The Love and Poetry Tour

I remember when I was about 7 years old I wrote my first poem. It was a poem about love. I think I still have it somewhere actually, but I won't share. (I don't want to embarrass myself right now).Well, since then one of my favorite things to do is sit in a quiet corner in the book store and read poetry books. Now with social media, I have it at my fingertips at any time of the day. That being said, several months ago I stumbled across a quote on instagram from a poet named Just Mike. It said "Never underestimate a woman's ability to fall out of love. All she needs is time, distance, and somebody willing to help her put back the pieces again". I went onto his page and did some research on him. I think what I liked the most was that he's fairly new to this art and his vision is HUGE! I love that! Watching people grow while they're in their element is so amazing to me.

When I heard that he was doing a 25 city tour in 35 days I knew I wanted to attend. When I found out it would be next door to me in Toronto (basically my 2nd home) it was a done deal! I would go and blog about it. The first thing I learned after arriving at the Studio Bar was that Just Mike is part of a trio on this tour. It's Just Mike, Vision and Jamarr Hall. They headline the show together and individually. I also love the fact that they put out a call to local poets. Then, they chose 2 to do their thing as the opening acts. I really enjoyed Trevlyn Kay's gorgeous singing in between her spoken word, and Patrick C. Walters had everyones attention. Another thing I liked is this trio (Mike, Vision, Jamarr) was very hands on the whole time. In fact, Vision checked me in and Mike showed me to my seat. Each of them MC'd and gave us everything. I'm sure all the ladies (and a few men) would agree.

I have to admit I was super nervous sitting in the front. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know if I would hold back due to my shyness and try to remain stoic, or, if I'd cry because something got to me. Fortunately I found a very happy medium and I laughed, clapped, gave serious face and everything! You can feel that these guys want to encourage women to do better for themselves. To be happy and live a life they deserve. They sprinkled in some very specific experiences as well. I found myself taking notes and trying to remember quotes (haha I rhymed). One of my favorite parts of the show was when all 3 would perform together. Just Mike and Vision would take turns speaking, and Jamarr would strum the guitar and sing. I definitely see this turning into a play, movie, etc.

I also enjoyed speaking to them individually for quite a while after the show. Getting to hear how this all started and where they plan on going with it was all very exciting. I found out that all of this started from a very bad situation. A nurse encouraged Mike to write out his feelings in a journal after a suicide attempt. Now, he is a poet, author, speaker and president of his own publishing company. If you're happily single, in a great relationship or not, this is definitely a show to see. The future for these 3 friends is beyond bright. I'm looking forward to all the amazingness to come.

I've attached some links under each poet;) Enjoy!

                                                                          Vision

                                                                       Jamarr Hall

                                                                        Just Mike