace your heritage no matter how distant.
Throw a flag up for your culture…
The birthright your momma gave ya

The more you play the game of trying to catch up to what’s going on in the mainstream
The further you may end up in a pile of everybody else’s dreams
So BUILD YOUR OWN THING.
Put your OWN stamp on YOUR identity
Nobody can get that right better than you can…
So define it for yourself.

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo Meets President Paul Kagame of Rwanda

2006-06-04T12:17:00.000-04:00

At an event held by The Leon Sullivan Foundation on May 31st, Iyeoka performs then presents an original poem to the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame.

2006-05-25T13:54:00.000-04:00

PROJECT: Think Different takes over pop culture media "one song at a time..."

2006-05-19T14:57:00.000-04:00

Iyeoka, along with artists from Empowerment records and Byron Barnett at the taping of Urban Update:

Tune in to WHDH Channel 7 URBAN UPDATE SPECIAL
scheduled to air on
june 18th, 2006 @11:30 am

The Hurricane happened

2006-04-20T00:18:00.000-04:00

More Hurricane Katrina aftermath photos click on GALLERY

New Photos on MYSPACE by STUFF@Night photographer ANDREW SWAINE

2006-04-18T04:04:00.000-04:00

Iyeoka wins at 2006 New England Urban Music Awards!

2006-04-18T00:42:00.000-04:00

Iyeoka and Francis Phan win big at the 2006 NE UMA's

On the evening of April 15th, the Berklee Perfomance Arts Center hosted the inagural New England Urban Music Awards, which recognizes the excellence of individuals in the New England area music scene. Congratulations to Iyeoka for winning the inaugural award for Best Female Spoken Word Artist. Francis Phan also won Best Producer of the Year. Iyeoka put her stamp on the event by her chilling performance of Blink of An Eye while being accompanied by Jeff Robinson on saxophone. Thanks to all of Iyeoka's fans who nominated her for the award. It's amazing and gratifying to be recognized with this honor after years of hard work but the best is still yet to come!

The Ball State U. Show

2006-03-31T14:28:00.000-05:00

Ok, so
SPEECH TEAMS USA...

I'm hooked. I had an extremely rewarding experience sharing my words and my motivational agendas with some seriously real and amazing people in Muncie, Indiana. I can admit that although I thought I was aware of Speech team competitions, I obviously never understood the whole of it. Thanks to BSU, I'm in love with this expressive, engaging, and spirited culture.

My not so cryptic message to you is this:

You who were there for women's Week, "Expressions of a Slam Poet" ...thank you for listening.
Thank you for engaging yourselves in the moment.
Thank you for expressing with me that "Love CAN'T get by me!"

To the late night crew, good luck in the National Speech competition in 2 weeks
and please understand that what you do IS poetry.

bless,

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo

Check out View from the stage in the gallery.

The Lilly-Pad Show

2006-03-18T01:41:00.000-05:00

Thank you.Thank you.Thank you.Thank you.Thank you.
ALL for coming out for this show!

It was such an incredible turn out for the show at the Lilly Pad (Formerly the Zeitgeist) YOU who came out and you who spread the word about the show...see first sentence of this blog entry. Danielle Scott and Element Soul had me on my feet and the audience nodding to the drum beat...

Seriously though. Just as most shows these days has been for me.
This one in particular was that much more therapeutic for me.
My brother and sisters came in from out of town...
So many familiar faces and just as wonderful were the many NEW faces.

My only wish was that we were all able to hang out longer to connect.

Connecting to people after a performance is probably my biggest reward for giving the moment my all on the stage.

If you were there...please send me your thoughts
public and private comments are welcome!

NEXT SHOW: March 17th @ the Zeitgeist(Lilly-Pad)

2006-03-11T01:13:00.000-05:00

I have a new African extended family at Tufts University!
Click here to see gallery of the Tufts African Student Organization presentation.
Thanks for welcoming me out there, I had a blast.
Let me know your thoughts on the show, private and public comments are welcome.

I was approached by some young aspiring poets and SPOKENword fans tonight looking for under aged venues to see me perform full force...THIS is it, take notes, bring friends, give me a heads up so I know you're coming in case the show sells out or fenagle a discount entry deal.

