Charlotte Spoke to Poet Kia Flow. And, She Answered Back.
“… You’re just A trend setta go getta. Only wanting betta. You are not your mistakes. Your destiny should be worth your chase.” – Kia Flow
Poet Kia Flow writes about things we all understand – making mistakes, making amends, chasing dreams. Read on to find out how the transplant to the Queen City makes her personal journey a universal one.
 
What’s The Future of Live Performance in Charlotte? – Part ThreeWe’re already more than a month into 2021 and we’re still wondering: What will live performance look like this year? Over the past two weeks, we shared insights from a wide array of performers and organizations working in the Queen City. And, we’ve heard three things loud and clear: - They long to perform in front of live audiences (in the same room).
- The current situation requires creative use of streaming content.
- Fortune favors the bold … those willing to try new things.
While it may be daunting, the desire to perform is undiminished. The show must go on. Whether online or in-person, they’re still moving forward. To wrap up this series, we turn to Middle C Jazz, Blumenthal Performing Arts, WFAE and producer Jason Hausman.

EVENT: CreativeMornings/CLT Gets “Divergent”“Divergent” is the theme of the day when the Queen City’s chapter of CreativeMornings meets online this Friday, Feb. . The free online event will feature live performances from Harvey Cummings II and the jazz duo Maria Howell and Noel Freidline. The morning also offers games, micro-grants, and a keynote talk from Josh Jacobson, founder of Next Stage, about embracing the way life branches out in different directions. Like most gatherings of CreativeMornings/CLT, this one’s poised to be a lovefest of the local creative community, featuring a parade of cool creatives across the screen. Who knows, you might just meet your next “creative crush” in time for Valentine’s Day. What to know about Friday’s event: - Friday, Feb. 5
- 8:15-8:30 a.m. – Live Music from Harvey Cummings II
- 8:30-9:45 a.m. – CreativeMornings/Charlotte Program
 
VIDEO: Equal Time – Nothin’ But Blue Skies for Xavier CheekWhat can you create in five minutes? We were inspired to ask this question of Charlotte creatives when OrthoCarolina rolled out a new online system that allows you to make an appointment in five minutes or less. After finding his work on Instagram, we challenged 19-year-old painter, Xavier Cheek, to show us what he could make in 300 seconds. And, boy, did he answer the call. Take a Five-Minute Flight with Xavier Cheek below. 
This five-minute creative sprint was powered by content sponsor OrthoCarolina. Use their new online appointment system here.
 
7 Deadly Sins of Media Relations: How NOT to Get the Media to Cover Your EventTim Miner is a sinner. There are (at least) 7 deadly sins of media relations. Before Tim was editor and c0-publisher of The Biscuit, he was a public relations director … and he committed every one of them. Over the course of 20 years, he learned as much or more about what not to do as what to do when it comes to enticing the media to cover events and stories. And, now, Tim sees all the PR sins he inflicted on journalists and producers come across his desk. And, he wants to help you avoid the deadly sins other creatives and organizations often commit when seeking media coverage for their online or IRL event. Here’s one right off the bat: Forgetting to include the event link in your pitch. (Yep. It happens … a lot.) This content was developed for a training session to aid alumni of the #SEED20 program managed by Social Venture Partners Charlotte.
 
Brash Bear Bares Everything … but His Name“I make art to express how I feel. I don’t worry about what some random stranger may think.” – Brash Bear
Brash Bear is an anonymous and subversive creative. You never know where his work will turn up next – but, when it does, you will know it’s his. We discussed (via email) his alter ego and the message behind his art.
 
When you believe in a message, you may share some words on social media or put a small bumper sticker on your car. When you REALLY believe in a message, you put those words on the biggest billboard you can find and you make sure everyone sees. And that is exactly what our friend, the one-and-only Ms. #OHmazing herself, Ohavia Phillips, did. Ohavia teamed up with The Savage Way (who designed the art) and paid for a billboard to make sure that her “Lead With Love” message rings loud and proud through the Queen City. She sees it as an investment in the community. The billboard will be up for the entirety of Black History Month. Ohavia calls it “a message of love for Charlotte and beyond.” Directions: 2156 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28206

Don’t go ’round hungry. If you missed the last batch of The Biscuit, don’t worry. We’ve kept it warm for you. This batch featured: - An introduction to 4 emerging Black architects who are helping shape Camp North End
- A look at Our New Best Friend (and the best hatmaker in CLT) — Demond Richardson
- And more!
Click here to dig in, y‘all. The Biscuit is proudly sponsored by: |  |
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