The Cigar Inn Two Year Anniversary Party- feat. Random Thought

www.BellevillePride.com
By: Susan Spit-Fire

Hey, it’s finally here y’all!!! The Two Year Anniversary of Open Mic Night @ The Inn is next Thursday, June 9^th (Doors-8; Show-9) and we will be throwin’ a party to honor some of the people who helped make it all possible! These remarkable artists have been with us since the early days and are known for their high caliber performances and dedication to the arts and to their passion and purpose in life. Our main act for the show will be none other than Rennell “Random Thought” Parker - a superb Poet, Author, Spoken Word Artist, Emcee, Motivational Speaker, and Educator from Florissant, MO. Born in St. Louis, he studied Education at Ashford University and he’s had two books published – Speak Up, Speak Out, Shout If You Have To and Do You Mind If I Write You Poetry? Rennell is also a strong advocate for our young people. He mentors and sponsors young men in a series called The Man Talk Sessions, which occur at The West Valley Branch of The Florissant Library. He works closely with The St. Louis Poetry Center and other organizations on many different literary programs for youth. His spoken word performances are powerful and truly inspiring. Mr. Parker, a Navy Veteran, is also a Little League Soccer Coach and was the emcee of Club 15’s incredible show The Grey Area. Check out his websites for more info: www.actsofarandomthought.org and www.iamrandomthought.com.

            Dana “Kels” Kelly will open up for Rennell. She’s a Poet, Author, and Spoken Word Artist from St. Louis. Her work’s emotional and deeply moving, and her spoken word performances are riveting. Kels began writing at the tender age of seven. She was only eleven when she was first published by The St. Louis Post Dispatch, in which she wrote of the violence transforming her neighborhood. Back then Dana was also a skillful vocalist who was often featured at weddings, plays, and talent shows. She began her spoken word career at Mocha Latte’s show Got Lyrics? and has appeared on over 100 stages across the U.S. since then, as well as abroad. Kels has a book out entitled Tatted Up: Emotional Tattoos of The Heart. The second book in her Writing Lab Series is called Ugly Me and is due for release in September. When she’s not rocking the stage Dana spends her time as a licensed tax professional.

            And award-winning Musician, Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer, and Spoken Word Artist Aireez DaRychuss (Terroll D. Williams) will be here. Originally hailing from New Orleans, Aireez has performed at SoulSTAGE, Poems, Prose, and Pints, Urb Slam @ Legacy, and many other local shows, as well as gracing events across the nation. He has two excellent CD’s out – So Deep, The EP, and 9 Lives. Not willing to compromise himself or his message, he stepped out on a limb and created his own successful record label - Thundagrownd Produckshuns, and recently returned from a tour in the South. Terroll’s live performances are exceptional, whether he’s doing Spoken Word, Hip-Hop, Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Soul, or a spell-binding cover of the classic hit “I Put a Spell on You”. He released a new full-length album this Spring entitled Apply as Needed. Aireez’ website is www.rychuss1ad.com.

 Also joining us will be East St. Louis native Pacia Anderson, a very gifted Journalist, Photographer, Poet, and Spoken Word Artist of great depth and range. She is a student at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, IL. and writes articles as an associate reporter for their school newspaper the Eye of the Storm. Miss Anderson has performed at SoulSTAGE, The SIUE/ESL Center for Higher Education (with The Eugene B. Redmond Writer’s Club), The Schmidt Art Center, and many other local spots. Her poetry is intellectual and provocative and her spoken word performances clever, humorous, and timely. She and her young daughter Heaven currently reside in the city of East St. Louis.

            Our special guest for the evening will be Genesis Crawford - a hot new Poet, Spoken Word Artist, and Model originally from Chicago’s Southside. She attended Lemont Township High School and is now an intelligent and devoted student at Illinois University, where she is specializing in Biology and Pre-Med. Studies. She also takes classes at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville when her schedule permits. Genesis’ work is gripping, gritty, and real, and her performances touching and unique. She first debuted her poetry at Open Mic Night @ The Inn nearly two years ago and has subsequently performed all over the Metro East and the state of Illinois. She now lives in Chicago, IL.

            In light of the Two Year Anniversary and in honor of all our dear friends and fans (Thank You for all your support!!!) there will be a festive and spirited atmosphere, free candy, and fabulous specials on Caramel Apple Martini’s, Mojitos, Hot Damn, and Sex on The Beach. As always there will be a fine array of cigars for your smoking enjoyment, free Wi-Fi, and a classy, laid back venue to experience it all in. Plus the Open Mic will be going down, free to all who want to share their talents –so come out and celebrate with us. (But try to get here by 9 if you want a seat!) I’m looking forward to seeing you soon. Peace!!

                Love & Hugs, Spit-Fire