Friday, March 17th 7:30pm
@ The Zeitgeist in Inman Square, Cambridge (NEW NAME: The LILLY-PAD)
1353 Cambridge Street
LIVE RECORDING!
Featuring Iyeoka and the Jeff Robinson Trio
and up close and personal with dynamic vocalist Danielle Scott and band diggity dope band, Element:Soul

$7 suggested donation
ALL AGES WELCOME

fOR MORE INFO OR TO RESERVE TICKETS EMAIL IYEOKA@AOL.COM

the Cal Poly Show...

2006-03-04T03:32:00.000-05:00

...was a huge success. It was the second unveiling of the
SIBLING SLAMOFF SHOWCASE!
Where my brother Oz and I Slam against each other in the grudge match of the CENTURY.
Where I grind his bones into a bloody pulp...at least that's what usually occurs.

This time around however, he won by the skin of his teeth by wearing his Cal Poly "Word" tee-shirt, given to us moments before by the student group.
Did i menton the shirt had the word "WORD" on it. Yup, you guessed it.
He slammed his signature poem SPEAK THE WORD. WITH THE ENTIRE AUDIENCE ON HIS SIDE AFTER THAT ONE I knew that it was only a matter of time before I lost this match.
I probably could have called him on a "prop" technicality, but I'm Iyeoka...I'm not gonna accept a win by a technicality!

So here's the Complete tally of the SIBLING SLAM-OFF scores: Iyeoka: 1 OZ: 1

My only consolation was that the Cal Poly crowd was such a wonderful and responsive audience. They have a fantastic scene out there and I'm looking forward to returning in the near future.

Hey Cal Poly folks, if you're reading this, check out the gallery for the
"View from the Stage".
I should have it posted by Monday when I return to the east coast.
And please let us know your comments and thoughts. Let the world know that I was ROBBED!

2006-02-21T15:52:00.000-05:00

***FEBRUARY 26TH 2006***
IYEOKA will be the featured poet at the Lizard lounge

Come Celebrate with Iyeoka on her 9th consecutive year performing with Boston's favorite poetry jazz band the Jeff Robinson Trio!

Get there early in case of a sold out show.
There is a slam that starts at 8pm
Feature at 9pm

Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam Every Sunday 7:30pm - 1:00am 1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge http://PoetryJam.com (617) 547-0759 21 plus and $5 --- --------------------------
Friday, March 17th 7:30pm
Join us at the Zeitgeist for a Benefit Concert to support the Zeitgeist

This event will be a live audience recording of Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo The Jeff Robinson Trio and the Black and Blues Tribe. The performance will be new material recorded for Iyeoka's up and coming Fall Cd release.

Zeitgeist Gallery is located at 1353 Cambridge Street in Inman Square, Cambridge. The phone number is 617-876-6060.

IWPS Day TWO (Click for scores)

2006-02-03T12:30:00.000-05:00

RESULT SUMMARY of Thursday's IWPS National COMPETITION

Iyeoka is ranked #1 after last nights competition out of 72 poets.

A part of me is speechless about how things sorted out...

But in a nutshell... I was so fortunate to be among an amazing line up of poets empowered to perform their hearts out.
It was an incredible evening for me to experience.

Google these names, and you will know exactly what I'm talking about...
Christa Bell, Buddy Wakefield, Da Minista, Rives, Q, Versiz, Rachel Finley, Ali Langston, Darling Nikki, Evelyn GV, Mat Rucker.

Thanks to the power line up, many poets that I respect came out for the bout and the crowd was hyped, I couldn't resist the urge to share the main poem I came out here to share, In the Blink of an Eye.

I figured, when would I be presented with another guaranteed opportunity to share this poem with this particular group of people again...
And since now, I live daily with the overwhelming reality that tomorrow is not promised,
I pulled it out and told my story about survival in the 4 min. round as the first poet up.

That poem took me to the top of the ranking of poets in this competition.

Not sure if I can top that moment tonight...
But part of what all of this is about for me, is recognizing the opportunity to create new ones.

And again, as last night, I am in a round with another group of outstanding poets.

We all know that there are NO GUARANTEES IN SLAM.

So my primary objective will be to once more enjoy the gifts and the moments and the art and the passion and the bonding and the winning and the loosing...

I can go on forever.
But won't.
Will update you later.

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo
Charlotte NC

IWPS Day one

2006-02-02T16:47:00.000-05:00

Alright!
So, I safely made it to Charlotte, NC. I guess you can say I'm kind of in "wired mode". I had a wonderful show last night at Wheaton College along with Mal and Corrina. Loved it, had a fabulous time. I absolutely LOVE gigs like that, especially when I don't have my band or my brother with me...

there's just something comforting about performing a show with other poets.

The audience was wonderful and grateful, and enthused and sooo willing to participate in group songs initiated which of course qualifies the Lyon's Den @ Wheaton as one of my favorite spots to jam. I was having such a great time hanging out with the stragglers...so between that and getting lost on the way home (somehow got kicked 40 miles off course!)
I didn't get home until close to midnight. Unpacked and mentally disorganized.

But it's all good...

3 hrs of sleep later, made it to the airport on time linked up with my traveling buddy Eric "soon to be rock star" Darby. Come to find after a chaotic phone call from my friend and Seattle poetess diva darling Christa, that the IWPS were close to checking me off as a no show. Thought that was strange until i showed up to registrations...Apparently in addition to the poets representing Slam Venues, there were a ton of poets trying to be selected on site as individuals.

Again it was all good, I made it on time, I've chosen my bid slot for competitions tonite. Turns out that I picked a number that set me on the same bill in arguably one of the toughest and possibly most attended bouts of the night.

Now yes, there are a hella of a large number of great poets out of the 72 poets here representing...but when I discovered who I was up against my first response was "AWWWWW MAAAAN"...

BUT 3 hrs later, I'm in Zen mode.
Again, really just happy to be here...HERE HERE. As in alive and breathing and loved and loving, grateful for the unorthodox send off by default at Wheaton.
Thankful for the conversation I had last night with Jen about life and how easily we forget to KEEP feeling grateful once we find a reason to. Words stick with me. Always have. I'm ready for more of that tonight. I have already transferred any anxiety I might have had into a little pocket of energy filled with FEELINGS OF GRATEFULNESS.

I decided a few months ago what this competition was going to be about for me.
Telling my story.
And hearing some of yours.
Somewhere along the way I forgot that. Reality has set in now. I'm here. And I know it sounds corny, but "winning" is buried deep down inside me as secondary...
a bonus...but certainly NOT a necessity.

I'll keep you posted.

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo
Charlotte, NC

Currently: I am Watching...

2006-01-23T19:19:00.000-05:00

WAX DRIP INTO PUDDLES OF ITSELF.

And although this is hella-cool...there is about a cazillion other more productive things I could be doing with my time at this particular moment.
LIKE: Work on the book Iyeoka. That's right, new project. So next time you see me, just ask "Hey Yoke, how's the book coming along". If I give a guilty-surprised look, it means that I've been slacking on my daily goals of productivity and your remark may potentially indirectly encourage me to keep moving towards a finished product.

2006-01-18T13:32:00.000-05:00

Because of the power of the slam venues & performance mediums like the Lizard Lounge, the Cantab, the Middle East, and the Jorge Hernandez Center...
Because of free online sites such as MYSPACE, and BLOGGER, yahoogroups and livejournal...

Because of YOU...

Because of the magic of the internet and all of its glorious gifts of resources...
Because of the visuals, the audibles, the mp3s, the blackberry's, the easier access, the sharing, the home studios, the dvd burners, the macs, the pc's the CD Baby's and the musicchoice channels...
Because of the grants, the fundraisers, the sponsors, the benefactors, and the 5 time LIZARD LOUNGE SLAM TEAM anonymous donor...

Because of YOU...
Because of all these things that allow us the access that use to be available to a chosen few...

Because of the power of the UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT...

I have met and admired from a distance so many other voices lifted and gifted in this struggle to be heard

Sometimes sacrificing on the frontlines
Sometimes building like magicians in basements

I have seen and loved so much of the art of my colleagues
This has been such an amazing millenium for the plight of the underground and i predict will continue to be.

So allow me to thank my fellow musicians, ARTISTS and POETS.

THANKYOU for strengthening my FAITH in the process of getting somewhere.
THANKYOU for passing on the knowledge of the THIS IS HOW TO GET TO WHERE I AM AT...see you there
THANKYOU for helping me move the world to drift towards the motion of serious motivation and solid self promotion

Because who's gonna wanna help you if YOU don't first learn how to properly help yourself.

