That hard-hitting poetry event is back every 4th Sunday.

On May 22nd, HomeBase Poetry Open Mic is bringing the DESERT HEAT with two featured poets Myrlin Hepworth and Willy Northpole with our G.E.A.R. (Good Energy Award Recipient) being Brotha Anthony. We will also have a live music performance from the one and only saxophonist J.White.

Myrlin Hepworth, a Phoenix native is a poet, emcee, and teaching artist and has written and performed across the United States. In 2009 the Arizona Commission on the Arts selected him for its roster of Teaching Artists. In 2010 he became the first undergraduate teaching artist for the Young Writers Program at Arizona State University where he received his degree in English in 2011. In addition to visiting nearly thirty high schools each year, Hepworth makes a living with his art by performing at universities, youth centers, group homes, museums, and theaters. He has competed on three National Poetry Slam teams and co-founded and coached the Phoenix youth team to consecutive appearances at the Brave New Voices International Poetry Slam. In 2011 Myrlin released his first collection of poems, From the Rooftops and in July of 2013 released his first hip hop mixtape entitled The Funky Autopsy Hepworth

Willy Northpole was also born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and from the very moment baby Willy entered this world it has been a constant struggle. A flood that day forced his mom to give birth, not in a hospital like normal, but rather in a helicopter, in route to one instead. Growing up a huge fan of Michael Jackson, young Willy turned to music as his way of escaping the perils of his youth. He has since overcome the many tragedies that have plagued his life; a crack addicted absent father, the brutal murder of his cousin Walter 'Salt' Morison his only male role model, and his own armed robbery arrest and length incarceration that followed. Upon his release at eighteen, Willy finally decided to make a change for the better. He aligned himself with a, then, rival local emcee and instantly became the rapper's right hand man. He eventually inked a major label record deal with Ludacris' Disturbing Tha Peace / Def Jam Records.

Brotha Anthony is a proud Phoenix native that oversees the planning and implementation of outreach strategies to marginalized communities. He specializes in mentoring at-risk youth in heavily African-American populated neighborhoods, and teaches a dedicated Manhood Training curriculum curated for the next generation of emerging leaders. Though personal development and mentorship is his passion, you can catch him acting, performing poetry, or hosting events in my spare time. It is our honor to make Brotha Anthony the G.E.A.R. in recognition of all the blood, sweat and tears he has put into our communities.

Saxophonist J. White is an internationally recognized Billboard artist, songwriter and producer who commands your attention with captivating performances and amazing, soulful sounds. He is a passionate, determined, and gifted artist and with the success of his latest EP entitled, “Fearless”, he is well on his way to becoming a household name.

A native of Detroit Michigan, J. White is a vibrant, versatile performer whose influences range from Gerald Albright, Cannonball Adderly, and Kirk Whalum to Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, and Grover Washington Jr. His own style and presentation borrow from the Pastelle and Rosewood movement, the contemporary urban scene, and youthful expressions from around the globe. J. White’s music is without a doubt soulfully driven and technically motivated, intertwining the sounds of Smooth Jazz with a hint of Straight-Ahead to deliver a sensual, harmonic, and melodic sound and he is creating his own destiny with his unique, all-around talent.

J. White has already performed alongside many industry greats such as Warren Hill, Nick Colionne, Peter White, Euge Groove, Eric Darius, Eric Roberson, P.J. Morton, Najee, Smokie Norful and Dave Hollister. J. White took runner up at the Warren Hill Sax Summit, competing with saxophonist from around the world. As a result of his success, he was invited to perform at several major jazz festivals to include the Arizona Jazz Festival, Las Vegas Jazz Festival, Jazz at the Creek, and the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival for two consecutive years. J. White’s music and stellar performances began a movement reaching jazz venues and festivals around the country.

Doors will open at 4pm for networking, vendors and dinner and the show starts promptly at 6 pm; and all of this at the beautiful Black owned Coyote Mexican Cuisine restaurant , 7822 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, (12th Street @Northern).

• Free Parking

• Great Food

• Crafted Drinks

• Dope Lounge Vibe

• Black Owned

Get your tickets early! Only $15 per ticket in advance and $20 at the door.

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VIP TABLES - $250

- VIP Table w/ seating for 10 people

- 5 event tickets

- Bottle service is available at table

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Your loyal host,

HB

By entering the premises, you understand that you may be photographed, filmed, or videotaped and you hereby give Good Energy Productions the unqualified right to take pictures and/or recordings of you and grant the perpetual right to use your likeness, image, photo (collectively, “image”), without compensation, for broadcast or exhibition in any medium and to put the finished pictures/recordings to a legitimate use without limitation or reservation. You hereby waive, release and forever discharge Good Energy Productions from and against any and all claims or actions arising out of or resulting from any use of your image.

Myrlin Hepworth

Willy Northpole

Brotha Anthony

J. White