SANDRA TURNER-BARNES
South Jersey/Philadelphia area artist, Sandra Turner-Barnes is a national award winning poet, author & vocalist, known across the East Coast as "The Cadillac Lady" because of her amusing poem-song by that title. In 1995, Sandra won the Ebony Magazine Literary Competition for short fiction; and, she felt truly honored to be named "Diva of Poetry" right along with Nikki Giovanni, Sonya Sanchez and Ntosake Shange in 1997 in the City of Philadelphia. In 2000, Sandra won the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Competition in Chicago, and was published in the Gwendolyn Brooks Anthology, "WarpLand."
As a performance poet & vocalist, Sandra has appeared across the East Coast with artists such as Jazz Divas Gerri Allen, Shirley Scott and Evelyn Sims; R&B singer, Freddie Jackson, and writer and motivation speaker, Iyanla Vanzant, to name a few. In 2001, Sandra's jazz vocal performance with renowned jazz pianist, Barry Sames, was selected for national airing on BET's "Jazz Discoveries."
Sandra's first book of poetry, "Always A Lady," published for the third time in 1995, sold over 5,000 copies, and is still in demand; her second book, "That Sweet Philly Jazz" published in 1997, is a tribute to jazz and jazz musicians; and, her soon-to-be released book, "Too Much Woman" is a long awaited collection of poetry, prose and passion. A children's book entitled, "Chicken Bone Beach" is near completion; this tale depicts racism through the eyes of a Black child during the days of segregation in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Sandra chose to entitle her first CD, "September Will Never Be The Same" in tribute to the many lives lost last year on September 11, but also in gratitude to the many lives spared by God's Grace, including that of her son-in-law, Enzo. Sandra dedicates the title poem to all the children of this world, and especially those children who will be born as a result of efforts to bring about healing from this tragedy, specifically, her own (soon to be born 911 blessing) granddaughter, "Mia."
"September Will Never Be The Same" features the up and coming jazz quartet, "Mysterious Traveler," four very gifted musicians who provide that jazzy balance that gives Sandra's poems and vocals that added uniqueness that bring joy to the listeners' ears. "Mysterious Traveler" consists of leader, Theo Primas, who co-produced the CD, on Saxophones & flute; co-producer, Raimundo Santos, on keyboards; Bob Turner on bass; and Kenny Adams on drums. All wonderfully executed selections on this fabulous CD are smooth, easy to listen to, extremely entertaining, and destined to put this CD on your "must have" list.
DEMETRIUS FORD
POETRY, SONG, SPOKEN WORD - Demetrius Ford gives a breathtaking,
eye-catching performance, his message is deep. His delivery is captivating
and his words are raw, and real. Demetrius combines smooth, strong vocals with
his poetic flow that leaves his audience astounded by the range of his talents.
This is one way to describe Demetrius’ signature poem entitled
“Under Their Parents Wing” also “The Art of True Woman”.
A West Philadelphia native born, raised and presently resides there is giving back
with a positive message in poems such as Negritude and touching hearts
with his soul searching inspirational poetry. His poetry has been heard in Norristown, Pottstown and New York on 42nd St. at the BB King Blues Club & Grill taking part in “SPUSIC”.
Demetrius’ Philadelphia accomplishments are too long to list visit www.intheplace.com
and view his credited appearances, updates and poetry.
In 2003, Demetrius created the workshop “Positive Interaction” at the Youth Study Center which houses incarcerated youths. The volunteers consisted of
poets, singers and visual artists. He has been a constant promoter of venues and other artists through out Philadelphia as well as a self-publisher, self-promoter and his own agent; he does it all and is a strong supporter of unity amongst his peers.
Demetrius has been on the scene since April of 2000, his tenacity and dedication to his craft has resulted in his first book of poetry “ The Lull of My Spirit”.
Book of the month on www.phillypoets.com He is in the stages of recording a spoken word CD that will consist of music and original floetic songs from this book and his next book to come.
Here are testimonials about his book…
“Deep, emotional and profound”
-Tom Crognale, filmmaker
“Demetrius Ford’s poetry will open your eyes to the world you live in, and the world
within you. You won’t be the same after reading “The Lull of My Spirit”
-Larry Nocella, editor, “ Question Everything Challenge Everything Magazine”
For bookings and interviews contact: write me
also www.neomusiq.com
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