MusicTree Festival in Manchester, May 31- June 6 is not only hosting a week of jammin’ parties with 85 bands, but in the spirit of a true “Festival of the Arts,” will feature a special night of open format poetry and music Tisha Emberton aka Poet of the Angels and other poets. Sat. June 2, at The Brew 4:30 pm, Tisha will lead an open poetry session, followed from 6:30 – 9:30 by the local favorite musical talents James Bell and Bard Fisher. There will be more open poetry and music jams afterward.
Tisha has been writing since childhood, she recently began covering poetry for Middle Tennessee Music, she performs at and hosts open spoken word poetry performances all over the area. She lets us get to know a bit about the “Poet of the Angels” in this interview. …
How long have you identified as a poet?
I have been writing poetry since I was six years old. That would make 29 years that I’ve been writing.
I have collectively been apart of open mic groups around Tennessee and began hosting open mic nights for poets, singer/songwriters, writers and artists in 2009. I’m still hosting events around Tennessee, which now it’s going on my third year and going. I’ve met some really amazing talents. The open mic experience opens up doors as it’s an outlet for creative types and a stage showcasing their talents giving them an audience. Open Mics build confidence and character. I’ve had some tell me it has inspired them to begin creating again.
What do you do for fun?
Besides poetry, I also enjoy singing, songwriting, photography, camping, the outdoors, going to concerts and live music events, being outdoors, horseback riding and whitewater rafting.
How’s the scene in your home town?
The Arts scene in McMinnville is growing. I host an open mic night in various venues in McMinnville. One favorite hot spot is the Highland Rim Music & Art Acoustic Corner. There’s usually something music related every weekend. We also host events there with a collaboration of poetry, music and art.
What’s on your personal music playlist this week?
I have the new Halestorm cd playing in my car.
When did you realize that poetry moved you to the point of needing to create it?
I knew I wanted to start writing poetry when I was six years old after hearing the rhymes of Mother Goose as the teacher would read to us in class. Mrs. Edith Adcock was a very lively reader. We also went to church together. I was a Mama’s girl when I was in the first grade. I would use poetry as a way to utilize that energy to create something magical for my Mom while I was at school. I would begin writing little 4-6 line poems and draw her a picture. The moment I learned to read and write, I began writing poetry. I believe that certain poets are part of “old souls”. Sometimes, we’re born to write from the very beginning. I was still writing even as a teenager and through my college years. I’m still writing even today. I will never give up the one thing that makes sense. That is poetry.
Describe one of your most memorable poetic moments.
One of the most memorable moments in poetry was when I went to the Alter Bridge concert in Atlanta, GA on October 16, 2004. I was very determined to be at the front of the stage so I got there 6 hours early. I brought my poetry journal with me, and began writing a poem about the band. Once in the doors, and it was time for Alter Bridge to come on the stage, my anticipation was building. Within three songs of their set, a girl got the attention of the lead singer, Myles Kennedy with a sign that read Alter Bridge rocks. I told myself I only have one opportunity. Go for it! So, I gave Myles a copy of my poem titled, “”Alter Bridge””. Little did I know or even expect him to read it on stage, but he had the guys from Alter Bridge set up a beatnik rhythm while he read my poem in front of over 2,000 fans. I felt like I was floating as the moment was a surreal, forever moment I’ll never forget.
You can hear the clip from the Alter Bridge show at http://creedkicks.tripod.com/id21.html
Tell us about some of your influences.
I have my own style when it comes to poetry, but some tell me it reminds them of that of the late Jim Morrison. My poetry is very abstract, the use of symbols and metaphors are colorfully transcended from the angels that smile poetry.
Where would you choose to build a vacation home?
I would build a vacation home near the beach. My heart is near a vast beach along the banks of Florida. A memory so clear at the age of 17 when I was with my brother as we raced up and down the beach chasing seagulls. I remember looking off the pier at the miles of ocean and feeling peace. There is something so perfect about a sunset beside the beach. The beaches of Florida is where I saw my sister get married. I said to myself, how perfect would it be to walk down the aisle of the most perfect sunset on a radiant beach. I caught the bouquet. I’m still not married, but perhaps someday to the most beautiful creative soul that carries me to this place deep inside the heart.
How did you learn of Music Tree?
[A representative] called me on the phone asking me to be apart of Musictree: A Festival of the Arts just one week before Bonaroo. He made me feel really great to be part of something so big.
How do you feel about being a part of the Music Tree Festival?
I’m very honored to have my poetry featured here and welcoming other poets to join me to do an Open Mic Night at the Brew from 9 pm – 11:30 pm on June 2.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I would like to invite you all to come and support the arts and hear some amazing depths of poetry, where the soul bleeds and inspires. Be at The Brew at 4:30 pm as the show opens with poetry. Singer/songwriters, James Bell and Bard Fisher will perform from 6 pm – 9 pm. Then from 9 pm – 11:30 pm, poets and various creative types will perform. I am your host, Poet of the Angels aka Tisha Emberton. If you wish to perform, get in touch with me, find me on facebook. www.facebook.com/poetoftheangels.
Also, my e-mail is poetic_goddess9 at hotmail.com. For all of you who would rather get in touch with me the old fashioned way, my cell number is 931-314-7049. I look forward to hearing from you.
