Please Support The Harvest and Spoken Soul 215
So I just received news that The Harvest for September has been canceled and I'm upset. For those of you who don't know, The Harvest is a monthly open mic run by Spoken Soul 215 (cuz Philly goes in!), a collective of Philadelphia-based poets and MC's, including Just Greg (the Brave New Voices' Philly Slam Team coach), Vision (from Quiet Rage), Lyrispect and some other folks.
I attended my first Harvest event on August 5 (it runs every first Wed) with some of my students/fam/friends. Here's a pic of me and Lindo (lookin' a lil' bit tired, I must say) and Sappho in the background (to see more pics, go to the Spoken Soul 215 website http://www.spokensoul215.com/:
I have to say that the folks of Spoken Soul 215 really treated me special: I had my 12 year-old daughter with me, and Greg and Vision really took care of us--not only did Vision meet us at the door, but he escorted us up, and we had seats at a table in the front. That's some fam stuff right there, and I truly appreciated it.
For that, I'm posting the letter being sent out about why The Harvest has been canceled, and hope that you all will support, especially those of you in and about the Philadelphia area.
One love,
Michelle
August 30, 2009
Dear Fellow Harvesters and Harvest Supporters,
We are writing to inform you that our September Harvest has been canceled. It was with great shock and disappointment that we were informed that due to a shooting incident that took place on Friday, August 21, 2009, near the 40th street Marathon Grill, the management informed us on Friday evening (August 28th) it decided unilaterally to discontinue hosting The Harvest, and other events not directly related to, or promoted by the University of Pennsylvania, at their 40th street location.
We received less than a week's notice of this change, without opportunity for us to participate in a mutually beneficial response to their concerns and in light of our continued and consistent professionalism in providing a high-quality cultural event. As soon as we received the info, we met as a collective, discussed the pros and cons, and especially considered the long-term effect it would have on you, the supporters. We consulted our legal counsel about our rights in order to come to the best decision for Spoken Soul 215 and our supporters.
Based on the untimely manner in which we came to know of this decision, and our desire to uphold the integrity of The Harvest and our sponsors, we have decided to no longer associate with Marathon Grill to host our monthly event. Spoken Soul 215 and our marketing team, BUJE Concepts, are working to move our event to a reliable venue that offers stability, professionalism, creativity, appreciation of our audience and the ability to support the number of patrons that the Harvest attracts.
We thank you for your continued support. We know that the Harvest is not possible without you, your energy and love. We also know that many underestimate the necessity of events like the Harvest and its importance in the community and to its artists.
Let it be known that Spoken Soul 215 is extremely disappointed with Marathon Grill's decision, especially because of our consistent business practice of professionalism. We have decided to pursue a more formal response directly with MGRB and to cease support of all Marathon Grill Restaurants and Bars.
If you would like to lend your support, here is how you can help:
1. Let Marathon Grill know how their decision has affected you. Visit the Marathon Grill Facebook page and leave your comment, or go directly to their website
www.marathongrill.com
and leave your comments in their feedback section.
2. Let Spoken Soul 215 know what The Harvest means to you, why you like coming, or share your own personal Harvest story. Visit our Facebook group page and leave your comments or stay tuned for how you can leave comments on our website.
The Harvest will continue to bring you the culturally-rich, fun, diverse and exciting atmosphere that you are accustomed to. We look forward to seeing you at the next Harvest experience! Visit www.spokensoul215.com and join our mailing list to be the first to receive news about our new venue. See you soon!
Respectfully yours,
Spoken Soul 215
I attended my first Harvest event on August 5 (it runs every first Wed) with some of my students/fam/friends. Here's a pic of me and Lindo (lookin' a lil' bit tired, I must say) and Sappho in the background (to see more pics, go to the Spoken Soul 215 website http://www.spokensoul215.com/:
I have to say that the folks of Spoken Soul 215 really treated me special: I had my 12 year-old daughter with me, and Greg and Vision really took care of us--not only did Vision meet us at the door, but he escorted us up, and we had seats at a table in the front. That's some fam stuff right there, and I truly appreciated it.For that, I'm posting the letter being sent out about why The Harvest has been canceled, and hope that you all will support, especially those of you in and about the Philadelphia area.
One love,
Michelle
August 30, 2009
Dear Fellow Harvesters and Harvest Supporters,
We are writing to inform you that our September Harvest has been canceled. It was with great shock and disappointment that we were informed that due to a shooting incident that took place on Friday, August 21, 2009, near the 40th street Marathon Grill, the management informed us on Friday evening (August 28th) it decided unilaterally to discontinue hosting The Harvest, and other events not directly related to, or promoted by the University of Pennsylvania, at their 40th street location.
We received less than a week's notice of this change, without opportunity for us to participate in a mutually beneficial response to their concerns and in light of our continued and consistent professionalism in providing a high-quality cultural event. As soon as we received the info, we met as a collective, discussed the pros and cons, and especially considered the long-term effect it would have on you, the supporters. We consulted our legal counsel about our rights in order to come to the best decision for Spoken Soul 215 and our supporters.
Based on the untimely manner in which we came to know of this decision, and our desire to uphold the integrity of The Harvest and our sponsors, we have decided to no longer associate with Marathon Grill to host our monthly event. Spoken Soul 215 and our marketing team, BUJE Concepts, are working to move our event to a reliable venue that offers stability, professionalism, creativity, appreciation of our audience and the ability to support the number of patrons that the Harvest attracts.
We thank you for your continued support. We know that the Harvest is not possible without you, your energy and love. We also know that many underestimate the necessity of events like the Harvest and its importance in the community and to its artists.
Let it be known that Spoken Soul 215 is extremely disappointed with Marathon Grill's decision, especially because of our consistent business practice of professionalism. We have decided to pursue a more formal response directly with MGRB and to cease support of all Marathon Grill Restaurants and Bars.
If you would like to lend your support, here is how you can help:
1. Let Marathon Grill know how their decision has affected you. Visit the Marathon Grill Facebook page and leave your comment, or go directly to their website
www.marathongrill.com
and leave your comments in their feedback section.
2. Let Spoken Soul 215 know what The Harvest means to you, why you like coming, or share your own personal Harvest story. Visit our Facebook group page and leave your comments or stay tuned for how you can leave comments on our website.
The Harvest will continue to bring you the culturally-rich, fun, diverse and exciting atmosphere that you are accustomed to. We look forward to seeing you at the next Harvest experience! Visit www.spokensoul215.com and join our mailing list to be the first to receive news about our new venue. See you soon!
Respectfully yours,
Spoken Soul 215
posted by Yellow Rage at
8/31/2009 04:31:00 PM
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