Be a mentor.
Be a JEDI master in the art of inspiration.
Be a voice.
Be a poet.
Be a singer.
Be a writer.
Be amazing THEN teach someone else how to be amazing JUST LIKE YOU.

Artist's TO DO LIST

2006-01-09T13:48:00.000-05:00

Wake up in the morning.

Thank Him for the gifts I am accessible to today.

Check email. Read emails. Send an email.

WRITE A POEM doesn't matter how long or short or magnificent. Just write it.

Go to work. Be a PHARMACIST. (or whatever it is your "day job" happens to be) FEEL good that you have access to one.

Come home.

Be grateful you made it back to your comfort zone safely. (yup, that's not a guarantee so should be looked upon as another gift)

Call someone you love and tell them about your day. (Don't worry about how significant the news is...Just talk...it's a therapeutic exercise)

Call someone you love and let them tell you about their day...Encourage them to share anything...Just talk (this time YOU LISTEN)

When you go to sleep, DREAM.

The impossible ones AND the tangible ones too.

ANY MORE IDEAS?
IN Case i left anything out...
JUST ADD IT TO THE ARTIST'S TO DO LIST.

2006-01-06T00:27:00.000-05:00

I'm watching Jay Leno right now
Vince Young is HUGE. Like a big dude huge. I wonder if it's weird for his teammates to hear everyone talk about how Vince did it pretty much by himself. Although it's kinda true. I wonder if his mates are annoyed to hear that. I mean everyone knows that in a football TEAM no one can technically REALLY DO IT BY THEMSELVES. Vince just really knows how to TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MOMENT. And he happens to have the athletic ability to succeed in his advantage attempts.

subject flip

i love the song that's featured in the Winter Olympics commercials, it's DOPE. It goes "Someday...we're gonna blalabla bla..."
OH!!! Nice it's FLIPSIDE,,,how lucky am I! This group happens to be featured on Jay Leno tonight. cool.
wow this song is HOT! What a diverse hip-hop group the white guy lead singer reminds me of Buddy Wakefield.
Awww...I miss Buddy. This song is making me want to write a new dope song too. what a simple concept. Very much so my style with the inspiring message. wow. the official theme song for the Olympics...
SOMEONE told me today that I have below avg goals because i said i would love to make it onto PERFORMER MAGAZINE one day....Maybe he was right...I think I just got a better one:
cool 2006 resolution : WRITE A DOPE SONG THAT THE 2008 OLYMPICS WILL BEG ME TO ALLOW THEM TO SELECT AS THE next THEME...

About the AS220

2006-01-05T23:52:00.000-05:00

I really really enjoy providence slam spot.
I know what you're ALL thinking...
I enjoyed it because i won the slam tonight.
BUT NO. That's not it at all. It's just a really good crowd of people and a great mixture of young folks and older folks and a bunch of folks that fall in between ambiguously. I'm going to keep trying to make an effort to drive out there.

Christa Bell was the feature and she was a fantastic presence on the stage. One of those poets where AS a poet, you learn a little something more about "how to make an audience your friend prior to beginning your poem" Often when i watch a featured poets on stage that I'm familiar with i'll go into "food critic" mode. I already knew i'd enjoy her poetry as I did at the 2005 National Poetry Slam Finals night...But it's always an EXTRA to see a poet pull off a worthy set as well.
She was extremely likeable. Her Outfit was a piece of art too. that was pretty cool.

i

USC vs TEXAS (i cant believe i watched the entire game)

2006-01-05T00:25:00.000-05:00

WOW. Alright...
2 words for ya

Vince Young

another few words

that dude is dope. really classy guy. the team reminded me of my Patriots a little bit being the underdogs and all back in 2001.
Who wouldn't want to be labeled the underdog that ultimately pulls through in the clutch.
Now that game was one entertaining rose bowl.

http://www.myspace.com/iyeoka

2006-01-04T01:53:00.000-05:00

So maybe I'll post my upcoming shows on this myspace profile thingy.
Check it out. Get addicted to it like ME!

http://www.myspace.com/iyeoka

2006-01-01T22:38:00.000-05:00

2006.

Alright!

Umm...Ok...Now what do we do?

2006 RESOLUTION part 4 & 5

2005-12-30T00:59:00.000-05:00

I RESOLVE TO NO LONGER PRETEND that I am NOT a semi country fan.
Proof of my future retention of goal: I am right now...

