A Humble Holiday in Review

It’s Friday night and I’m on 11th Street in Northwest Roanoke. Can you imagine that? It’s nine o’clock sharp, cars are lined up outside, and you can see the silhouette of bodies inside the new Humble Hustle Clothing store. Owner, Xavier Duckett, and I have worked around the clock to collaborate on an artistic arts event idea we had been sitting on for the last couple of years. A Humble Holiday originated out the idea to bring poetry and music to the inner-city neighborhood in hope to create a sense of community.

On Friday night shortly after seven-thirty the doors began to swing open with more people. DJ Harvest Blaque set the evening tone as guest mingled with vendors of the night. I curated the night by introducing local poets and artist as they prepared to share their gifts. Dani Tremaine covered soulful hits such as those by Erykah Badu and ended the night with some of her songs/ Local poets such as Harvest Blaque, Venchi, JD, Christopher Brown, Tobias Dean, and Mack used their love of words to share bits of the own personal stories and opinions through poetry and spoken word. Stephon Anderson, whose artist name is Phon, took the audience under his wing with his smooth flow and lyrics as he shared a few of his rap songs. Lastly, Cameron Hughes and the live band carried each musician and poet, matching vibes effortlessly.

One thing for sure is there was not an empty seat left in the place and not one person left before end of show. It was a Friday night on 11th street with a room full of people, loud music, and positive energy. The night was beautiful all on its own. Before the rush of the night was over, I got with Xavier to discuss what was next.

Ashley: How are you feeling about tonight, now that it’s all over and done?
Xavier Duckett: It feels good especially after all of the “no’s” I got about opening up here in this space and neighborhood. We were able to bring local entertainment to a location that is usually desolate. As well as bringing talent who have relocated [to other places] back home to Roanoke and [give them] the opportunity to frequent the same style of event they would in Richmond, Norfolk, and DC.

Ashley: We went to the 757 are two years ago to an art show and was so inspired to bring it home to Roanoke in some capacity. How do you feel about the time that has lapsed?
Xavier Duckett: It’s not what we seen exactly, but our inspiration blossomed from there. With two years passing, the vision has progressed, and it took time to network and plan other events to get here. But we are here there is no looking back.

Ashley: What’s next for 2019, since A Humble Holiday was such as success?
Xavier Duckett: We need to keep the momentum, this has the potential to be huge. There was barely any standing room, I’m thinking something monthly should happen. It’s such a huge opportunity we have to engage with our community creatively.

This is the start of many more arts events to come. Be sure to follow up with The Humble Hustle and Ashley Rhame, the Poet on Facebook for more events. Feel free to drop any comments and ideas about what you would like to see or experience here in Roanoke as well. We are open and want to serve you best.