The Ball State U. Show

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

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)

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...

...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!