"In Da House" - Patron of the Week 3/14/11

Patron of the week, Anita (right) with her daughter, MelloMondays team member Nakya

Each week we try to shine the spotlight on the audience as a way to get to know YOU better! See more for our daughter-to-mother interview with an out-of-town visitor - the mother of one of our MelloMondays team members!

(MM: MelloMondays, AK: Anita)

MM: I already know, but tell us - Where are you visiting us from?

AK: Well, I'm from California originally, but I've been living in Atlanta, GA for the past 20 million years (laughs)

MM: You're not that old! (laughs) So, how did you hear about MelloMondays? Was this your first time coming out?

AK: Yes, it was my first time. I heard about it from my daughter- you; you've been talking about it forever so I was excited to come. I'm looking forward to coming back.

MM: Are you a poet or performer? Any talents?

AK: No, I used to write poetry a long time ago - like, throughout high school and into my 20's.

MM: I never knew that! Why did you stop?

AK: Raising a family...Just busy, really.

MM: Were you any good?

AK: Yeah...it wasn't such a big deal like I see now. I remember in 8th grade I wrote a poem and my teacher really liked it. They reprinted it and passed it around the school (laughs)

MM: What was it about?
AK: How fine a guy was. Wasn't really about anyone in particular, it was just a little rhyme-scheme.

MM: (laughs) Okay. So when you say "it wasn't such a big deal" like now, what do you mean?

AK: Well, I hadn't really been on the poetry scene when I was younger, so I didn't really see the way they perform/recite the poems - like tonight. It's much more like "spoken word"

MM: Would you ever consider getting up on stage?

AK: Yeah, I'd consider it. But only if I had something unique or poignant to say. We'll see.

MM: (laughs) We'll see! So, what was your favorite part of tonight?

AK: J. Ivy - the feature. He was very talented and I liked the way he engaged the entire audience. Also, I enjoyed the host, Asia. I loved his personality.

MM: Is there anything in particular you would like to see at MelloMondays?

AK: I couldn't say there was much to add. I liked that they let the amateurs get up there, as well as the professionals.

MM: Ok, last question: How would you say Mellos compares to the places you've been in Atlanta?
AK: It was good! One thing I really liked was the "Rewind!" - where everyone says Rewind if they want the poet to repeat something. I haven't seen that before and I thought it was cool.

MM: Thank you so much!