He goes by the name FAME and with his mixtape dropping this Summer, it’s time for the world to get familiar with him.  His mixtape titled Freshman Year: Class of 2012 features the unique rap style of FAME mixed with vocals from Cleveland singer LyricstheSinger.  I got the opportunity to ask FAME a few questions and here’s what he had to say…

1.) How would you best describe your rap style?

FAME: My style is diverse. It’s like a blend of underground battle rap with a mainstream twist.

2.) What was the worst job you ever had?

FAME: The worst job I had was working as a cashier at a grocery store.

3) What inspires your music?

FAME: I’m inspired by almost anything. Mostly my life: past, present and future.

4.) What makes you different than other rappers in the game?

FAME: I’m different in many ways. The main reason would be my bravery and my talent.

5.) What is the best month of the year and why?

FAME: The best month would be July! Not only is it my birth month but my mixtape is dropping in mid July!! Freshman Year: Class of 2012.

6.) What’s the significance of the title of your mixtape?

FAME: Lyrics and I wanted something that was not only fresh and new but a name that confirmed exactly what we are: the rookies, the underdogs.  It’s our turn now.

7.) If you could tell the world one message, what would it be?

FAME: To follow your dreams.  It’s cliche but it’s real. Never let the next person determine your future.

8.) What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?

FAME: FAME! I’m the best kept secret by far!

9.) What famous person, dead or alive, would you love to do a track with?

FAME: I can’t think of just one but I’ll say Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Lauryn Hill and Jazmine Sullivan.

10.) What can we expect from your mixtape?

FAME: It’s something for everybody.  Songs about love, the highs and lows of relationships.  It’s something for the streets and we got club bangers.  Our mixtape is like a movie.

11.) What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

FAME: Shopping. If I’m not in the studio making magic, I’m out spending money.

12.) How did you get the name FAME?

FAME: FAME is actually an acronym for Fashion, Art, Music and Entertainment.

13.) What is your favorite place to travel to and why?

FAME: I love Atlanta but New York has to be my favorite.

14.) What is one thing you would like to achieve before you leave this earth?

FAME: Before I leave, I just want to inspire somebody. I want to be a walking example of a dream coming true.

15.) What can we expect from FAME in the future?

FAME: Expect new music, a lot more collaborations and crazy live shows.

For more on FAME and LYRICStheSINGER, follow them on twitter at @F_U2 and @LyricstheSinger. Also look out for their mixtape Freshman Year: Class of 2012 dropping on July 11. Make sure you cop it.

1.)  What is your favorite Michael Jackson song?

KAREN VAUGHN: WOW! I don’t think I have just one. But I do rock out to “Enjoy Yourself” by Jacksons. It’s one of my favorites because of the feel good message. Whenever I hear it, I smile instantly. My family calls it our Disney song because before every Disney vacation we play “Enjoy Yourself” as we arrive on Disney property. For us, it sets the tone of our vacation. Yes, corny but so much fun to sing it at the top of our lungs!

2.)  What do you appreciate most about your parents, being a parent yourself?

VAUGHN: When I think of my parents I get emotional because they have done so much for me. I appreciate how they ALWAYS put me first and gave me the best life a child could ask for. Their unconditional love and support is the foundation to everything I have been able to accompolish personally and professionally.

3.)  What is the best concert that you have been to and where was it?

VAUGHN: This is a hard one too! I’ve seen many concert yet the one that sticks out is the New Edition “All For Love Tour” in 1987. On the bill was The Force MD’s, Cherrelle, and New Edition. I rocked out the entire time….so much so I saw them in Connecticut and at Madison Square Garden in NYC.  Also the Fresh Fest Tour—Now that was a non-stop party. Hip-Hop music was emerging as a force in music at the time. The tour was a movement of music and lifestyle. RUN-DMC, Whodini, LL Cool Jay performed. It was dope! Word!  Another great concert was Janet Jackson’s “Velvet Rope” tour. Janet was AMAZING. It’s another tour I checked out twice. Once in Baltimore and Washington, DC.

4.)  What is the best month of the year and why?

VAUGHN: July! Summer is in full swing and I can spark up the grill everyday. My grilled Szechwan chicken and citrus ginger salmon are the best. 

