Verse 4 Verse Poetry Café is the critically acclaimed poetry series that runs in the heart of Newark’s Downtown Arts District. Since its inception in December 1997 Verse 4 Verse has quickly become Newark’s most exciting artistic venue. Hosted by Ras Baraka and Juba Dowdell, every performance is a treat. Great poetry, live music, laughs and enlightening commentary fill the air at every event. Each show features several prominent poets, a live four piece band, and the city’s only open mic. By enlisting the talents of some of the most famous poets not only in the Northeast but the country, Verse 4 Verse has added to Newark’s rich artistic and cultural legacy. A list of past performers at Verse 4 Verse reads like a who’s who of poetry: Sonia Sanchez, Tony Medina, Amiri & Amina Baraka, Roger Bonair-Agard, Arion Pope, Felipe Luciano, Nzinga Chavis, Reg E. Gaines, The Vibe Chamelians, Jessica Care Moore and countless others.Though Verse 4 Verse is known for including nationally recognized artists, it is the show’s open mic reading that has become a highlight and regular crowd favorite. At no time does the show more live up to its slogan, “Where Every Word Counts”, than during its open mic session. Since Verse 4 Verse has become the city’s premier outlet of free speech, unfettered expression is encouraged. Resident artists from Newark and its surrounding towns read their work to enthusiastic audiences as a live band plays behind them. Oftentimes much of the audience members are aspiring artists who have come to read on the open mic.
Over the years Verse 4 Verse has evolved into an artistic melting pot. It has become a place where not only poets, but all artists can meet, socialize, perform, and network. Dancers, musicians, writers, visual artist, and, actors all make regular audience members. Verse 4 Verse’s audience crashes through racial, social, and generational boundaries. Sold out crowds include Whites, Latinos, and African-Americans. They bring their grandchildren and their grandparents as every level of the social stratosphere is represented, from doctors and lawyers to janitors and handymen.
Verse 4 Verse exists in the tradition of the poetry and coffeehouses that dominated Newark’s arts scene in the 60’s and early 70’s. It has succeeded in its primary focus, reestablishing Newark’s rich literary history within the context of the city’s modern day arts and commercial renaissance. The show has been performed at every major arts venue in town including: Essex County College, The African Globe Studio Theatre, Newark Symphony Hall, and The New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
Verse 4 Verse is produced by Ras Baraka, Juba Dowdell and Trevor Philips all who are teachers in the Newark Public Schools District.
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