Bards & Brews: "AGT" Win by Brandon Leake "Uplifting Victory for Spoken Word Artists Everywhere"


Since its founding a decade ago, Bards & Brews has become one of the Birmingham Public Library’s most successful programs, with its combination of spoken word poetry and craft beer attracting a patrons both young and old. 

 Even after being switched online to the Bards & Brews Facebook page since April, the monthly program has continued to attract a diverse viewing audience of patrons, with the next Bards set for October 9 on the BPL Facebook page. 

With Stockton California native Brandon Leake Wednesday night being crowned as the first-ever spoken word artist to win NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” reality competition, interest in Bards & Brews could go to the next level.

 "This is a triumphant moment for poets and artists nationwide", said Candice Hardy, Bards & Brews Creative Director and Outreach Librarian. "I am always taken aback by the tenacity and creativity that our poets/artist display monthly. As we celebrate the 11th year of Bards & Brews, we celebrate and uplift all artists to share their gifts/talents with the world. If they can't find an outlet, Bards & Brews has a special place just for you!"

Lee Green, longtime Bards & Brews committee member and performer, said Leake’s AGT victory makes spoken word poets beam with pride.

"This is a huge, uplifting, inspiring victory for spoken word artists everywhere," said. "I am so grateful to the Birmingham Public Library for providing this forum for us to share our art. It is my hope that this will inspire others to participate in and support Bards & Brews." 

Voice Porter, host for Bards & Brews, added, "Brandon's win highlights the rise of spoken word in main stream entertainment. This win, effectively, says to the world that poets are not only fine artists but pop artists as well."
 
 Leake has been fan-favorite ever since he received the coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Howie Mandel upon his first performance early in the season, which enabled him to go straight to the season-ending live shows. In Tuesday night’s finals, Leake sparked a standing ovation from Mandel after reciting a moving prayerful poem dedicated to his baby girl. 

"I've been here for 11 years and have watched it for 15 years. I have never had a Golden Buzzer where I think there is gravitas, timing and importance behind it like never before," Mandel told PEOPLE after the finale on Tuesday evening

 Leake, a teacher, has given spoken word workshops and performed in venues across the country for years before gaining fame on AGT. Click here for his Instagram page
On AGT, Leakes captivated viewers with topics such as a letter to his absent father and a poem about his mother’s fear of raising a black man in a society where victims such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor become hashtags. Those are subjects popular among Bards & Brews participants over the past decade. 

Click on links to some of Leake’s AGT performances below. 

Brandon Leake: Poet's EMOTIONAL Letter To His Dad absent from his life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B25_fL0Iaik 

 AGT’: Spoken Word Artist Brandon Leake Honours Breonna Taylor, George Floyd & More black victims  https://etcanada.com/news/686655/agt-spoken-word-artist-brandon-leake-honours-breonna-taylor-george-floyd-more-in-powerful-black-lives-matter-poem/amp/ 

 Bards & Brews, is which was a finalist in the Urban Libraries Council 2019 Innovation Awards adult education category, will hold its next program on October 9 on the BPL Bard & Brews Facebook page. Stay tuned for more details soon on the BPL website, www.cobpl.org.

 Bards & Brews rotates between library branches, Birmingham bars and other city departments, and has won national accolades. 


Bards & Brews host Voice Porter was also featured in a national spotlight by Starbucks Coffee in August 2019. The infusion of poetic expression and adult beverage makes this program a prime community venue for adult expression.

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