This is a tribute to my National Writing Project Teacher Siblings. They are a top reason why I've become who I am today! To read the poem, "The Write Kind of Kin, Folks," go to https://www.poettlsanders.com/words

To get a ticket, go to https://www.poettlsanders.com/movie-news. Dates of Show: July 18 to August 1, 2021 Online: Fringe Festival KC 2021 Genre: Poetry, Music, Drama, Film Ratings: Parental Guidance (PG) Warnings: Adult Language, Other - Drug Use Run Time: 51 minutes A New Digital Pathways Production Known as “The Dean'' of the state penitentiary—Terry, a prodigious felon and a prodigal father, is offered another chance to earn parole. Over the years, his violent crimes against prison staff and fellow inmates, his continuous abuse and distribution of drugs and contraband, and his blatant disregard for prison rules have prevented any possibility of release. Now, as he seeks freedom, Terry hopes; he strives; he reaches out from within to become a better man than he has ever been. With coercive coaching from a crazy counselor named Dr. Dennis, might Terry win this fight against himself?

This clip is a small glimpse of an amazing night where family, friends, and fans came out to honor the incomparable Mr. Jay McShann in celebration of his 104th birthday. Poet alludes to a multitude of Mr. McShann's music. Listen to hear; look to see; and when you find the allusion, we guarantee you be groovin' to the titles, such as "Hot Biscuits," "Kansas City," " Once Upon a Time," "Hootie Blues," "Hold'em Hootie," "Doo Wah Doo," "Confessin' the Blues," "Vine Street Boogie," "McShann Bounce," "Soft Winds," "Joy of the Jingle," and more. Who is Jay McShann? A versatile pianist, singer, and composer, his music over the years ranged from blues to boogie-woogie, ballads, swing, and bebop. His unique style is considered a cornerstone of the sound known around the world as Kansas City Jazz. Jay was born January 12, 1916, in Muskogee, Okla., the youngest of four children of Jess and Leona McShann. A self-taught pianist inspired by the blues, Jay began playing professionally as a teen. In 1936, he moved to Kansas City to join the vibrant jazz culture he found there. Shortly thereafter, he earned the nickname "Hootie" as he is known to many. Within a few months, Jay was well established in the KC music scene heading a small band until in 1940 when he assembled a big band whose incarnations over the years included: Gene Ramey, Charlie Parker, Walter Brown. After service in WWII, Jay relocated for a short time to the west coast and assembled a small band that featured vocalist, Jimmy Witherspoon. He returned to his Kansas City home and family and soon after recorded a hit with blues singer Pricilla Bowman. Jay recorded scores of albums for numerous record labels during his career. His compositions have been recorded by The Rolling Stones, B.B. King, Little Walter, Esther Phillips, and Jimmy Witherspoon among others. Over the years Jay toured extensively as a headline act in leading concert halls and festivals across the US, and internationally. Wherever he went, Jay won fans and friends alike with his engaging music, affable personality and engaging grin. Jay joined the Musician's Union Local 627 in 1937 and was awarded Local 34627 gold card life membership in 1976 and was a Mutual Musician's Foundation Gold Card member as well as an Elder Statesman of KC Jazz. He studied at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music and was later awarded an Honorary Doctorate from UMKC. His numerous other awards and honors include induction into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame, the Pioneer awards from both the Rhythm & Blues Foundation and the International Association of Jazz Educators, two Grammy Award nominations, designation of the McShann Pavilion at the American Jazz Museum, and an Alvin Ailey dance composition in his name. Jay has been featured in a number of movies and television documentaries including, "The Last of the Blue Devils" in 1980, Ken Burns' "Jazz" in 2001, Clint Eastwood's "Piano Blues" in 2003, and the documentary "Hootie Blues", as well as hundreds of magazine and newspaper features around the world. The biographical information about Dr. Jay McShann was found at: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansascity/name/james-mcshann-obituary?pid=20201702

.

This poem serves as a personal reminder to love the good in me. Just last week (5-08-21), my mother died. We took her off of life support to allow her to transition. As I performed this piece, I could hear her voice speaking through me; reminding me that I am more than man mined, that I am more than man's mind, and that I am more than words define. (And so are you... you are more than iron ore, you are more than diamonds, you are more than the limited mind of science, you are more than the discovery of giants!!!) When a friend suggested that I take a deep breath before performing this poem, the tears... the travail... the true colors of my emotions accidentally slipped out. I posted this presentation so to share my authentic moment with you.

Because of the confluence of artistry rooted in a project called, "Storytelling on the Streetcar: Celebrating Black Culture,” I found fruit for the spirit! As such, I am excited to invite you to experience the same. Go to the KC Streetcar’s YouTube Channel or Facebook (@kcstreetcar) to watch the online video, which showcases amazing artists, dancers, musicians, and special guests, Honestly, the sweet fruit from our artistree has provided nourishment meant specifically for me… to share with you! Wanna know what discovery that just plum surprised me? Dr. Maya Angelou, an author, performer, and activist, was a conductor for the On The Ground Railroad—San Francisco Streetcar—when she was 16-years-old. Amazing, right? Let’s consider Mrs. Rosa Park, the rightful apple of our eye. Well, that apple didn't fall far from the ancestral family tree; Elizabeth Jennings was the "Rosa Parks'' of 1854. Historically, the streetcar’s attitude, “lettuce get better together” has been a vehicle, driving the U.S. toward racial equality. These facts and more helped me to produce a poem called “This,” which can be found at poetTLSanders.com under the “Poet’s Poems or Prose” tab. Note: I don't own the rights to "Blue and Sentimental" by Jay McShann, Buddy Tate, Eugene Ramey, Gus Johnson, Jr., Julian Dash.