By KIERSTEN BRYDIE
This June marks 15 years since Kodac Harrison began hosting an Open Mic session at Java Monkey every Sunday evening.
Kodac Harrison is a musician, songwriter and painter from Jackson, Ga. Prior to becoming the "Man Behind the Magic" at Java Monkey, Harrison hosted several monthly readings in various locations throughout Atlanta.
Harrison said that The Brick Store opened Java Monkey 15 years ago this April. He was great friends with one of the owners of The Brick Store who suggested he set up a monthly reading. Two months following, the owner and Harrison made an agreement and the very first session of "Java Monkey Speaks" began.
Featuring the Best
Every Sunday, in the middle of the Open Mic session, Harrison features an outstanding poet. This poet has a time slot of 20-30 minutes to do whatever work they'd like and are compensated for their time. Harrison hand selects the feature poet each week.
"If they are from the Atlanta area, I expect to hear them and have to be impressed," said Harrison when describing the selection process for feature poets.
Java Monkey, however, prides itself in the diversity of artists it chooses to represent. Harrison has hosted poets from over 18 different countries. Australia, Ethiopia, Croatia and Honduras are just a few.
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| Feature Poet Nadia, Photo by Kiersten Brydie |
As seen in "The Poetry Brings ALL The Folks To The Yard," Java Monkey Speaks is a powerful night for more than just poets. Harrison, himself, didn't begin identifying as a poet until critics continued to label him as such. He said that Sunday nights are a time for everyone to learn a little about everything they can, even if this seems difficult.
"I have tried to learn to appreciate people's perspectives, whether I agree with them or not," said Harrison. "I have broadened my perspective. I feel I have grown as a person."
Actress DeShon Green thinks that critiques of poets during Open Mic are nice for construction, but are almost pointless.
"No one knows your art better than you," said Green. "We are here as listening ears."
Frequent visitors of Java Monkey Speaks say that the atmosphere is one of learning, love and appreciation.
"Leave Your Art on the Stage"
From poets, to actors, to students and all else in between, Java Monkey has become personal tradition. This is a safe house, a coffee shop, a brewery and therapy. Here is where you come to get free.
While Harrison has plans for expanding Java Monkey Speaks, he says this night has already grown beyond his wildest dreams. He tells me, with a great smile, that it is the poets who keep him going.
Kodac Harrison, DeShon Green, and Jasmine Pearson all left these final words of advice for poets wanting to express themselves:
"You don't want to regret," said Pearson. "Take those baby steps and do it."
"Edit your work and practice your delivery," said Harrison. "Don't make excuses and be yourself."
"It doesn't matter if it is a poem scribbled on a napkin," said Green. "Leave your art on the stage."
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