:FUSION: report
report by Blessings - photos by Erin Leonard

Art-Love-Magic Is it a coincidence that each of these words can be used interchangeably? On April 28^th, these three words played Tag and artist boldly shouted to each other, “Your It!” and each one gladly took their turn. Speaking of turns; as a poet you seek atmosphere constantly. Whether it’s a Starbucks quietly tucked away in a shopping plaza where only the peacefully enlightened frequent or posted on the balcony of your crib with dollar store candles and Nina Simone moaning in the background. I not only found such an environment, but had the pleasure to partake by spitting a few pieces on the mic and selling (the grind/hustle) some of my self-published CDs.

There wasn’t a hint of negativity in the room minus the charge that counteracted and surged from the work that was displayed, performed, and being made simultaneously. Everyone was beaming with the idea that we were about to experience FUSION::: and eventually become it. Pick a definition for that night:

1. The act or procedure by liquefying by heat
2. A blend or mixture produced by fusion
3. A nuclear reaction in which nuclei combine to form more massive nuclei, with the release of huge amounts of energy. 

I’m more partial to the third meaning. One of the mad skillz scientists that led this unique experiment was well known poet and educator Will Richey. That was just the first lab (stage). In our second lab downstairs from the amazingly trendy Janette Kennedy Gallery was another local spoken word artist and Dallas ISD teacher, Deep Thought. Two stages, two host, and two separate rooms of painters, cartoonist, poets, jewelry makers, vocalists and musicians. A modern day Woodstock, minus the drugs was cooking and serving it up fast. Fusion carried a natural high that you just couldn’t get enough of it. Friends, family, fans, not to mention some of the residence of the Southside on Lamar lofts were engulfed by the event and all there was to offer.
 

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