Nichole Acosta's Epic XII takes over NYC

"When I say EPIC, you say TWELVE! EPIC! TWELVE! EPIC! TWELVE!!!!"

Welcome to the wonderful world of poetry where similes are as frequent as smiles and "wordplay is a poet's foreplay" (Nichole Acosta). In this world there exists a hub where poets, musicians, storytellers, dancers, and performing artists of all kinds are offered a mic, a stage, and a home. The Inspired Word in it's four year history has encouraged and inspired (as it's name suggests) many many talented individuals including, Nichole Acosta, the Collabo Queen.

Acosta with mentor, Mike Geffner (founder of Inspired Word)

Nichole Acosta, a published author and performance poet, began frequenting the Inspired Word about 2 years ago and earned the title of Collabo Queen after accomplishing her goal of collaborating with 25 other performing artists this year and founding the group: The Epic XII. The Epic XII is "a quarterly changing cast of 12 performers of various genres bridging gaps in a divided world through collaboration."

 When asked, why 12? Nichole stated, "12 was the cap for me. The number that made sense. I saw it everywhere. 12 months in a year, average about 12 likes on Facebook posts, 12 apostles. It felt right. Epic 12 the name stuck. In the span of two months, artists who never met before became a forever family of collaborators and put together a successful show of all our work."

 

Epic XII Cast Season 1

Since their debut showcase performance in July of this year at the sidewalk cafe, the Epic XII has been an expanding and evolving force, fueled by Acosta's dedication and constantly feeding off the positive energy of the Inspired Word. The Epic XII has sneak peaked and featured at notable NYC venues such as Tammany Hall and most recently Local 61 on Bergen St. Downtown Brooklyn and many of their performances and behind the scenes videos can be found on Acosta's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb9BNSkyq9U-Fe8kaR9Zu2A?feature=watch

"Working with so many people has really really helped me grow as a person and artist, to see through others perspectives more often and write every day and just come out of my shell fully with an open heart" - Nichole Acosta.

Mix of Epic XII cast Season 1-3 after Poetry Showcase @ Local 61

Despite the success of Epic XII, Nichole still pushes herself to higher heights by taking on the role of Director of community relations for The Inspired Word,  adding members of Epic XII seasons 3 and 4, publishing her first chap book entitled, Field of Fireflies, and traveling overseas to teach poetry workshops and perform in Singapore this month. Nichole says, "No one can say for sure the exact path the Epic XII will go but I am certain we are headed in the right direction. Some things that will stay constant: We'll  always have a live band, speak on various topics, have performers of all art forms and collaborate, collaborate, collaborate, not just with me but with each other."

Catch the last sneak peak of Epic XII before the season two November showcase this Saturday at Nichole Acosta's Book release Party.

Where: Funkadelic Studios
When: October 12th 2013
9:00pm - Midnight
Cost: 10$ gets entry and signed copy of book
RSVP HERE



And be sure to see the magic of collaboration live with the Epic XII led by the Collabo Queen herself on November 13th 2013!

RSVP HERE 

For more information on Nichole Acosta, The Inspired Word, or The Epic XII, check out the links below:
www.inspiredwordnyc.com
 http://nicholeacosta.wix.com/poetry#!__epic-xii
facebook.com/theepic12
instagram.com/theepicxii

NYC Top 5 Venues List

The time has come again for The Life of a New Yorker (.com) to select 5 venues in this grand city that are worth mentioning.

Remember if you have a venue you want to see on the list send an email and we'll be happy to check it out.

It's all about NY all the time!

NYC'S TOP 5 VENUES

1. Abiodun's Open House Sundays

Legendary Abiodun Oyewole, founder of  The Last Poets, has opened his home to musicians, poets, and creative thinkers alike each and every Sunday to share and learn in a open and positive environment complete with salmon croquette and constructive critique from the legend himself.

110 Morningside Dr, New York, NY 10027

The Last Poets

2. Tammany Hall

A restaurant and performance space on Orchard St. in the city that can only be accurately described as  fancy. "The venue features an expansive main floor with a 24-foot modular stage, classic big bar and banquette-style seating. A mezzanine overlooking the main floor is ideal for listening and mingling, and is equipped with its own private service bar."

Tammany Hall hosts a variety events regularly, for instance the Inspired Word will be featuring tomorrow (Wednesday Sept. 17th 2013), flexing their musical wings and displaying some of the most talented musicians in NYC!

 152 Orchard St. New York, NY 10002

tammanyhallny.com 

https://musicallstarsnyc.eventbrite.com/

3. 6th St. & Avenue B Community Garden

Photo by Michael Phillip Geffner

This community garden is a piece of history as it has been around since the 80s. "Today the garden serves as an anchor of local community garden groups and as a working model of preservation for an energetic greening movement." The garden hosts a variety of free events and workshops which their website gives detailed information about.

Photo Taken by Michael Phillip Geffner

 Corner of 6th St. and Avenue B New York, NY

http://www.6bgarden.org/

4. Don Pollo Restaurant

Exotic Peruvian cuisine, always fresh and always delicious! Taste the savory flavors of Peru right here in the big city!

