“The words they cross my fingers and my thoughts they no longer linger
On what could or might have been
Because what could have been isn't
And what might have been, no longer really matters”

So eloquently written, Esco, an artist from Central California, visited “A Mic & Dim Lights” in Pomona, California, where he performed as one of the many “spoken word” artists. A talented and emerging performer, he blended in with the superlative acts of the evening.

Every Thursday, since its inception back in October, 2000, “A Mic & Dim Lights” has been the home of many of Southern California’s best “spoken word” artists. From 9:00-11:30pm, Besskepp hosts the poetic evening. Although the weekly event typically attracts spoken word artists, it’s also open to dancers, painters, singers, and musicians. Second only to “Da Poetry Lounge” in terms of attendance, “A Mic & Dim Lights” regularly is a standing room only event.

All new artists are encouraged to participate, and given priority over the regular performers. Hosted at the Cal Poly Downtown Art Theatre, the experience alone is worth the trip out to the Inland Empire. The ambience is unique with the theatre seating, and lights dim enough to encourage the most bashful poets to embrace the stage. In between performances, JB spins beats giving it a true hip-hop vibe.

Toward the end of the night, there is one featured performer each week. Already established in lyrics and style, In-Q creatively took the audience through his mind with thought provoking poetry. He’s the type of artist that inspires and motivates aspiring writers to achieve his status. After leaving, I wanted to immediately jump on my laptop, and fluidly concoct a poor man’s poem of something reasonably reminiscent of the words In-Q blessed the audience with last Thursday. He was introduced as the best MC in Southern California, and after he exited the stage, it’s hard to dispute that claim.

With financial prospects almost non-existent, those engaged in this branch of hip-hop, whether as a listener or poet, respect its art form in its totality. There is essentially no money in live poetry, so for those that love writing in the poetic form, there is nothing more than, “That was amazing,” to award ingenuity. On the flip side, anyone involved in this sub-culture pours their heart into their words, and shares it with listeners imploring to be inspired. It’s authentic, and can be reciprocally therapeutic, sharing and receiving the deeper thoughts society often overlooks, or is unable to express.

Location: 300 W Second St. Pomona, CA. 91766

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/amdl

By Trent Hensley