(Note: It's somewhere in my astrological chart that I will occasionally over extend myself and promise more than I can deliver.  I've been in Holland almost three months and between performing, stressing over those performances, working on my novella, making really amazing friends, writing the occasional new poem, nurturing a sweet relationship, working out details for my first book of poetry, trying to make sure the dishes don't pile up and attempting to live by a budget for the first time in my life, I didn't sit down and write for the site until now.  Bad Ekere. But...two months ago I promised to introduce you to some movers and shakers on this side of the ocean, so I want you to meet someone who clearly believes that words are full of magic dust. Her name is Babs Gons.)

Author photo: Babs Gons

Those of us who write and live in major cities might wish for a little more calm and quiet sometimes, but we rarely lack fun things to do or places to read our newest work. I've lived in New York, Atlanta and Oakland and I know I take for granted that should I get an urge to go out and hear, or read, poetry I can-and on almost any given night of the week. Well, just imagine being a passionate writer living in a gorgeous city where you can do almost anything but find a venue to read your work. Hmph. This is pretty much the situation that Babs Gons found herself in living in Amsterdam. The Utrecht born writer says that she and her friends were,"Dying to perform our soulstories to an interested audience that we couldn't find in the city of Amsterdam." Now Amsterdam, if you haven't visited yet, is as Babs puts it a city in "A land of windmills, canals, free drugs, sex and monarchy." (Monarchy aside, would you wanna leave?) So being the sassy, word-loving Leo she is, instead of moving or brooding, Babs decided to create the poetic space that she and her friends craved.

In 1999 she and two comrades organized a poetry reading in a squat building. (Even squatting is legal in Holland if the building has been vacant for a year). It turned out that they weren't the only ones who wanted to hear or share words. "The first night was an overwhelming succes," Babs recalls, "so we did another one." These readings marked the birth of what would come to be known as "Palabras, The Phrase Stage."

After a while Babs was asked to take the program to Paradiso, one of the most popular night clubs in Amsterdam. Now, bringing poetry to Amsterdam is her full-time job. The list of poets who have graced the stage is long but just to name a few: Willie Perdomo, Tish Benson, Zena Edwards, Will Power, Mike Ladd, The Last Poets, Sarah Gorman, Rich Medina, and me too! :)

"On an ideal night you have poets from different parts of the world, doing very different kinds of poetry; from classical poetry to rappoetry to spoken word, some in Dutch and some in English, some with music, some without. And I always try to have something extra, like during some shows we have someone doing live painting." Babs explains that vibe of the place is really important too, "It should be a friendly environment where performers and the audience feel comfortable and inspired. We try to make the space as intimate as possible; with candles, plants, beautiful art on the walls and a soulful dj spinning funky tunes during the breaks."

The performances go over with an organic flawlessness, largely because Babs wears a lot of hats. She is the talent scout, promotor, hostess and producer. She arranges all the tickets and accommodations- in other words, nothing happens at Palabras that Babs hasn't facilitated. With all that going on it's easy to forget that when she started Palabras, it was partially to have a space perform her own work. Does she still manage to find time to write? "Organising this makes it sometimes hard to do my own writing," she admits, "but it's very important so every free minute I have you'll find me writing. Can't stop it, it's a flow that needs to be released. I do perform once in a while too. There aren't a lot of poetry events but when you ask me I'll be there."

Now besides being a writing, poetry-reading coordinating Diva, Babs also plays capoeira (which she studied in Brazil,) makes clothes (she has amazing style), and speaks six languages. (She modestly adds that she, "Speaks some better than others.") As for the future of Palabras, Babs envisions, "Continuing to do the shows in innovative way. I'm always looking for new aspects to enrich the formula." Best believe the formula is already quite rich. So if you visit Amsterdam look out for Palabras. It happens every month at Paradiso. The last one on April 13th featured Liza Jessie Peterson.