83-02 95th Ave, Ozone Park NY 11416

http://www.donpollonyc.com/

5. Dassara

Brooklyn restaurant specializing in a variety of noodles/ramen dishes at an affordable price in a cozy little space.

271 Smith St. Brooklyn, NY 11231

www.dassara.com/‎

Relle Independence Day Performance

Relle the Poet opens for Hip Hop Legends Digable Planets on Independence day 

In NYC

Check out her FB page: Facebook.com/relle.the.poet

Hostile Take Over; The Land of The Youth by Jherelle Benn

This is a HOSTILE TAKE OVER...

Check out the latest video poem by yours truly, Relle the Poet.

Directed, Edited, Produced by Duane Ferguson

Written by Jherelle Benn

Shot in Brooklyn NY

Featured Artist: Danny Matos

The Life Of A New Yorker is proud to present an astounding, raw, talented, and intellectual soul as the newest featured artist. The poet performing in the video above is none other than Daniel "Danny" Matos.

Danny Matos

He is a beloved member of the Inspired Word Family, powerful spoken word artist, talented poet, acclaimed 2013 poetry idol, and The Life of New Yorker's most recent featured artist.

Matos shortly after winning the title

On April 24th of this year Danny competed along side 3 other finalists for the title of Poetry Idol. He worked hard to generate, memorize, and deliver an original poem each week of the competition and clearly his hard work paid off. Danny says he is grateful and appreciates the opportunity however he knows he has a long way to go. It's true we could all leave room for improvement but as Danny continues to remain humble even in his success it is clear he has already touched so many hearts with his powerful words.

Danny can be contacted by email: dmatos105@gmail.com

Or by Facebook: www.facebook.com/danny.matos.144

He can also be seen performing nearly every week at Micheal Geffner's Inspired Word Open Mic series and sometimes making guest appearances at the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe.Where ever you are lucky enough to see this expert poet in action you are sure to fall in love with him, his words, and his rare open honest soul.

The Land of The Youth Poetry Event

This is a HOSTILE TAKE OVER...

Come out the evening of Saturday April 13th downtown Brooklyn to the

 VIDEO SHOOT of the new Digi Poem; The Land of the Youth.

295 LIVINGSTON ST. BROOKLYN NY

11:00PM

• Photo Booth Will Be Set Up
• Live Musical Performances
• OPEN BAR UNTIL MIDNIGHT

FEATURING...

Keon Torres


TRAP SABBATH
http://trapsabbath.com/

L.A.V

RO WILLIAMS
https://www.facebook.com/iamrowilliams

RELLE THE POET

 AND MORE....

For more information on this event call: 646-673-1189

We are told Mistakes by our elders;

Painful Memories Daddy don't want for me.

How DARE they forget once dancing in our place!

Liquor burning, Bodies Writhing, Soft Whispers, Loud Moaning

TO BE YOUNG IS TO BE FREE

Girl Problems by Jherelle Benn

The Life Of New Yorker Presents A Digi Poem By Jherelle Benn

Directed by Duane Chivon Ferguson

Produced by Jherelle Benn

Duane Chivon Ferguson

Zita Zenda

Shot right here in the good ole City of New York

Top Five Venues List

Back at it again with The Life of A New Yorker's Top Five venues list.

1.  The Barclays Center

Brooklyn's latest sports and entertainment arena and home of the Brooklyn Nets. Catch concerts, games, and events every day of the week at the Barclays!

620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn NY 11217

http://www.barclayscenter.com/

2. The Inspired Word Organic Open Mic at BareBurger Restaurant

Calling all artists! The Inspired Word open mic series is a loving and open community providing a haven for all performing artists to come together and share their work. Each and every Tuesday night this open mic offers 25 5 min slots beginning at 7:00pm.

85 2nd Ave, New York NY 10033

http://inspiredwordnyc.com/

http://www.bareburger.com/

3.  Escuelita ("Escoes")

"Ayyyy Papi Chulo Bailar Conmigo!!!" You may hear quite a bit of these common phrases when visiting Escuelita; a popular club near times square in the NYC homosexual community. Of course Heterosexuals are always welcome to enjoy the colorful festivities! Fridays at escoes everyone gets in free of charge before midnight!

301 W 39th St, Manhattan New York 10018

www.escuelita.com/

4. Play Lounge
The adults place to play while the children are away. Equip with pool tables, bowling lanes, beer bong, flip cup and full bar, the Play Lounge is the perfect place for anyone over 21 to relax and let loose.

77-17 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst NY 11373

http://play-ny.com/

5. Kinokuniya

One of the most interesting book stores in NYC. Kinokuniya is predominately a Japanese book store however their versatile merchandise caters to every type of consumer. Books, snap back caps, office supplies, references, plushies, and collectibles are just a few of the interesting items that can be found while browsing the isles. And if you get hungry, not to worry they have a cafe on the 2nd floor of the establishment where you can enjoy a break and some tasty Asian cuisine.

1071 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10018

http://www.kinokuniya.com/

La Strada Alla Tristezza

The Life of A New Yorker presents a video poem written by yours truly, shot/produced/directed by Duane Ferguson, and starring Emily Rodriguez. Oh and it was shot right here in NYC :-)