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Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis(September 4th 2016)– These are words that one patron used to describe the August edition of Island Xpressions’ Open Mic Poetry and Arts show that was held at the OOJJ’s Conference Center on 23rd August 2016. The poetry was intense, the performances were intriguing and the general atmosphere was welcoming and calming especially thanks to great music choices from our house DJs, TNO Sounds.

As usual the first half of the show was opened to any person who wished to perform their art of choice. The audience was blessed to see so many new performers such as Daryl Grant, Shanna-Sey alongside IX veterans like Simba, Kimi-Lee Knight and Ali-One and regulars such as Delroy Douglas and Kristal Osborne. The pieces explored issues from love to grief, personal struggles to societal scourges and even a dancehall tribute to the “fat gals”.

In keeping with the new element of the IX shows to showcase culinary artistes, the show’s edible treat (free of cost to patrons) was a hearty, finger licking, stomach comforting lentil soup from Samantha’s Diner, a catering service out of Buckley’s Park (668 4514) that specializes in Caribbean, South American and Asian cuisine. Many patrons were seen going back for seconds!

And then came the feature act for the evening: singer Khyla Brown and the J’Nysis Band! They rocked the crowd from start to finish with an impressive, diverse set of music. With covers from Adele, Erykah Badu, Chrisette Michelle, Emeli Sande, Rihanna and even Kranium, Khyla effortlessly showed why she is one of the premier female vocalists in the Federation and the blend of talent in the J’Nysis Band is exceptional. If dancing, hand-waving, singing along and roaring cheering were any indications of appreciation from the audience, then saying the show was great is the understatement of 2016!

The show was hosted by Jihan Williams and DeLante Lewis and giveaways were up for grabs courtesy of FLOW. All photographs were taken by the great B’jon Bass of Stylejerk Photography. You can view photos from the show at https://www.facebook.com/islandexpressions/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10153895242317076

Follow us on our Facebook page “Island Xpressions” for updates, photos and videos and feel free to join us next time as a patron or a performer. See you at the next show on Thursday 27th October 2016 and until then…. BE YOU, FEEL FREE, XPRESS YOURSELF!