LISTENING TO: Carrie Underwood : Jesus Take the Wheel
"...I can't do this on my own...I'm letting go...give me one more chance..."
on the Tonite show, and LOVING IT!
FYI: COUNTRY songs often have cool stories in them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I RESOLVE TO ALSO STOP PRETENDING THAT I AM NOT A HUGE SCI-FI GEEK.
Proof of my future redemtion: I am about to reveal how super excited I am about December 6th 2006
You would think it was my b-day or my wedding day or somethin' WRITE?
Well WRONG...
DEC 6TH
marks the new season of Sci-Fi Friday!!!!

DYING TO WATCH: Battlestar GALACTICA season 3
NOW TRUST ME, I'm not alone in my excitement about the up and coming season.
in fact, this past holiday weekend, myself and my siblings got together in Sunny Ft Lauderdale, and instead of fresh warm air and sun filled days on the beach, I kid you not, pretty much the entire weekend was spent BSG marathon watching and theory discussions on what to expect from the show...analyzing this and that scene...
We're ALL actually quite excited.
And so are a couple other million viewers that I've met these past few months on Science Fiction chatrooms.

Further proof of my geekdom would be my next rooftop exclamation:
I COMMAND YOU ALL TO RENT THE 1ST 2 SEASONS OF BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, then join me in my obsession with this show. Honestly though, the episodes all feel like a feature film to me.

as for the rest of sci fi Friday...
I have exremley high hopes for STARGATE SG-1 although i'm still incredibly depressed Richard Dean Anderson (MacGyver) has retired off the show...he was my hero. I didn't care he was getting old. He's MACGYVER for Christs sakes.
Anyway, i'm such a dork, I can't help but stay loyal to the show and it's spin-off STARGATE ATLANTIS.

New Years Resolution 2006 part 3

2005-12-29T17:23:00.000-05:00

Learn how to walk before commiting to the Boston Marathon.

Support the Homeless

2005-12-24T00:09:00.000-05:00

Spare Change has been running poetry regularly since it began in May of 1992.
http://www.homelessempowerment.org/
My newest poem
Hum The Baseline
is in the issue of Spare Change News that will be released on December 22nd.
The poem is on page 6.
I'm glad it's in and made the cut. As you'll see they cut the poetry page down to half a page. I'm told that Spare Change used to have two pages, then they cut one, I hope this is not an attempt to eliminate the poetry because words give us hope.

2006 RESOLUTION part 2

2005-12-23T04:34:00.000-05:00

I saw a friend on stage today/last nite. It really was a good show. It was a "Made me want to write more" type show. Made me hope I was making a difference too. Funny how I made it "about me"...I almost always manage to do that. But then again, what else is there to live for but the constant pull of trying to find new ways to make YOU better then you were yesterday, last month, LAST YEAR.

Truth: I love you. Keep making me want to be better.

2006 Resolutions part ONE

2005-12-21T00:20:00.000-05:00

New Year is on the horizon...
Reminds me how greatful I am to have family around me.

Truth: Sometimes I want to write so bad it gets difficult to breath.

Dear 2006,
I promise to write more so I don't have anymore breathing problems.

i promise to try and not allow inconsiderate annoying customers who come into the pharmacy bother me to the point where i feel i HAVE to write about them in a blog.

I promise to say I love you more.

i promise to say I hate my day job LESS.

I promise to complete a sophmore album before 2007.

I promise to MAKE time for a TOUR.
Just tell CVS

I QUIT!

for like 3 months.

Ok, honestly... I don't mind my job that much...I mean, I do enjoy essentially "being" a pharmacist...
It's just that I know I need to allow myself to tip the balance towards more of the artistic revolutions.
So...
I promise to not allow my voice to become another drowned employee trapped in a cycle of pay checks and coorporate motivated inititives.

I promise to remind myself that we all have a purpose in this world and most of the time that purpose is not stuck on a shade of grey...
In fact, occasional splashes of COLOR have always been permitted to infiltrate the path of the monotones.

2005-11-22T23:34:00.000-05:00

THESE WORDS WILL SURVIVE THE TIDES TO REACH YOU

PERHAPS WHEN
THAT MOMENT ARRIVES
YOU WILL FIND
A WRINKLE IN TIME
TO REVERSE
THE CURSE
YOU CHOSE TO LABEL
YOURSELF
WITH.

