Art Reach Center (CMU)
319 S. University, Mt. Pleasant
Nov. 2, 7 p.m.
versiz.com, artreachcenter.org/wellspring
The goal of the Wellspring Literary Series at Central Michigan University is to showcase local authors, whether they are poets, novelists or both. One of those writers to receive the spotlight is Jamaal May, a poet, producer and hip hop recording artist.
May, who goes by "Versiz" and hails from Detroit, specializes in the separate arts of literature and music. Holding a degree in studio engineering, he has produced for Public Enemy and The Four Tops, among other artists and his latest hip hop album, Learn to Levitate, comes out later this year.
But May receives more name recognition from his ventures in poetry, as poetry slams are his forte. Described by the Michigan Daily as "Detroit's most talented slam poet," his skill has netted him two Detroit Poetry Slam championships, in addition to being a finalist in the Individual World Poetry Slam twice.
"[I'm of the opinion that] Poetry is a vital part of us that for the most part is neglected right now," says May on his blog. "In my work and in my teaching I attempt to use what is valuable from all styles of poetry while sidestepping the pitfalls as well."
His own style is certainly valuable, evident from the many awards he's won. May holds an International Publication Prize from the Atlanta Review and a Cave Canem fellowship and, in addition to his chapbook and audio collections, his poetry appears in Verse Daily, Pedestal Magazine and a number of other anthologies and publications. His first chapbook of poems, The God Engine, was published earlier this year. May has also released Binary Soul and Binary Soulstice, two audio collections of his spoken word poetry.
At the Wellspring appearance, May will offer instruction on poetry and his specific style in addition to reciting some favorites and perhaps some lesser-known pieces not included in The God Engine or on his albums. He'll be accompanied by a local singer/songwriter, as the Wellspring Literary Series also aims to highlight a different sort of local artists: musicians.