5.)  What is the most important lesson you have learned from your career in radio?

VAUGHN:  Network, Network, Network.  Take constructive criticism positively. Reinvent yourself continuously.  Leave your personal situations at the door; you have an audience to entertain!

6.)  If you could tell the world one message, what would it be?

VAUGHN: Don’t sweat the small stuff!!

7.)  What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?     

VAUGHN:  The Green Tavern on 4th Street. Marsha Ambrousius introduced me to the eatery after seeing them featured on Food TV. They use all natural and organic products.  You have to try their Lamb Burgers. They are awesome!

8.)  What famous person, dead or alive, would you love to spend one day with?

  VAUGHN:  Oprah, Bill Cosby, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

9.)  What has been the most fulfilling experience of your life?  

VAUGHN:  The birth of my son. He brings me joy everyday!!!

10.)  What is the definition of “The Working Diva?”

VAUGHN:  A Superwoman; multi-tasking goddess. A go-getter, trend-setter, problem solving guru. A woman with the understanding talent to juggle life, work and family and still look fabulous.  One day while passing a spa, I really wanted a massage.  Work was really working me and I needed a break! At this moment I thought, there must be other women that need a day of pampering. I went home, put together a contest proposal to help women indulge in “me time.”  Needless to say, the contest was a hit.  Since then, the Working Divas theme has blossomed into a lifestyle of women that live an awesome life full of love, balance, family, children, career, sister-friends and yes…fashion.

11.)  What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

VAUGHN:  The spa! Who doesn’t love to be pampered from head to toe while sipping on green tea! Matter of fact…I’m making an appointment right now. 

12.)  What 5 albums could you never go without?

VAUGHN: Jill Scott: Words and Sounds Volume 1, RUN-DMC: Raise Hell, George Howard: Personal, Michael Jackson: Off The Wall, and Salt N Pepa: Vicious.  BONUS: The SOS Band: The Sands Of Time

13.)  What is your favorite place to travel to and why?

VAUGHN: I love Miami and Key West. I lived in Miami for 10 years and loved the energy, weather and looking at the ocean every day!

 14.)  What is one thing you would like to achieve before you leave this earth?

VAUGHN:  One of my biggest goals besides my career choices and projects in media would be to give my parents a huge gift. WIthin the next few years I want to relocate them to any destination they desire. It’s been a goal of mine since I graduated from college.

 15.)  What can we expect from Karen Vaughn in the future?

VAUGHN:  To become a leading Entertainment and Lifestyle correspondent. My website KarenVaughn.com features celebrity interviews, news and events.  Check it out!

For more on Karen Vaughn, tune into 93.1 FM WZAK midday on Monday through Friday.  You can also follow her on twitter at @KarenVaughn. 

Also visit the Working Divas website or KarenVaughn.com for more information.

Keep reading for more…

Last night, I arrived at the House of Blues but instead of going into the front door as I normally do, I entered through the back entrance with Antoine L. Dunn and his band mates.  It was funny that I could actually use the line “I’m with the band.”  They loaded their equipment into the venue and began setting up on the intimate House of Blues stage.  Antoine, his guitarist, drummer, keyboardist, and backup vocalists took the stage for their sound-check.

After the monitors were set and the mic sound levels were marked, we grabbed some dinner and got ready for the show.

Antoine’s band consisted of his guitarist Jack, backup vocalists Elizabeth, Reuben and Marcel, his keyboardist Jerry and his drummer Travis.

Before the show, I even got to snap a photo of Antoine Dunn with the emcee for the night, 93.1 FM’s Karen Vaughn.

Antoine L. Dunn and his crew took the stage with a five song set.  He started off with his melodic track “She Pleases Me,” which was happily stuck in my head since I heard it at the sound-check earlier in the evening.  It was followed up by my favorite Antoine L. Dunn song “It’s Over.”  The lyrical content really resonates with me on a personal level.  It’s the type of song that anyone who has had their heart broken can relate to.

The set continued with Antoine’s tracks “Save Yourself” and a reggae version of “You’re Real.”  He also played the title track of his most recent EP called “Miss My Love” (which is available on iTunes).