WRITE SOMETHING.

WRITE ANYTHING.

VIBE OFF THIS

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo

MOVE IT AND USE IT!

2005-11-14T23:37:00.000-05:00

Project: Think Different throws down its annual fundraising event featuring the Empowerment CD pre-release. Thursday, November 17, 2005 69m-9pmEmbassy, 36 Landsdowne Street, Boston MA 02215 ~ 617.536.2100

Featuring:The Foundation, Iyeoka, Lyrical, Mingo and AfrodzakDonation: $25+, $10 (under 21)*For tickets and information contact:Amelia at 617.557.9200 or amelia@projectthinkdifferent.org*A limited number of free tickets are available to those with limited cash flow and advance tickets can be held for $15/$5 (under 21) - call now to reserve! Project: Think Different is creating a renaissance in music, film and video that increases civic engagement and inspires people to THINK DIFFERENT about their power to create positive social change.

Tuesday at the Breezeway-Katrina Relief Benefit

2005-11-07T22:44:00.000-05:00

NABA
Katrina Relief
Benefit

“Who knew the extent of the power she holds
her elements so delicate until her fury unfolds
she was born and raised in her own category
underestimating her nature we heard her story”
Remon Jourdan: aka: Reyality

Featured artists include: DQuest/ Iyeoka Okoawo/ Mark Robertson (formerly of One Luv),The Dynamic Duo of Comedy featuring DJ T Arthur Collins
Hosted by Ayoka Drake and DQuest

Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2005 Time: 7 PM – 10:30 PM
Location: Breezeway Bar and Grill, 153 Blue Hill Avenue, Roxbury, Massachusetts 02119

There is no cost for this event. Monetary donations are encouraged.

For Oz

2005-10-30T21:43:00.000-05:00

Take back the hope you gave me
Read between these lines that I feed you

Sing low with your baritone notes
That remind us of old songs with incomplete endings

Today I will learn to shape me
From thunder a poet shall blossom
Slowly one of us will rise
We will grow like everlasting things do

Will bleed when plucked
Will weep if wasted
Will sacrifice for fate
If fears of never reaching the top
Are realized while falling from a cliff
Gripping the root of anything that matches Heaven
Will almost die if neglecting the pen becomes permanent
Will survive after almost letting go for an instant
Filling every unforgiving minute
With sixty more seconds worth of going the distance
The same space that denied us the bliss of another next masterpiece

But… If I can keep my eyes on the prize
If I can walk with kings
If I can talk to crowds
If I can risk and lose and start again from the beginning
If I can hurt and come back stronger
If I can dream and not make dreams my demons
If I can draw the blade and follow through
With my rebirth that began as a teenage suicide
If I can trust myself long enough
To convince my jury to stop doubting me
If I can find paradise outside my comfort zones
And teach my shadow how to control the manic in my delusions
If I can remember to pray monthly, weekly, daily,
More often than I remember to do now
Sooner than two seconds before my next biggest emergency

Then I can give back the hope you gave me
Read between the lines of the last great poems you fed me
Poems that spoke of Momma Tun
Poems that spoke of Speaking the Word
Poems that spoke of Raindrops think their flying until they hit the ground

Maybe I can surround you with softer songs and everlasting beginnings
Maybe I can help complete the almost
You might have heard in your own words
Before you silently swore never to write again

Maybe you would care that tonight in this room
I feel the same way I feel on most nights I take the stage without you

Maybe you will figure out whatever it is you need
To help inspire you to breathe new words again

Maybe you will figure out who this poem is talking too

Then I can give back the hope you gave me
And you will find the urge to talk back
And tomorrow you will learn to shape you
And you will hum the baseline to this song
And you will hum the baseline to this song
And you will hum the baseline to this song

poem by Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo

Next in New York

2005-10-26T06:38:00.000-04:00

In August 2005, I landed a role in a Northern Light Production of a 5-min piece for the NY Historical Society exhibit SLAVERY IN NEW YORK. The exhibit chronicles the economics of slavery in NY State. The exhibit includes an extensive showcase that features more than 20 art pieces newly commissioned for this show and 27 multi-media presentations, one of them being the piece that I am in called "The Well".
I play a slave of African descent named Madamaraya.
It was 2 days of grueling work. Take after take after take... Hollywood is no joke ya'll!

