Noisemakers 2000: Java jive

>> Inobe serves up words at Coco Cafe

by PATTI SONNTAG

The recently developed Coco Cafe spoken word series is run by a collective headed by Inobe, whose enthusiasm for his work showed from the moment he started talking. "I keep referring to these performers as hidden talent, because I've never seen them before," he says. "There wasn't a stage for them to do their thing on, or at least one that they felt comfortable on."

His series, which was created to provide a venue for black performers and artists, has featured great spoken word performances by unheard-of or first-time artists. The shows are hosted by Mahalia Verna and follow a given theme, such as "Heat" or "Remember." They've been drawing crowds to Jello Bar and other venues with performances by artists like Nah-ee-Lah, Mic "Judge Dread" Antoine and Sabrina Clery.

February's show is called "History," for Black History Month, and is definitely an event to look forward to this winter. l