April 1 kicked off National Poetry Month, an event “inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996 . . . when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.” Although National Poetry Month is held every April, and Sacramento and its neighbors are celebrating in various ways, Sacramento is certainly no stranger to poetry and the banding together of poets. About poetry, bookseller Richard Hansen, aka The Book Collector (24th a

Terry Moore Presents brought his latest show concept, Soul Night, to the historical Guild Theater in Oak Park Saturday night. The “Soul Night" show was ably hosted by popular certified life coach and Christian counselor Kerri Herndon. “We are evolving and growing as an organization while responding to the feedback we receive from our supporters,” said Moore when describing how the concept of Soul Night originated. “Soul Night is a show for everybody to come out and enjoy music, poetry, and dancing that will inspire the soul.” Poet Aaron G. read his poem. “I Had a Dream” and Othello H. Curry, 3rd read his poem, “Single and Free to Mingle” at the open mic before the curtains opened to begi

Sacramento’s outdoor summer concert scene is growing, as 40-year old Chris Pendarvis, owner of Naked Lounge and Orphan, is adding the Oak Park Concert Series in McClatchy Park. It’s added to a lineup that includes Concerts in the Park at Cesar Chavez Plaza, Curtis Park’s Music in the Park at the end of June and Friday’s kickoff of Pops in the Park in McKinley Park. The organizers of the free Oak Park Concert Series said they hope to revitalize one of Sacramento’s oldest neighborhoods and make use of the hidden treasures in McClatchy Park. Throughout the summer months, beginning on June 18, Oak Park Productions and Naked Coffee will host performances on one Saturday every month through S

It was a wake-up call of eye-opening proportions. It was a smooth, delightful sound experience. It was simply soulful and stimulating. Call this group your favorite urban bohemian coffee shop brand in a cup — Starbucks, Old Soul Coffee Co., Peet’s, Java City — whichever you choose. It was exactly as group members Lawrence Dinkins (also known as NSAA) and Ross Hammond described it: Electric. Poetic. Coffee. The group’s moniker coined by Dinkins was an on-target summation of what they represent. “As Lawrence likes to say, I’m the electro part, Lawrence is the poetic part, and we both like to drink coffee,” Hammond said. “It’s poetry and folk songs over guitar and electricity. We try to mak

It’s always amazing to see the real power of words. The words — the way they can fill a room with sound and fury and electricity, all from someone speaking a certain way. All from poetry. The New Dimensions Learning Academy on 35th and Broadway hosts such talents and was graced by the presence of the award-winning “Queen of New York,” Tantra Zawadi, who performed some of her spoken word Saturday. The academy holds an open mic night every last Saturday of the month, and this particular night multiple artists hit the stage with rhythmic energy, syllabic enigmas and profound social commentary. “I feel like this is a place that I can come to live, you know?” attendee Maurice Sanders, 21, s

Master Barber Shop was established in 1958 and was acquired by Earlie D. and Mary Brown in December of 1974. During that time, the shop was located on Stockton Blvd. and 7th Ave. Since those early days, Master Barber & Beauty Shop, has had several locations. Each location being better than the last. In 1989, sons Rodney and Marichal, joined the family business. The late owner and master barber, Earlie D. Brown, established business in the hair industry in the mid 1940's with Brown's Barber Shop (two locations, San Francisco and Marin City). What started out as nothing more than a dream and a dime and a nail in his pocket has turned into a family business. He died in February 1998. Mary Br