Congratulations to Antoine L. Dunn and his band on a fantastic performance.  I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Antoine’s music and his career.

For more information on Antoine L. Dunn, visit his website.

Photographs taken at House of Blues Cleveland by permission of HOB Entertainment, Inc.

@I_am_Yuandale Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place….lol…#weaakaf

@KChenoweth Random man clipping his nails outside of airport. And, scene.

@AverageBlackMan I hate being tagged in Facebook pictures that have Nothing to do with me. NOTHING! I’m not even in the fucking picture!

@LocalCelebCoke #Random stacy dash is a sexy ass 80yr old woman…. lmaoo

@SarahEMaxwell Hi monday- I hate u. That’s all #caseofthemondays

@SteevenSoundz Sometimes the toilet can just be a sanctuary in its own lol

@BBartonCuzz 90s R&B & rap was the best!!! Sooo many dope groups and solo artists & everyone had there own steez. No one was copying the next. I miss it

Well if you have any or want any, you know how important it is to get familiar with the tattoo artist doing your ink. Tattoos last forever and you don’t want just anybody in control of the needle that will change your body forever.  Luckily, I’m here to introduce you to Focused Studio on Coventry in Cleveland Heights.  Owned by twin brothers Jimmy and Jonny Hayden, Focused is the place to get the best ink in Cleveland.  I went there recently to check out their work.  I even was able to document a tattoo being done from start to finish.

To the average person, a tattoo shop might seem like an intimidating place to visit, especially if you’ve never been to one before.  However, Focused Studio isn’t like that at all.  It’s a great space overlooking Coventry with a great energy that comes from the artists and employees who work there. The artists are professional, interesting and personable. They really try to make their clients feel comfortable in an atmosphere that’s filled with needles, pain and piercings.

While I was there, I was amazed at how many people stopped in just to say hello. There were clients who came in to show their recently healed ink to the artist. There were friends of the artists who were there to observe or just to make conversation. It was an open atmosphere where everybody was welcome to enjoy the process without going through all the pain.

I sat in as tattoo artist Dino worked on a client’s elephant tattoo.  He was nice enough to let me document the process from beginning to end. It was amazing to see him work.  I was very impressed with the end result. Take a look!

Here is some of the other work I witnessed at Focused Studio…

If you are thinking about getting inked, Focused Studio is where you should go.  I want to thank the Hayden brothers again for allowing me to bring my camera into their shop to document my visit.

For more on Focused Studio, visit their website.

@KerryRhodes Dallas ill be there 2morrow I can’t wait! Game 3 is gonna be all MAVS!

@Ariel_Charlotte It’s literally to hot for underwear -__-

@M_DOT1of1 Up late watchin MTV trulife these damn meth heads smh

@KyllianF http://lockerz.com/s/107068760 LOL. Naughty.

@BritniElise It doesn’t come easy but I’m willin to work fo it. #BElieve *the time is near*

@LocalCelebCoke I don’t subtweet, i make general statements that just so happens to apply to you.

@Ahmier People don’t mind talking about sex, but run away from conversations involving getting tested. Fail.

During the countdown to her last show, Oprah shared testimonials and messages from her fans about how much she means to them and how much they will miss her show.  I was curious to know what my friends at the Beauty Salon and Barber Shop had to say in this week’s SHOP TOPIC: What has Oprah meant to you and how do you feel about the end of her show?

Oprah has used her television platform to break barriers, discuss topics that were often controversial, and to open conversations about things that people were once too afraid to speak about.  Her show enlightened people, informed the public, and motivated masses to reconsider their lives and do better for the world and themselves.

I visited the ladies first this week.  I went to Simply Chic Salon to find out what Oprah means to the owner/head stylist Juanita Taylor.

Juanita said that she’s always been a fan of Oprah but this past season, she really got into her show.  Knowing that it was her last season, Juanita wanted to get her fill.  She said that Oprah was on another level because her show had such longevity and relevance.  No other daytime talk show on television made an impact on people like Oprah has.  As a woman, and now a mother, Juanita has learned to appreciate Oprah for the lessons she’s taught on a daily basis.

