About the Poet:
j. m. starino/SilDag

John counts his influences from the Beat Poets of the 1960's along with his mentor Leo Connellan to the energetic performance poets of current day his talent for visceral audacity counterpoint with devotional imagery. With solid on point declaration of Performance Quality work, he has the ability to make his audience think about relationships, history, time, and the meaning of existence on this planet. He is able to accentuate conceptional inspiration from his Frisson experience with the Columbia Museum of Art of which he has participated twice. Most notably writing poetry savored from select pieces on loan from the Jewish Museum Washington D. C. His stream of conscious style imbibes a panorama of mindscapes as one audience member put it: "I could see the movie of your words right in my head". His works speak to audiences of all walks and ages. They range from the glib buffoonery of his "Beer Poem" to the day in his life of his Mother's last day. His words bring laughter and contemplation to his listeners.

About the Photographer:
John M. Starino

John likens his Photography as a Study in Texture. Many of his pieces demonstrate a surreal quality as seen in his "Illusion" as well as his "Who is Watching". He enjoys travel and what better way to document his journeys than with Photographic inspiration. His works embody Poetic essences that make his viewers look for messages within his visual scapes. The unusual has been the trademark of John's Artistic Talent.

 

About the Producer:
John M. Starino

John Starino is the Founder of Phoenix Tongue Open Mic at The Red Tub West Columbia SC. What began as a bohemian style forum for Poets, Phoenix Tongue has become Columbia's premier outlet for creativity. On any given Wednesday night from novice to acclaimed Poets, Musicians and Storytellers drop in. The impetus is its Poets. This is the space where inspiration gathers and speaks. Many local Poets have graced the Open Mic that have become members of many Poet Performance Teams. Chris McCormick is a member of the 2006 Columbia Slam Team. Mariangela is a member of the 2006 Upstate Slam Team. Of its many notable features John has been able to bring to Columbia SC include the Poets: Q, Mazeforever, Terry Creech, Max Parthas, Black Swan, Bluz, Miesha, Jus Caus, Jamie Kilstein, JT Bullock and Andi Kauth. Its notable musical features include Rian Adkinson, The Dubber, and Johnny Irion. On November 8, 2006 he hosted an incredible night of Poetry, Music and Dance with the Poetic symmetry of Natalie Brown of The Delirium Tribal Bellydance Company bringing the delicate phonetic experience of movement to Phoenix Tongue. He has always welcomed a multi media event for the synergy that is demonstrated to its audience.