Anyways, what made it all worth it for me beyond the paycheck was the gift of the flashback.
I allowed myself to flashback to a moment in American history when our struggles,
our "issues"
were deeper than any I could ever pretend to know now.

During production of "The Well", I had an invaluable opportunity to work with
Senior Producer Judy Richardson, former filmmaker/producer of Blackside Inc. original Eyes on the Prize series.

***FLASHBACK***

I remember growing up in the 80's and my mom forcing my siblings and I to drop everything to watch PBS's Eyes on the Prize with her in her bedroom.
I remember how angry and confused I'd get by the end of the hour.
Those images reluctantly stayed with me and slowly drew into focus as I got older.

I don't remember learning any of it in my history classes.
I figured maybe it was too embarrassing of a moment in history for them to talk about it.
I mean, they talked about the obvious heros, but never seemed to ever elaborate on the details of the struggle, and the movement and the situations that lead up to the why we had to even HAVE a movement in the first place.

Amazing ...how years later, life brought me an opportunity to thank the woman directly responsible for supplying me with a truthful glimpse into a past we all wish we didn't have to remember.

But we do, don't we...

We have to remember her.
We have to believe that a woman named Madamaraya was real

We have to remember what became of these lives from the bullshit to the blessings
From the Rosa Parks to the the thousands of other names we fail to speak of

We have to remember to take nobody's story for granted
We have to remember that no matter how bad things get
there will always be room
For words like...
tomorrow and maybe...
and eventually
change can come

MAIN EXHIBIT VIEWING at the New-York Historical Society located at Central Park West and 77th Street from October 7, 2005 to March 5, 2006.
Museum and Museum Store Hours:Tuesday - Sunday 10am to 6pmOpen Friday until 8pmOpen Holiday Mondays: October 10, December 26, January 16, and February 20

http://www.slaveryinnewyork.org/index.html

photo of Derrick Ashong and Iyeoka Okoawo on location
for more pictures of production shoot for Slavery In New York go to http://www.iyeoka.com/gallery/.

We Can Never be Superstars

2005-09-11T17:25:00.000-04:00

photo by Angela Rowlings

I am not a superstar
But I’m not afraid to share what I got

I don’t have wings
But I have the words that could make you feel
Like we both be flying

I’m not falling apart right now
But I know what it feels like
To feel like I’ve lost it all

I know how to make you feel like you are the one person I have left in this world

Because you are

You are what is keeping me beautiful
And I am but a reflection of what you are

I am here to show you
That you don’t have to come prepared with me

You can just adlib

And we can create the dialogue
To perfect the solutions
That will supply the fuel for our chemistry

Not everybody can be Angelina Joli
And not everybody can rock a poem from a page on a stage
for you
Like me.

If you feel compelled to get to know me a little better because you can’t figure me out just yet
Then it’s probably just the energy in this room that you’re looking at
And with all due respect
That counts for only but a moment's cost of significance
...................
Just two minutes
You and me alone

My eyes will show you everything
You could have never discovered on your own

And lips can do the rest when you get weary of searching
Tongues will do it best when we get tired of talking
Kama will show us how to effectively lick our wounds
While poetry plays in the backgroud pushing us somewhere past the moon

When your midnight comes,

You can look for me in the sun
This is where I choose to wait for the Blue orchids to bloom
Sweet and Fearless
Living love like life depends on it...

Because it has to.

poem by Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo

Up and Coming Shows: Saturday, September 24th

2005-09-07T17:07:00.000-04:00

Up and Coming Shows:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH

Iyeoka and Oz will be hosting and performing @
ORIENTATION WEEKEND POETRY SLAM at COLBY-SAWYER COLLEGE
New London, New Hampshire
11pm

Saturday, September 24th 2005BloodSkinLand Productions presents...
MEGACIPHER 2005
The 7th Annual Cultural Blockbuster
@ OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center
11 Walnut Park St., Roxbury - Egleston Sq.
(next to laundromat & rental store)

7:00pm showtime (doors open at 6:30pm)
Tickets: $7.00 advance / $10.00 at the door

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH

Live audience CD recording with the Jeff Robinson Trio
Hi-N-Dry Studio in Cambridge, MA @ 7pm.
There are only 25 tickets available for this special event

The Show was like...

