Love and gratitude California!
I am so grateful to the AIDS Housing Alliance in Sacramento and Resident Service Coordinator, Lisa Springs for inviting me to share my film “A Silent Genocide~A Brief Insight into HIV/AIDS” and the stimulating dialogue that followed. Let us continue our conversation of compassion, education and communication as we inspire one another on this incredible journey. The grounds at AHA are lovely. I really enjoyed the garden…watermelons, jalapenos, tomatoes, the art work and the huge sunflowers! I give thanks for the moments we shared, your inspiration and courageous testimonies. To learn more about AIDS Housing Alliance, please visit them on line at aidshousingalliance.org. I will always remember…
Love and gratitude to Terry Moore for inviting me to share my poetry at The Blackout Poetry Series and The Show! I had an amazing time vibing with you and receiving all those warm hugs. The band was hot and the singers and poets truly talented. One of the audience members at Blackout, told her mother about my performance and encouraged her to catch my set the following night. She came out with her son and told me how much her daughter was touched by my poem “Girl.” It is a blessing to know that you were so inspired and thank you for your enthusiasm and support. I will cherish that…
Love and thanks to The Avid Reader Bookstore in Sacramento: Alzada, Stan and Pam for extending your hospitality. When I walked in Pam told me that “A Poem for Haiti” was her fave from my book “Gathered at Her Sky.” I pulled out my IPOD and delighted her ears with the soon to be released mp3 version featuring music by Tshombe Sekou and Dana Byrd on backing vocals. She was deeply moved. Thank you for the love Pam. High fives to the two women who stopped by and recited “Girl” from my book. You rocked it ladies!
Loved getting my exercise on at McKinley Park on Saturday morning…just being one with nature and the beautiful folks enjoying themselves.
I visited San Francisco and Napa Valley on Sunday…just marvelous! I had brunch at the bay and sipped Pinot Noir in the afternoon. The sun was bright, checked out the local arts and crafts and enjoyed the ride.
Looking forward to returning in the spring to reconnect and make new acquaintances. Thank you for showing me so much love and continue to share your passion for poetry with your friends and loved ones!
See you out there!
Peace and Love!
I look forward to seeing you in California on Friday, August 27th at the Blackout Poetry Series and on Saturday, August 28th at The Tower Avid Reader Bookstore in Sacramento for my first book signing on the west coast for “Gathered at Her Sky.” For more information, please see “Performances.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Debra Williams
Diamond & Company Public Relations
212-247-3692
debra@diamondandcompany.com
VI Cinema Mostra to Premiere of “A Silent Genocide:
A Brief Insight Into HIV/AIDS”
By Tantra-zawadi and Oliver Covrett
In Sao Paolo August 12-19, 2010
Event Sponsored by Groupo Pela Vidda/SP
Celebrating 21st Anniversary in the Fight Against AIDS
(NEW YORK, NY) AUGUST 10, 2010 —“A Silent Genocide: A Brief Insight Into HIV/AIDS,” a short documentary by spoken word performance, author and filmmaker Tantra-zawadi will make its debut in Sao Paolo, Brazil August 12, 2010.
“A Silent Genocide,” by Tantra-zawadi – filmed and edited by Oliver Covrett of XYAYX Multimedia, offers a brief insight into the personal experience of those living with HIV/AIDS and those striving to decrease the staggering numbers of new infections
through art and activism.
The event is promoted by Grupo Pela Vidda/SP, a non-governmental and not for profit organization which has been working in the fight against AIDS for 21 years in the development of volunteer activities, prevention, and defense of rights of people living with HIV-AIDS. For more information about the Grupo Pela Vidda/SP, please visit them on-line at www.aids.org.br.
The event is non-profit and most of the tickets will be distributed for free at the NGO’s and at health systems, which attend to people from all walks of life living with HIV/AIDS.
Cinema Mostra AIDS believes “A Silent Genocide – A Brief Insight into HIV/AIDS” is an important contribution to the fight against AIDS and will have great influence on the media in Brazil.
Tantra-zawadi, expressed her appreciation to Cinema Mostra AIDS for showcasing her film, stating: “It is a blessing to know that our involvement will help people in Brazil and the world community in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. We are truly grateful.”
The film was shot on location in New York City and Los Angeles featuring commentary by Betty Makoni, the founder of Girl Child Network Worldwide and one of CNN’s Top Ten Heroes for 2009. Musical contributions for the project include Tut Burks and Xavier Kemp with artwork by Shanna Melton and poetry by Iyapiphany, Jamala Safari and Wynter.
