Spoken Word + Comedy = SPOKEN FUNK
The NoHo Arts District dot com team is proud of the unique events we have in North Hollywood every day of the week. Sundays in NoHo are no exception. Every Sunday today’s funniest comedians with the world’s most talented spoken word poets come together at the HAHA Café for Spoken Funk. More than a show, Spoken Funk is a full professional production. The experience consists of two dynamic poets, two hilarious comics, a DJ, and a host of games and prizes where the audience actually becomes a part of the show.
Spoken Funk’s resident host and co-founder is Tony Award Winner, Poetri, was recently a personal guest of President Obama at The White House’s first ever Spoken Word event. His talents have been seen worldwide on Oprah, and numerous television shows and movies. He was recently the Special Guest Entertainer at Saddleback Church’s Annual Christian Retreat. As an actor and writer of over 200 commercials for NIKE,GATORADE, NBA, and more, Poetri has proven over and over that there is a strong desire for the ministry that God has called him to. From BROADWAY to BOARDROOM, PENN STATE to the STATE PENN, Poetri is heavily requested. Proof that clean enjoyment is universal. As a highly attended and sponsored event by STEVIE WONDER, Spoken Funk remained a Hollywood staple and Nation wide phenomenon for more than six years. Their shows have been blessed with AMAZING talents including ANJELAH JOHNSON, RODNEY PERRY, MALCOLM JAMAL WARNER, SAUL WILLIAMS, and more.
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How did you come up with the idea to fuse spoken word, comedy and music together?
How Spoken Funk was created all depends on who you ask. For some reason, I, Juren have a different recollection than my husband, Poetri. But the root is the same. We were tired of the same run of the mill spots that relied on vulgar and obscene language to be entertaining. We were sick of going to a spot and walking out feeling dirty. Poetri had already been the co-founder of another successful poetry open mic called “Da’ Poetry Lounge”. Now he wanted to do something different. So, when the opportunity arose for us to start a spoken word venue, we jumped at the chance to be different. We added “no vulgarity” comedy and threw in a dope DJ to supply music and about 10 years later, the rest is history. The show now has evolved into the premier completely clean poetry and comedy club in Southern California.
Why did you chose the NoHo Arts District as your venue to showcase Spoken Funk?
Spoken Funk started out on Sunset at the World Famous Miyagi’s restaurant. After moving from there we jumped around to a few different places but never really felt at home. Then we moved the family to the rising NoHo Arts District, from there it only seemed natural to move Spoken Funk’s home there as well. We walked into the HaHa Cafe Comedy Club one night to watch a show and immediately fell in love.
Who makes up the Spoken Funk team?
We call them Funkateers! The #TeamFunk members are Kim Allen, Brutha Gimel, Heather Parker, Mary Tawadros, Leon Pierce, Adrien Delstanche, Raquel May.
What advice can you give aspiring poets?
Hmmm, that is too long of an answer. But, in short…please write from your heart and no matter how many great poets you hear, don’t try to be anywhere like them. Be you. You are incredible enough all by yourself.
When: Sundays
Where: HaHa Café – 5010 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood
TICKETS: http://spokenfunk.com | (877) SPOKEN-4
Twitter: @Spokenfunk | Facebook: facebook.com/spokenfunkshow | Instagram: @Spokenfunk
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