The other day I received an email from legendary spoken word artist Taylor Mali. It was he who enabled me to go on my USA tour back in 2006. He wanted to book me for a show in New York after hearing that I was coming to the States and I accepted, even though I was planning on going to San Francisco to visit family.
With his permission I used him as a reference and started emailing various cities and locations to announce my coming to USA. About 10 venues replied and that was how my coast to coast USA tour came to be. More on this in a few months, I’m currently working on a documentary about the tour which will be released later this year with footage, video and stories about this great adventure.
One of my poems which I performed during a show in Manhattan, New York has become very popular with Taylor Mali and many others. It was among other things included in the “Best of Urbana” (Urbana is the name of the club that runs at Bowery Poetry Club) and apparently also on a new CD, which I’ll tell you about in a minute. Just that is a huge honor considering the fact that so many incredible artists perform there every year.
Anyway, a few days ago Mr. Mali emailed me, saying: “To promote the imminent release of “Excellence in the Field of Awesomeness: Best of Urbana’s 2007 to 2008,” Cristin and I recorded several episodes for Indiefeed’s performance poetry podcast this past Monday. One of the pieces we talked about was yours (”This Poem Keeps Me Company”)! For about six minutes we sang your praises, talked about your performance at Urbana and where people can go to find out more about you.”
It’s been a long time since I received such an ego boost for the work that I do, and that coming from one of the most respected people in the “business”. I can’t tell you how curious I am to find out exactly what was said in the podcast but we’ll all find out when it’s released in April. When I later heard that one of the people behind the podcast project had put me among the top requests for artists to talk about from the “Best of Urbana” CD I was even more pleased. I think I went on smiling that whole day.
Speaking of smiling, that is pretty much the only thing I can do that doesn’t hurt right now. Keeping my typical ways I couldn’t wait for the 20 degree temperature to start my diet and exercise project. I’ve taken my before-pictures and outlined my plans and for the coming two weeks I will be going on a very strict diet to clean my system and start getting into shape. Before I leave you, here are some links to the things I was speaking about.
). Just tauting you! 
one of your best work yet. and ive also published...