This is Tantra-zawadi’s third project to raise awareness regarding HIV/AIDS. Her video “Scarlet Waters” was featured on the Product (RED) video wall as well as a PSA for Mark Herbert Productions/Betah and Associates.
To view the film on-line, please visit
http://www.aids.org.br/
ABOUT TANTRA-ZAWADI:
Tantra-zawadi is an internationally known performance poet/recording artist and the author of “alifepoeminprogress” and “Gathered at Her Sky.” She has performed her soul stirring life-poems to standing room audiences at venues all over the world; most recently at the Badilisha Poetry XChange Festival in Cape Town, South Africa. Her latest projects include: “Girl – A
Choreospective”, “Soldier Blues” and collaborations such as The Love Planet EP by Collective Spirits, Giant Steps-Back From Miami with Do It Now Recordings, Summer Breeze EP by Dolls
Combers, Poetic Stimulus, EARTHOLOGY by Floyd Boykin, Jr., and the award winning Liberation Sessions by Mwalim.
For information about Tantra-zawadi, please visit http://www.tantra-zawadi.com
10% at LuLu.com off for the month of July by entering the code: BEACHREAD.
“Gathered at Her Sky”
Life Poems by Tantra-zawadi
ISBN 978-0-9841844-6-0
Trade Paperback, 42 pp.
List Price: $12.00
Poets Wear Prada, May 2010
Also available on Amazon.com @http://amzn.com/0984184465.
“Tantra’s writing oozes with the passion of Neruda and the sensitivity of Sonia. Her words can warm the coldest of hearts.”
— Bruce George, Co-Founder of RUSSELL SIMMONS DEF POETRY JAM;
“Tantra-zawadi’s poetry speaks of a global consciousness and ambassadorship; each word of every line reminds us of the connection we have to one another in the race to win.”
— Tshombe Sekou Harris, Founder/Host of FREEDOM VERSE CAFE;
Tantra-zawadi, an award winning poet/artist/filmmaker from Brooklyn, New York, has performed to standing-room audiences in the USA, South Africa, London, Germany and Toronto. GATHERED AT HER SKY contains excerpts from her off-Broadway production SOLDIER BLUES, and her one-woman performance piece GIRL: A CHOREOSPECTIVE, as well as the text of previously recorded spoken word tracks.
Sophisticado Recordings presents Dolls Combers The Summerbreeze EP with their first release on the home of soulful house. The Summerbreeze EP is a collection of sweet soulful tracks from italy’s finest so please sit back and enjoy these wonderful tracks!
Paris, Chicago, London, Cape Town, Rio, Sydney, Detroit, LA, Milan, Madrid, Miami, Dubai, Moscow,
Tokyo, Buenos Aires…TANGO IS EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!
Credits:
Last Tango In Da House ( Tribute to Gato Barbieri ) ft Tshombe Sekou Harris
Produced & Mixed @ DC Studio Milan by Dolls Combers
Publishing Copyright Control
Dolls Combers are :
Vincent Lacerenza, Manuele Tigani & Pino Di Pietro
Sax performance : James Vargas
Featuring Vox : Tshombe Sekou Harris
Special Thanks to Tantra Zawadi
Loving you ft Tantra Zawadi w/Dana Byrd on background vox
Dolls Combers are :
Vincent Lacerenza, Manuele Tigani & Pino Di Pietro
Sax performance : James Vargas
Produced & Mixed @ DC Studio Milan by Dolls Combers
Dolls Combers Just a Touch of Sadness
Vincent Lacerenza, Manuele Tigani & Pino Di Pietro
Produced & Mixed @ DC Studio Milan by Dolls Combers
To purchase Dolls Combers “Summerbreeze EP,” please cut and paste this link into your browser: http://www.traxsource.com/index.php?act=show&fc=tpage&cr=titles&cv=59357&alias=downloads.
“Gathered at Her Sky”
Life Poems by Tantra-zawadi
ISBN 978-0-9841844-6-0
Trade Paperback, 42 pp.
List Price: $12.00
Poets Wear Prada, May 2010
Available from Lulu.com (10% off for the month of June by entering code: VACATION).
Soon on CreateSpace.com and Amazon.com.
“Tantra-zawadi is one of the finest and greatest female poets who undoubtedly has ushered in a new era and genre that will take the 21st century into one where humanity will move forward. She rejuvenates the weak mind, shakes and moves hard hearts. If one wants the power of poetry, then Tantra’s is the holistic package.”
-Betty Makoni, Founder of the Girl Child Network/2009 Top Ten CNN Hero
“Tantra-zawadi’s poetry speaks of a global consciousness and ambassadorship; each word of every line reminds us of the connection we have to one another in the race to win.”
— Tshombe Sekou Harris, Founder/Host of Freedom Verse Café
“Tantra’s writing oozes with the passion of Neruda and the sensitivity of Sonia. Her words can warm the coldest of hearts.”
— Bruce George, Co-Founder of Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam
“The power in her words percolates; the truth in her story persuades; and the activism in her message is victorious.”
— Chuma Whahid Rasul, Founder/CEO of Chuma Spirit Books, LLC,
and author of The Third Eye of a Butterfly
About the Author:
Tantra-zawadi, an award winning poet/artist/filmmaker from Brooklyn, New York, has performed to standingroom audiences at venues as far away as South Africa, London, Germany and Toronto. She has performed original works in off-Broadway productions including Soldier Blues, and her one-woman performance piece, Girl: A Choreospective. She is known for being on the cutting edge as an artist regarding issues such as HIV and AIDS awareness. Tantra’s poem and video, “Scarlet Waters,” was featured on the Product (RED) video wall to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS in Africa and her short documentary, A Silent Genocide ~ A Brief Insight into HIV/AIDS edited by Oliver Covrett, takes another look at the personal impact of the disease.
Love and Gratitude for a successful run of “A Night of Three God/desses” at the WOW Cafe Theater.
What people are saying about “A Night of Three God/desses”…
Soldier Blues by Tantra-zawadi was perfectly poised between Mildred Gerestant’s powerful ancestral opening (I Transgender: Gender Expressions of Haitian God/desses) and Sokhna Heathyre Mabin’s climatic dance (snapshots from the underground forrest)…like a second verse in a classic hit record where everyone is on the dance floor, pure enjoyment! “A Night of God/desses” was a COMPLETE SPHERE OF A WOMAN!
Ronald Hayne
Actor, Poet, Humanitarian
On Mildred Gerestant’s I Transgender: Haitian GOD/DESSES – Drawing from traditional Afro-Atlantic religion and culture, she takes the physical and sartorial form of each of three spirits sacred to practitioners of voudon–Danbala, Baron Samedi and Erzulie–who, themselves, contain duality, triplicity and all kinds of powerful multitudes within. Full moon on her back, she does not lack–to slightly paraphrase one of the lines from her dynamic monologue–for she has found survival in moon-like fluidity and self-transformation. Her command of voice and body, of cosmetics and costume (most designed by her colleague, dancer sokhna heathyre mabin) is confident and assertive.
Eva YaaAsantewaa
Arts Journalist
www.infinitebody.blogspot.com
Tantra-zawadi knows from impact – Soldier Blues–a “poetic movement” concerned with the well-being of our military forces and their families–makes her wicked-sharp, blues-based spoken word performance the solid core of a contained multimedia team presentation. She’s sensational, rousing and right as rain.
Eva YaaAsantewaa
Arts Journalist
www.infinitebody.blogspot.com
Performing with Mildred, Tantra and Sokhna has really changed my life. We all have a story. I encourage you to share yours.
Blis
Poet/Musician/Veteran
Cast of Soldier Blues
Had a fabulous night in New York! It was Amazing!!! I definitely look forward to seeing it again!!!!!
Alicia Cobbs
Artist/Poet
If you want “A Night of Three God/desses” to come to your city, please contact Mildred Gerestant @ www.dredlove.com!
Greetings beautiful ones!
Black History Month was filled with amazing celebrations and reflections on the historical contributions and achievements of blacks throughout history. Here we are in the month of March, to commemorate the many ways in which women are impacting our world.
I cannot think of a more appropriate time to showcase the premiere of three new one-woman shows: Haitian God/desses by Mildred (the artist formerly known as “Dred”) Gerestant, Soldier Blues by Tantra-zawadi and Snapshots from the Underground Forrest by Sokhna Heathyre Mabin, at the WOW Café Theater from March 11-13th. We are blessed to present these works through story-telling, music, poetry and movement. Your presence is all that is needed as we rejoice in the creative expression of women through art.
We hope to see you there.
Love Power and Gratitude!
Tantra-zawadi
A Night of Three God/desses
WOW Café Theater
59 East 4th Street (bet. 2nd and 3rd Avenues), 4th floor
New York City
Thursday, March 11th
Friday, March 12th and
Saturday, March 13th
Performance time: 8:00 PM
Admission: $15.00 (partial proceeds to benefit Haiti)
RSVP is recommended as seating is limited (646) 342-5660
Musical Guest: Kevin Nathaniel Hylton
Poetry Guest: Blis Blis
