spoken word
Wordcore
In the late 1970's Lakeland Fl was known for its rock concerts and the legendary Lakeland Civic Center. Lakeland's been pretty quiet since, but lately it has been emerging as the happening place for spoken word and poets in Central Florida. Earlier this year beat poet Wayne Mason started a loose collective of local poets called Wordcore. Each month they gather at the local Books a Million for poetry readings and an open mic.
Please tell us how Wordcore got started
and by whom?
Wayne Mason:I started
Wordcore early this year and it quickly became a loose collective of a
few concerned individuals. The Lakeland scene has slowly been coming into
it's own in the last few years with bands, venues, and art shows coming
out of the woodwork, I didn't see the same happening with literary art.
As a writer myself I was looking for new ways to promote myself and as
a local I just wanted to make my own contribution to the scene.
What
are the Broadsides?
WM: Broadsides have been around as long as the printing press and is probably
the quickest, cheapest way of distributing poetry. They are usually one
poem on a single sheet of paper. The broadside series is simply the next
step in the evolution of Wordcore. The first few broadsides have been
selected but starting next year we will be soliciting poets at the events
for potential broadsides.
How
long has been Wordcore been doing their poetry readings and do you see
this as a growing/revival artform?
WM: Wordcore is really still in its infancy. We have been doing the readings
once monthly for the last five months. Every show I see new faces and
I see poets young and old from all walks of life taking the mic. It's
really encouraging in a world that often seems so cold, that there are
people out there that still care about poetry
Any
plans to expand to some performances outside out Lakeland?
WM: As an individual artist looking to promote myself it is something
that is on my mind. As far as Wordcore it's a possibility in the future
but not really top priority. There is no shortage of quality open mics
in Tampa or Orlando, unlike Lakeland and Polk County. We'll see what 2007
brings
Who
are your main literary influences?
WM: The so called "beats" are probably a bigger influence than I care
to admit, writers like Kerouac and Ginsberg. I also enjoy Thoreau, Whitman,
Issa. Zen texts and koans have also had a tremendous influence.
Music
seems to play a large part of you life too. How does that mesh into your
writing process, if any?
WM: I have been involved off and on in the local music scene since my
younger days and yes definitely, it's still something I carry with me.
My writing is free verse, but still it carries its own timing and rhythm
and I often find myself listening to instrumental music when I write,
usually noise or jazz.
Who are your favorite musical artists?
WM: Some of my favorites would be Sonic Youth, Merzbow, John Zorn, Tom
Waits, Ween, Charlie Parker, Ornette Coleman, oh too many.....
Tell
us the inspiration behind publishing your first chapbook, Broken Zen?
WM: Are these new pieces or collected over a certain time period? Chapbooks,
it seems are a right of passage for any poet and again a cheap quick way
of distributing poetry. Most of the poems were written within the last
year, I tried to balance it out with previously published and unpublished
pieces. It's a poetic hodge podge, but I like to think that there is a
subtle theme of a poet whose zen is broken, but is still striving none
the less.
Have you always been writing down your thoughts, if not when did you start writing poetry? WM:I've been writing for as long as I can remember. It hasn't always been good, or publishable, but it's always been with me. Whether people are reading or not, writing is always going to be an important part of my life. It's just as natural as breathing, just something you do.
The next
Wordcore event happens:
Date/Time: Friday October 13, 2006
Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Books A Million Street Adr: 3629 S FLorida Ave City: Lakeland
Zip: 33801
Notes: Poetry Reading and open mic. Featured reading by Wayne Mason and
the debut of the first broadside will be on sale!
Wordcore September 2006
make contact: