IN THE COMPANY OF POETS Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the inspiration for the founding of IN THE COMPANY OF POETS by Pat McLean-Rashine was originally formed as a poetry circle to provide an opportunity for emerging local poets to improve their craft in both writing and reciting by coming together for constructive critique of their poems in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Rotating to each other’s home beginning in the summer of 1999, the “regulars” came up with the idea of performing together, not only for the sake of performing, but also to bring attention to lifestyle issues affecting women and their community as a whole.
CLICK HERE FOR THE
2006 FROM WOMB TO WOMANHOOD CONFERENCE
Their debut as a performance ensemble took place at the local African-American celebrated Juneteenth Festival 2001. Although that and several subsequent performances were billed under the name of In The Company of Poets their initial performance style was as individual poets rather than as an ensemble. The group’s collective reciting style emerged as the result of two fall 2000 performances: one, SOUL SPEAK, a first-time open mic venue at the Ausar Auset Society; and the second, an opening night performance by jazz vocalist, Sherry Wilson Butler, which was to be In The Company of Poets first contracted performance.
Realizing that they had a unique style, In The Company of Poets began rehearsing together, marketing themselves and making the circuit of poetry venues in their home-town of Philadelphia, as well as in New Jersey, New York, Baltimore, Washington, DC and Dayton Ohio. Audiences have since hailed them as the “Sweet Honey in The Rock” of poetry. An honor that they aspire to live up to.
The release of their new CD with musical accompaniment titled 
confirms their commitment to the craft and quality of the spoken word.
Since November 2000, In The Company of Poets has performed at numerous colleges, cultural, and human services organizations, most recently for such events as the AYBP Forum on Reparations at Philadelphia’s historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, the African Sisterhood Conference at Howard University in Washington, DC, and the Domestic Abuse Project’s Arts Against Abuse fundraiser in Media, Pennsylvania to name a few.
Wanting to do more then just perform poetry, in recognition of Women’s History Month 2001, the ensemble hosted, THE POWER IS…WOMAN! a performance showcase featuring musicians, dancers, vocalists and other poets, the proceeds of which benefited the continued education of Ugandan girls opposed to female genital mutilation. Also, 1n 2003 and 2004, they directed and produced “ANOTHER WOMAN THANG! A chorepopoem - (poetry play) – performed by their former talented students from the workshops they facilitate at Temple University’s Pan-African Student Community Education Program (PASCEP). Proceeds from the plays were used to benefit The People’s Emergency Program (a transitional home for women and children), and PASCEP.
OUR MISSION: Is to promote the power of poetry, and establish a greater appreciation for language and the performing arts. We focus on local, national, and international issues that impact the health, education and lifestyles of ourselves and our community.
In fact we just celebrated...
Four years of poetry, prose and spoken words
Click here ANNIVERSARYto read more about it.
Remember,IN THE COMPANY OF POETS continues to perform as "Conscious and spirited warrior diva's telling stories of their wisdom on the universe," for many festivals, schools, corporations, libraries, social and civic gatherings that appreciate and support the power of poetry, and they will be pleased to make your acquaintance!
Click here Bahiyah Women's Magazine to read Tiffany Collins recent interview of In The Company of Poets
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To view back issues if of the ITCOP E-News letter click on the links below.
February E-News. ***
March E-News. ***
April E-News. ***
May E-News. ***
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In The Company Of Poets
