We were lucky to catch up with J.A.K. Danger recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi J.A.K., thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
In the autumn of 2021, Eleazar Craig embarked on a journey that would transform Clarksville’s cultural landscape. He began frequenting the vibrant open mic events in Nashville, initially drawn in by online advertisements. After attending a handful of these gatherings, something clicked – approximately 70% of the attendees were driving from Clarksville. This sparked a profound realization within Craig: “Why don’t we have something like this in Clarksville?” With that spark of inspiration, he set in motion the creation of Clarksville’s Power of Words (CPW).
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Eleazar Craig, known by his stage name, J.A.K. (Justified Ambitious or Accomplished King) Danger, to delve into the inception of CPW and its impact on the Clarksville community.
Craig shared that the genesis of CPW was rooted in a collective sentiment – the prevailing belief that Clarksville lacked entertainment options and that there was a wealth of untapped talent yearning for recognition. Artists within the community were craving a platform to express their creativity, and Craig was determined to provide that outlet.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
“The Power of Words is an open-mic, live performance event,” Danger explained. However, it quickly evolved beyond its initial conception. Although its origins lay in poetry and spoken word, CPW welcomes a diverse array of artists, including singers, rappers, comedians, musicians, and various forms of artistic expression.
One pivotal moment in CPW’s genesis was a conversation with Craig’s fraternity brother, a member of Phi Beta Sigma. This connection proved instrumental, as his brother suggested using a local lounge as the venue for the inaugural CPW event. “Andre Williams over at the Good People Lounge said, ‘Hey man, I would love for my place to host the first thing like this in Clarksville,'” Danger shared.
Clarksville’s Power of Words serves as a haven for those still finding their artistic voices, choir members yearning for more stage time, music teachers seeking a creative outlet outside of their classrooms, poets surviving by sharing their written words, and community members in search of entertainment. It has become the bridge that unites and invigorates the Clarksville community.
With J.A.K. Danger’s vision and the support of local businesses like Good People Lounge, Clarksville’s Power of Words has breathed new life into this thriving community, providing a stage for local talent and an avenue for connection and expression.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
My introduction to Komplex Simplicity, the Co-host and Director of Operations at CPW, unfolded amidst the backdrop of my trips to Nashville for open mic events. It was a fortunate encounter, where her remarkable talent, rich voice, and aura captivated my attention.
In the tapestry of Tennessee’s spoken word landscape, Komplex Simplicity stood out as arguably the finest poet and spoken word artist I had ever witnessed. Her poetic prowess resonated deeply within me, and I knew that she could be a vital piece in CPW’s artistic puzzle. Fueled by this idea, I reached out to her with an offer to co-host our event, harboring the hope that she’d consider joining my creative endeavor.
She not only accepted the invitation but also brought with her a plethora of talents beyond the realm of poetry. Her adeptness behind the camera lens brought our artistic expressions to life in visual form, while her background in lifestyle brands gave birth to CPW’s merchandise. Her multifaceted contributions extended even further, enriching CPW with her boundless support and unwavering dedication.
It’s no exaggeration to assert that Komplex Simplicity’s steady commitment has been one of the pillars upon which CPW stands today.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
The essence of what sets Clarksville’s Power of Words (CPW) apart lies in the unique atmosphere we’ve cultivated, and it’s this distinct vibe that has become the bedrock of our reputation. CPW transcends the conventional boundaries of a live performance or open mic event; it has blossomed into a community-based sanctuary where individuals can gather to share, be open, and embrace vulnerability as they tell their personal stories. It’s an experience that often takes on a spiritual dimension, particularly after intermission. When people step onto our stage, they leave it all there – their most intimate and vulnerable moments unfurl before a captivated audience.
As our founder, poet, and current Southern University Law Center student, J.A.K. Danger, aptly puts it, “You don’t get nursery rhymes when you come to Clarksville’s Power of Words. This is therapy. This is community. This is truth.” It’s a space where people yearning to showcase their talents or artistry find refuge. Here, judgment holds no sway. Performers feed off the crowd’s reactions, knowing that encouragement is in the room.
Komplex Simplicity, sharing her perspective on what’s driven CPW’s reputation, highlighted the sense of community and family that keeps drawing people back. Attendees come here to witness and, in turn, get inspired. We’ve witnessed individuals who, after just a few visits, mustered the courage to step onto our stage. It’s all about unveiling the artist within and fostering an environment where people feel free to share their truths.
Our ultimate goal is for the audience to leave with something profound. “I want them to take away one, the talent, to know that there is talent in Clarksville. Two, I want audiences to be motivated and inspired to create,” Danger emphasized.
S.U.G. (Stand Up Guys), CPW’s other co-host, shared his own heartfelt perspective before joining the team. “I continued to come back because sharing my art with others has become one of my favorite outlets. The Good People Lounge has genuinely become one of my favorite places for raw, pure, authentic interactions with other humans who enjoy good music, good laughs, good drinks, and good entertainment,” S.U.G. affirmed.
In conclusion, CPW is a testament to the power of being different. This difference is our strength and the driving force behind our enduring reputation. Beyond delivering quality entertainment, CPW’s essence delves deeper; it’s a conduit for healing and inspiration. Within our walls, everyone in attendance is motivated and encouraged to create and live life more abundantly, making it a transformative and uniquely powerful experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://powerofwords931.ticketleap.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/931words/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Powerofwords931/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/PowerofWords931
Image Credits
@BryantWorthy @ShotByWorthy @kompleximages