2005-09-06T20:56:00.000-04:00

...a zillion beautiful people in the same room at the same time.

Thank you ALL SO MUCH for coming out to the show!
The event was a legitimate success.
Thanks to YOU.
It would have been an empty room with a powerful mike without YOU.

There were maybe one or two nay-sayers in the midst that spoke of the holiday weekend being a difficult space to fill.
But contrary to the most probable of all possibilities...friends and family and fans and die-hard supporters payed top dollar for a fabulous show AND a noteworthy cause.

I personally had a wonderful time, sharing the new stuff and the classics.
So many beautifully diverse people were present to bless the Blue Wave this Labor Day Weekend.
Special thanks to the sound guy who made me feel like notes were supposed to carry like that.
I'll admit though that I'm terribly exhausted, emotionally and physically.
It's almost overwhelming to have so many people you love in the same room all at the same time, listening to what you believe to be your "life's work".
Or at least the work that you believe you live to create.

So thanks for listening and speaking to me before, during, and after the show.

Lots of people have been asking me to post the last poem that I read on Saturday called In the Blink of an Eye and I promise I will.

Until then...Feel free to leave a comment or two.

soon, IIO

Political Conspiracy Theories

2005-09-01T17:34:00.000-04:00

photo by Angela Rowlings
Bury the Prophets and Silence the Poets

Up Close and Personal SHOW to Benefit SUDAN Releif Efforts

2005-09-01T03:33:00.000-04:00

Just a friendly reminder of the show I have this Saturday @8pm at the Blue Wave Lounge with R&B vocalist Lee Wilson and JT of the III Kings.
I don’t have to tell you what an amazing show it will be…

I would like to tell you that a portion of the tickets sold will be donated to the Sudan Relief.

The United Nations estimates that as many as 10,000 mothers, children, wives and husbands are dying each month in Darfur as a result of violence, disease or malnutrition. More than 2 million people are displaced within Sudan, and another 200,000 have fled to neighboring Chad.

With Katrina’s aftermath plaguing our southern states, we are sadly forced to share experiences with countries who have been facing displacement and other challenges for years.

I feel obligated to attempt to make a difference, one show at a time.

Tickets are twenty dollars.
The event producers have been selling tickets in advance and have informed me the event may sell out.
So be there at 8pm or let me know you're coming so I can set tickets aside for you at the door.

Spread the word!!!

Thanks a million, stay blessed, and I hope to see you on saturday.
information on the Sudan relief effort

2005-08-19T11:41:00.000-04:00

Location: 2005 National Poetry Slam, New Mexico
photo by David Huang

2005-08-14T07:48:00.000-04:00

So This years nationals has been so intense, I have not had an opportunity to keep you up to date on events. I should be posting some pictures soon of the events with my team and fellow slam poet fam from across the country but until then please read the details on the Lizard Lounge website:

http://poetryjam.com/blog/poetryjam.html

2005-08-12T04:50:00.000-04:00

Members of the Seattle Team: Christa Bell, Matt Gano, Daemond (Slammaster), and Raj.
This crew was hot...
Seattle was a team I was actually looking forward to slamming against once the top 20 Slam Team Semi-Finals bout was posted.
Boston has always revieved nothing but love from the Seattle Slam Team camp.
And I had already recieved the heads up on Christa from my buddy Bryonn Bain.
He described her as pure fire. I finally had an opportunity to watch her perform in indies where she delivered multiple incredible performances.

2005-08-11T05:38:00.000-04:00

...So as the week went on the Lizard Lounge Slam team slowly began to recognize Ross Johnson's inability to take a serious photograph...here are just a few highlights in no particular order (Us trying to order breakfast, RJ and his endless crank calls-multitasking w/ repeated failed attempts to stir a sleeping Adina//RJ "pretending" to burn his ass with the iron//RJ deciding to connect with the iron//RJ striking a "serious one" with smiling Joyce... I literally have about 15 other pictures just like these.

2005-08-11T03:53:00.000-04:00

Iyeoka, Adina, and Jared Paul on the late nite walk from Hotel Blue to La Posada.
Jared, from Providence, being the perfect gentalman he was raised to be, donated his shoes to Adina who discovered around 4am that choosing cute over comfort comes at a price