Talent at Koffeeokee
Renda Writer
Renda Writer is a self-employed poet, promoter, freelance writer, and event host. His event hosting experience includes several weekly events, monthly events, and one-night-only special events. He has hosted open mics, poetry showcases, comedy showcases, author showcases, rap concerts, benefit events, art openings, album release parties, and magazine release parties, throughout South Florida since 2004.
One particular event that he hosts and promotes is the Monthly Open Mic at Koffeeokee, a sober coffeehouse in Delray Beach, FL. This event takes place every month, on the last Saturday of the month. The open mic is like a variety show, or a talent show, which is open to performers of all genres and levels of skill.
Poets, comedians, bands, rappers, acoustic acts, and singers of all types are encouraged to attend. Admission is FREE. Those interested in performing need only to show up and put their name on the sign-up list. There is no advance sign-up or registration via phone or e-mail. Renda puts the list out at 8pm, and starts with the first performer at 8:30pm. He goes down the list in order, giving each musician a maximum of 3 songs, and non-musicians (poets, comedians, etc.) a 10-minute time limit. Musicians who need to tune up or otherwise prepare must have these things done before their name is called.
The list does get long very quickly, so performers are encouraged to get there as close to 8pm as possible, Renda Writer runs the night smoothly, bringing up one act after the other, trying to ensure that there is no dead air and no awkward transitions between acts. He accents the time between acts with original poems, jokes, limericks, announcements, and strange and useless facts (ex: Leonardo Da Vinci invented scissors. Cats have more bones in their bodies than humans. Whoopi Goldberg’s real name is Caryn Johnson.). He provides all of the necessary equipment, including microphones, mic stands, ¼ inch chords for guitars, and stools. He does not provide music stands, effects pedals, pick-ups, or monitors.
When asked about the Monthly Open Mic at Koffeeokee, Renda is quick to mention that, “It is a great place for musicians, artists, and regular folk to network and make fans and friends. Whether you’re a timid amateur or a semi-professional entertainer, the night provides an excellent forum for free expression and exposure. Bring your CDs, business cards, show flyers, e-mail lists, and instruments.”
As a poet, Renda Writer has performed throughout New York City and South Florida. He graced the stage of the world famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem for Amateur Night, and performed his piece, “Love Games.” He has also shared stages with poets from HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, including Georgia Me, Will Da Real One, and Asia. Renda also won the title of “2006 Delray Beach Grand Slam Champion” and went with the city’s team to the National Poetry Slam Championship in Texas.
Mike Mineo
Consider the Violet
What happens when you mix a one of a kind creative energy with over 20 years of strict classical training? Consider the Violet, that's what! Acoustic divas Kristin and Courtney bring a new twist to Pop/Folk/Indie with tight vocal harmonies accompanied by guitar and cello.
Clark & The Griswolds
Brought together by circumstances beyond their control (some may call it coincidence, some may call it God) "Clark & The Griswolds" are set off to knock the ever-lovin b'jesus out of you.
Founding members Clark and Rusty have been playing together for almost two years. Their original drummer was unexpectedly skewered by a harpoon in a freak accident on a whaling boat off the cost of Cuba . Their second drummer had a mental breakdown and fell into a world of weird and wild stuff, too ugly to mention. While staring deep into the eyes of adversity, Clark and Rusty continued on, playing coffee shops and open mic nights all over the greater Delray Beach/Boca Raton area. We're talkin' South Florida, folks.
They maintained as an acoustic duo until their inner hate and rage cried for a heavier, louder sound. They bought electric guitars and amps and made it their soul purpose to form a band...and that's where Cousin Eddie comes in. While walking down Atlantic Ave in Delray, Clark and Rusty saw a man sitting outside of an ice cream parlor rapping heavily on the little table that supported his large cup of Rocky Road . They approached him and the rest is history.
A week later they played their first official gig as "Clark & The Griswolds", without ever having played together before. Needless to say, they rocked the house (that house being, Delray's own KoffeeOkee...the best coffee and atmosphere this side of the Mississippi Delta)
Yes folks...."Clark & The Griswolds". Who knows what the future holds for them. If anything, it is certain that it will be bright and deafening.