I then went across the street to Today’s Styles and Cuts to see what the men had to say about Miss Winfrey.  I was curious to find out the men’s perspective of Oprah and what she means to them.

Lamont, AKA “Twin,” said it best when he said that “Oprah has made no mistakes.  She is the definition of the American Dream.  She came from nothing, literally nothing, and is a self-made billionaire.”  Lamont continued to express how Oprah wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth.  She lived in the poor South and is now one of the most powerful women in the world.  To achieve that as a Black woman is an amazing thing.

Ernest, another barber at Today’s Styles and Cuts, said he was interested to know what Oprah does next.  He knows she has her own network, but she won’t be airing her show on a daily basis.  He wonders how women who have watched her for 25 years will be able to cope with the loss.  He said that although Oprah is a Black woman, her audience wasn’t just women, or just Black women.  Her audience and influence spread across all demographics of people.  She had women viewers, men, Black, White, young, old, and everything in between.  He said that a voice that powerful reaches people on a human level, and it will be hard to find someone with that kind of presence to fill the void.

So it looks like men and women can agree on one thing: Oprah is a legend and she her show will definitely be missed.  Leave it to Oprah to make men and women agree on something.  I guess only she has that kind of power over people.

If you need to get edged up or styled, visit Today’s Styles and Cuts OR Simply Chic Salon.

Today’s Styles and Cuts

2172 S Taylor Rd

Cleveland Heights, OH

Simply Chic Salon

2177 S Taylor Rd

Cleveland Heights, OH

mysimplychicsalon.com

Keep reading to find out.
@TheWildAmerica Cleveland is ERIEsistable.

@GoHam59 I found a new laxative a Checker Burger

@FashionWeekNYC Thoughts and prayers go out to all the people of Joplin, Missouri!

@RaeHolliday Damn, they are planting 25,000 Oak Trees for Oprah Across the Country. MJ didn’t even get   some Grass, That Damn Joe Jackson!

@MelanieFiona Respect the Earth & One Another. Xo

@MuscleHead0089 Wow the Oprah show finale really did it for me.

@Oprah Staying in pj’s all day. Getting hair braided for summer vaca. Reading all ur emails. Watched Gayle K.  Show with Stedman. On at 4-6 on OWN.

Keep reading for more pictures…

1.)  If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be and why?

Mike D:  The more I think about it I’ve got to say…nobody. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of people in my life that I miss and that at times I wish were still around or alive in present day times, but I’ve realized in my life that everything happens for a reason and has it’s purpose. Those loved ones and influentials that we’ve lost, had/have a great impact on us and shaped us into the person that we are today.  While we may miss them, their legacy will never die as long as we keep
it alive, no matter who they are or were.

2.) What was the worst job you ever had?

Mike D: I’ve held a lot of jobs in my life and I’ve pretty much enjoyed them all, but if I had to choose ones that I liked the least it’s got to be the ones that keep me couped up. Such as the office jobs I’ve had and even some factory positions where I’ve had to stand in one place for eight hours. I’m way too Free Spirited for that.

3.) What is your idea of the perfect party?

Mike D: The “Perfect Party” in my opinion, no matter the vibe or setting, consists of any amount of people all celebrating life and having a good-great time. People step out with a purpose, Fellas get fresh with a purpose, ladies get “fancy” with a purpose and I’m pretty sure that purpose isn’t to stand around with an attitude and complain all night.  You came out to have a good time, so act like it and make every night epic. Feel free to scuff or crease your sneaks while dancing with a pretty girl (You can just reload your fresh at NEXT #Plug), feel free to sweat your hair out dancing all night…isn’t that part of what you got all cute for? Then The “Perfect Party” must also have a well thought out and well executed concept. I don’t like the parties where people just get a venue, play music, open the doors and then expect you to pay a cover just to stand around all night. Parties are a form of entertainment…Entertain Me!!! Don’t invite me to a party that contains all the same elements as my local bar. In a city with 30 plus promotional groups I expect more from us, myself included. I like to “Party Like The Sun Don’t Set” and enjoying every moment of the night.

4.) What is your favorite Michael Jackson song?

