Alexander "TheGriot" Brown: Poet & Host

Its the last Saturday of the month, my girls and I sit in our favorite spot, we are preparing for The Soul Of The City Concert Series at Ashford and Simpson Sugar Bar.

White Zinfandel's and Pinot Noir wait as if in anticipation of a kiss on its glass.

Our Host is all smiles, greeting the guests as they begin to pour in and take their seats, he's making sure that all the artists and house needs are being met. When the house lights dim signalling that the show is about to begin, there is a hush in anticipation of our host, smoothing down his tie as he makes his way on the stage he says: "God Is Good!"...."All the time!" says the crowd.

I sat down with Alexander "TheGriot" Brown just before one of his shows to learn what makes a great Host, and to learn more about his other side - Dr. Poet.

JWritesiT: Thank you for agreeing to this interview!

Alexander: Hey no problem! (smiling)

JWritesiT: How often do you write poetry?

Alexander: Hmmm I play with concepts in my head, then end up writing down those concepts......a drink in one hand and pen in the other and it kinda works out.

JWritesiT: What genre would you say is your poetry?

Alexander: That's the thing, I don't think there is one...it could be erotic, political, whatever my feelings are at that time. I guess if there was a genre it would be: Urban Love Asshole. How you like that? (laughing)

JWritesiT: Can you provide the readers with a short poem?

Alexander: Because of my trials & tribulations, the young sometimes say I’m ahead of my time 

          The old sometimes call me an old soul

          Because I speak with the wisdom of a thrice widowed man who is about 99 years old

         Who has loved and lost but is not eager to love again
         But on nights like this, feelings of nostalgia Make me remember then
        When I could love like I never loved before And dance like nobody was watching
       But now I care with a guarded heart and look over my shoulder wondering whose scheming and plotting

JWritesiT: What inspired you to be a host?

Alexander: Well, I was doing poetry at Justins and a promoter made me sell tickets to perform. After the show he asked me if I could stick around...I said yea and ended up learning a lot about promoting/hosting. I loved it and never thought I would ever be doing the same thing. Now that I am, I truly respect it for what it is.

JWritesiT: What does it take to be a successful Host?

Alexander: Umm....a lot of humility, especially when you are an artist hosting, you have to remember it's not about you. You have to understand the moment for what it is.....it's not YOUR moment. You also have to command respect. I've been told my voice doesn't hurt....(laughing) Dealing with the house, DJ, Artist, waiters and waitresses...trying to get it all out without losing peoples attention.

JWritesiT: Do you get compensated?

Alexander: Yea...Don't work for free. No Host stands without finance...no working for free..

JWritesiT: One average what can a host earn?

Alexander: On average for a smaller venue, $200, for a tour or bigger venue like BBQ's like $1,500-$2,000 the key to remember is just because you got that big venue doesn't mean you'll get called again...sometimes it can take up to 6 months, so you have to keep yourself out there and take those $200 gigs. Keep in mind that the competition will work for free.


JWritesiT: I've been to several of your shows and it seems intense - from a behind the scenes standpoint - what are some of the drawbacks and positives of the job?

Alexander: The drawbacks can be dealing with different artists, managers, etc. people who don't understand teamwork. We had an unsigned artist traveling with security, you couldn't ask her anything directly....it was funny cause she wasn't even cute. (laughing)

The positives are that for one its great working with artists that understand the struggle, doing it because you love it. Everyone exchanging ideas, people who love working together, coercing together. When the next day you get Twitter thank you's, Facebook thank you's, people want to include you in their pictures....that's when its good! (smiling)

JWritesiT: That was very enlightening. Thank you for sharing your experiences and advice with me! I know my readers are going to want to check you out in action, can you provide information on how they can follow your activity and your upcoming Hosting and Poetry gigs?

Alexander: It was my pleasure!

People can find me at:

Facebook - Alexander The Griot

Twitter - @Alexander_Griot

Manager - Crystal Alford crystal@temusic.net 347-782-1714

Next Performances/Gigs

Performing

Opening for Purple Reign - Prince Tribute Show @ Hooters Las Vegas Resort & Casino May 5th 2011

Billings Forge Studios - Hartford, CT May 17th 2011

Cornelia Street Cafe - New York City Date TBA

Hosting:

Host of the Soul of the City Concert Series - Last Saturday of every month @ Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar

If you have any additional questions please contact me@ j.writesit@yahoo.com


Thanks for reading! Peace!

Read more »