Blues & Jazz
Poetic Cafe
Where poetry meets the soul of blues in an intimate evening of verse, music, and artistic communion.
Hosted by Dr. Blues Jerzy George Kossek, Ph.D.
Memphis Blues Foundation "Keeping the Blues Alive" Award Recipient
I, The Blues
by Kogo Blues — Jerzy Kossek & Marek Görlitz
Poetry becomes song, spoken word becomes rhythm. I, The Blues brings together the voices of Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Waring Cuney, Stuart Dybek, and Jerzy Kossek within the expressive language of Delta and Chicago blues traditions.
11 tracks · 39:17 · Recorded at Jellybean Studios, Los Angeles
Listen on kogoblues.comThe Experience
A monthly cultural event at Los Angeles, hosted by Dr. Blues Jerzy George Kossek, Ph.D., Memphis Blues Foundation Award recipient.
Each cafe features educational lectures, poetry readings, open mic sessions, music performances, art galleries, and intimate conversations with prominent artists.
Tickets
General Admission
Our Story
Founded in Poland
The original "Blues Poetic Cafe" launched at the Rawa Blues Festival in Katowice, Poland—one of the world's oldest blues festivals. The mission: advocate for non-musical arts in blues culture including literature, poetry, fine arts, and photography.
Main idea
Provide space, stage and forum for Artists who think that poetry and lyrics in blues and jazz matter
I, The Blues
Kogo Blues releases I, The Blues — an album where poetry meets the soul of blues, featuring the words of Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Jerzy Kossek. Listen at kogoblues.com
Los Angeles
The cafe continues monthly, celebrating the intersection of poetry and blues in the heart of LA's music scene.
What Artists Say
"An amazing eyeopening and inspirational evening! Poetry and music explored through performance in an intimate setting."
— Deb Ryder
"Very interesting concept. This will become a very important format, giving artists the opportunity to express themselves honestly."
— Henry Harris, South Side Slim
"What a great way to spend a Wednesday nite!"
— Janiva Magness
"Jerzy George Kossek is celebrating the poetry of blues in a way no one has attempted in Los Angeles."
— Glen Doll
"Jerzy George Kossek started something cool. It had a good vibe, and I trust my feelings."
— TJ Norton
"Fantastic! It was an honor being in the company of such great and professional artists. Top notch."
— Syd Stewart