by Guest Blogger Alexis Amos
“I am the type of calm I wish I really knew.” Wise words echoed the room from young poet, Ashley Rhame. Ashley is a native to Roanoke, VA and has found and crafted her gift of writing poetry. She recently celebrated the release of her third poetry collection, Chasing Sun, with a release party open to the public at Morning Brew Coffee Company on Friday, November 9th.
Tunes filled the air as DJ Harvest Blaque spun records. DJ Harvest Blaque, Bryan Hancock, is no stranger to the poetry scene. Every other Wednesday he finds home at 16 West hosting Soul Sessions, a local open mic. Soul Sessions gave Ashley Rhame the space to use her voice and grow her poetry over the last 4 years. She has hosted and planned many events with Soul Sessions.
The night also featured melodies by B.A. Scott. Originally from Portsmouth, VA, B.A. has found home in Lynchburg, VA where he and Ashley Rhame first met. They recounted their first meeting where B.A. played the keyboard behind Ashley while she performed “A Moon’s Tale”, a poem about her childhood and family. They both described that performance as a tearjerker. It was an emotional performance that launched their instant connection and supportive friendship. The two performed this piece again that night. Eyes were locked on Ashley as her words brought smiles and eyes filled with tears as she spoke every vulnerable line.
Ashley also chose to share this night with a few of her favorite poets in the Roanoke area. Some of those poets include various Soul Sessions artists like Cat Flayhart, a student at Hollins University, who shared a part of her love story in a poem to her mother.
The event brought a diverse crowd from people in the Roanoke Valley area. Many of these people had crossed paths with Ashley from performing at Soul Sessions to students from a workshop she held at Hollins University. Her team from Girls Rock Roanoke, a nonprofit that she has volunteered with over the last couple of years, also supported her. There were also people who had never met Ashley or had experienced live poetry performances before.
The night of course featured the author and poet herself, Ashley Rhame. She shared her latest and most well-known spoken word piece, “Color of My Soul”. She described her ever-changing yet beautiful soul in a 4-minute poem full of affirming lines. She also read from her new book, Chasing Sun. She says, “I literally wrote these poems chasing the sun,” as she described herself writing as she took intentional time to watch the sunsets.
The event took place inside Morning Brew Coffee Company. They are located inside the Taubman Museum. Toya Jones, the owner of Morning Brew, welcomed Ashley to host the event there. They sold their regular menu that includes coffee drinks to various grilled cheese sandwiches and much more. There was also wine, beer, and champagne available for purchase. Ashley describes Morning Brew as one of her favorite locations to sit and write in. She also cherishes her friendship with the owners and staff.
Ashley and Girls Rock Roanoke
If you weren’t able to make it to the Chasing Sun Book Release Party, you can find Ashley and other poets at Soul Sessions. On November 21st, there will be a Thanksgiving show at 16 West (16 West Church Ave, Roanoke, Va). Then they all will be back at Morning Brew Coffee Company on Saturday December 8th for Soul Delish: The Gift where Soul Sessions and Delish Sweets & Treats come together to celebrate the holiday season.
Here are a few local open mics in the area:
Soul Sessions, Roanoke, VA – every other Wednesday at 16 West, check Facebook/Instagram page for special events
The Listening, Lynchburg, VA – dates vary, check Facebook for more information
5 Points Sanctuary, Roanoke, VA – every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, check Facebook and website for special events
Soul Serenity, Roanoke, VA – dates vary, check Facebook for more information
213 Lux Lounge, Roanoke, VA – dates vary, check Facebook for more information
The Coffee Pot Roadhouse, Roanoke, VA – dates vary, check Facebook for more information
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