Intersections Artist: Voices from Busboys and Poets

An Interview with Holly Bass and Benny Blaq

Jacqueline Lawton: What type of artist are you?
Holly Bass: I am a multi-disciplinary artist. My work draws from spoken word, dance theater and performance art.
Benny Blaq: Spoken Word.

JL: Where were you born? How did you end up where you are now?
HB: I was born and raised in California. I went to school in New York and had planned to live out my days there. A summer internship in DC turned into a long-term stay and now I love it here.
BB: Brooklyn Ny and i was in the military and was stationed @ the Pentagon.

JL: Who are your heroes?
HB: My favorite artists are those who have committed to making art until their last breath, who continue to innovate and even become more outrageous and provocative over time.
BB: My mother

JL: What is your personal theme song?
HB: (Living My Life Like It’s) Golden, by Jill Scott
BB: A change is going to come - Sam Cooke

JL: Why did you want to be a part of intersections?
HB: Art is a great way to build and enhance community. I support anything that brings more voices into the dialogue.
BB: I think its a dope concept

JL: What do you think will be cool about the festival?
HB: It’s taking place in an amazing space in an incredible neighborhood in DC. I hope that long-time residents will be excited about the festival and feel that they own it as much as the artists and newcomers to H Street do.

JL: How do you feel your performance fits into the festival?
HB: Poetry is an act of democracy, an expression of the First Amendment, a way to speak that transcends borders and barriers. I’m proud to be able to host a spoken word event that will include poets of different backgrounds and experiences-- black, white, brown, gay, straight, foreign and American-born.
BB: I bring a lot of energy and a different perspective than most.
~~

Voices from Busboys and Poets
The City in Words, a night at the mic when resident poets Holly Bass and Benny Blaq of the popular Busboys and Poets restaurant host a dynamic evening of spoken word and open mic.
Sunday, Feb 28, at 7:30 PM
Sprenger Theater
Tickets: $10
For audiences ages 15 and up.

http://hollybass.com/

www.busboysandpoets.com