Def(initely) Poetry

March 3, 5:57 PMDC Arts on a Budget ExaminerDiana Veiga

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Photo Courtesy of www.sxc.hu

There is something about hearing poetry live. It jumps off the page, speaks volumes and lingers in your mind and on your soul.  On Saturday, Mar. 7, check out Def Poet, Suheir Hammad at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage.

Hammad is a Palestinian-American poet, author, and political activist.  Born in Amman, Jordan to Palestinian refugee parents, Hammad immigrated with her family to Brooklyn when she was five years old.  Hammad's poetry has been clearly influenced by hip hop and she was discovered by record label entrepreneur Russell Simmons when he read her reaction to the 9/11 attacks.  Simmons signed her to a deal with HBO’s Def Poetry Jam.

I have seen Hammad perform on Def Poetry several times and have been impressed with her smooth delivery and her brilliant lyrics.  She writes on various topics, ranging from being profiled at the airport, to a tribute piece to her father and the music he loves.  Her voice rings true and you will definitely enjoy her performance.

The Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required. The show starts at 6 p.m. Avoid paying for parking and take the Metro to Foggy Bottom station and then catch the shuttle that runs every 15 minutes to the theater.  Check out the clip of Hammad below and then this Saturday, check out one of our generation's most brilliant poets live. You won't be disappointed.

Now go have unlimited fun with limited funds!