COCA’s brand-new social media feature is called “Artists Inspire” and features local artists of all genres in our community. “Artists Inspire” will give us a glimpse into the lives of our working artists and cultural leaders – promoting what is unique to Tallahassee and our surrounding area.
Keith Rodgers is the founder and CEO of Black On Black Rhyme and The BackTalk Poetry Troupe as well as the host of Tallahassee Nights Live. He has written 2 books of poetry entitled “Black On Black Rhyme” and “Giant Midgets: and has recorded 2 poetry CDs: “National Po’ Day and “Ashley’s Father.”
Black on Black Rhyme is a collection of poets and artists who perform and share poetry for love, healing, enlightenment, education and entertainment. They also facilitate creative writing workshops. Click here to learn more.
What is necessary for your creative process?
A thought, time to process it and to build it to the written phase!
What fictional character would you like to bring to life and meet?
Huey Freeman from ‘The Boondocks!’ His train of thought has wisdom and history wrapped into it like a veggie sandwich.
What music is playing in your car?
Bobby Womack’s ‘Greatest Hits’ and Tobe Nwigwe. Their lyrics are quite poetic and put me in a creative zone.
What is the last local live performance, or book you have read, that had an impact on you?
Watching Tallahassee Nights Live perform at the North Florida Fairgrounds on July 3rd. They are truly the baddest band with hands! The energy they display on stage is a wonderful thing to be an earwitness to.
It’s time to explore Tallahassee and Leon County; where are we going and why?
We are going to The Hole (3030 S Adams St). On a sunny day it mirages into an on the Southside, a wilderness within the city. A shallow forest, a lake, fishes, ducks, a stage, turtles, a little wildlife and calmness!
If you were trapped in a TV show or movie for a month, which would it be?
‘Coming To America Pt 2.’ The humor and characters are a beautiful representation of decisions that are made as an individual, and for the good of others, come full circle.
What superpower would you like to have?
I would like the superpower to read minds. I would then write a poem about it so people could then read mine!
What do you like best about living in Tallahassee?
The number of small businesses and the growth of entrepreneurships.
What have you learned from failure?
What if I fail but what if I fly? Either way, I land! Soaring is better than flooring!
What do you hope you will be remembered for?
My advice given to others, my sense/scents/cents/since of humor, wits and the movement of Black On Black Rhyme!
Visit www.tallahasseearts.org for more information about local arts and cultural events and ways to get engaged in our area’s cultural community!
By Erica Thaler
Council on Culture & Arts
Looking for more artists in our local community? Check out this post about author and dance instructor, Sherika Duncan.
Photo Credit: COCA