November 30, 2015 | Posted in:Vellum News

Last night, Poet Billy Lamont hosted a benefit at Sidewalk Café in the East Village for the Love Hope Strength Foundation.  The organization was started by Mike Peters of The Alarm and is the largest rock ‘n roll organization of its kind. Its mission is to use rock music and those in that field to raise money for medical supplies and equipment for those suffering with cancer but also to help find potential bone marrow donors and lend support to families. It uses two of the most powerful gifts known to man; words and music, to help influence and inspire.

Lamont got the night started off right with a poem about love and how almost everything including sickness can be overcome with this powerful emotion. His aggressive style is reminiscent of the beat poets and puts forth prose that is truly uplifting.

It’s been over a year since Soda last performed as a solo artist and in my opinion long overdue. He opened with “Abandon Me” which was one of my personal favorites from his last project (e) motion picture. For those that don’t remember the song was written in tribute to his mother who passed away several years ago from cancer. At times gut wrenching and hard to listen to there also lies a stark, painful beauty in this dark number. What I enjoy most about Soda’s solo performances is that one really gets to hear his incredible vocal ability and songwriting prowess stripped down to its core. He is a special talent and shines very bright with just mic and acoustic guitar.

Lamont came back to perform his Babylon CD in its entirety. With the aid of screen and projected image he continued his crusade of love, knowledge and self awareness. He has a commanding presence and at times seems to be physically acting out his prose. He performs with naïve abandon which lends a purity to his art which is naturally appealing.

Closing the evening was the high energy Serial Poets. Combining blues, hardcore and plain ole rock ‘n roll, the foursome are seasoned musicians with solid chemistry and well written songs.

Videos from the night:

https://youtu.be/p34RopQJunk

https://youtu.be/Pbnn0WS5p5U