Mike D: I first have to say that this question is way too unfair of a question. I mean seriously, how can I (or anyone) pick just one (1) MJ song? I’m going to go with Off The Wall though, simply because it encourages us to leave that 9 to 5 up on the shelf and enjoy ourselves. We work hard so let’s play hard. Leave all your worries and stresses at home and enjoy yourself.

5.) What is the best month of the year and why?

Mike D: I have two favorite months, January and June. In addition to being the month I was born, January is the month that everyone is fresh off their holiday highs. People are still in good spirits but reality is slowly coming back into play. Also it’s a month of newness and reinvention, a critical and essential part of our growth process as people. Then you have June, I think my love affair with June originated when I was younger and it was the month that school was out for the summer. June though is like the reunion episode of your favorite reality show, with all of it’s mounting anticipation, drama, action, excitement, and adventures to come. June let’s you know that you’re still alive.

6.) Who is your biggest influence?

Mike D: Naturally my influences are God, my family, friends, and the world around me. However, I’m hard headed, stubborn, and a tad bit rebellious so I don’t listen all the time and not as influenced. The world around me servers more so as my many inspirations and motivations that keep me focused and feeling good about life.

7.) If you could tell the world one message, what would it be?

Mike D: Maintain Your Balance. Life is about balance, too much of anything will kill you and not enough of anything will kill you too. So just find your balance and maintain it. You’ll be fine.

8.) What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?

Mike D: Our Potential. We’re a city with so much to offer and a lot going on yet we keep it hidden from even ourselves. That’s where my work with The Cleveland Committee, Team Different, and Talk Of Cleveland comes in to play. My team and have set out to make a difference and expose the finer points of the city that we’ve derived from.

9.) What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from your parents?

Mike D:  There are way too many for me to count. Some of the ones that stand out at the moment are to keep God first, maintain my Integrity, love everyone (even “The Haters”), and the true value of my relationships with everyone I come in contact with. I could probably write a book on the lessons I’ve learned from my parents and family.

10.) What is TalkofCleveland.com?

Mike D: The Talk of Cleveland, LLC is the brainchild of Founder Tony Harris. Tony’s vision was to create a magazine that highlighted both positive people and events in the Greater Cleveland area.  Our mission is to identify and profile individuals, businesses, organizations, events, products, and trends that positively impact our community while providing a marketing vehicle for retail, service, and manufacturing enterprises.  Our entire team is committed to the betterment of our city, and often times we need to look in a mirror to recognize our true beauty. Talk Of Cleveland is that mirror.

11.) What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

Mike D: Can I plead the 5th here…? I’ve got several pleasures, but I don’t feel guilty about any of them. Not even the ones that might make women blush…I’m pretty okay with those.

12.) What is your favorite cocktail?

Mike D: Hanger 1 Lime & Sprite with lemon or Jameson straight on the rocks.

13.) What is your favorite place to travel to and why?

Mike D: I’ve been to quite a few places and I appreciate each location for what it is. I do however want to visit Easter Island one day. I’m intrigued by it’s history and would like to see it for myself. I’ve got a few projects that will take me on the road with the World Famous Chief Rocka Q-Nice before then though, so maybe I’ll find a favorite place as I add stamps to my passport.

14.) What is one thing you would like to achieve before you leave this earth?

MikeD: The revitalization and progression of my city. If not in my lifetime, then in time through my legacy. I’m going to do my part to make a difference. That, and to own my own island.

15.) What can we expect from Mike D in the future?

Mike D: I’ve got a quite a few things on the horizon, such as my events and projects with The Cleveland Committee and Team Different. Way too many to list off right now. The best way to keep up with me and what’s going on is to follow me on Twitter ( @MikeD_CLE ), also look for me at www.ClevelandTalksSports.com , I’m coming soon to www.ChiefRockaQnice.com , and of course I’m on www.TalkOfCleveland.com.

Lamari Speaks is a program dedicated to educating students on how to interact with autistic classmates and the damaging effects of bullying behavior.  The program, named after Lamont’s teenage autistic son Lamari, is aimed at getting the community involved in opening the conversation about Autism and help these children with the disorder build relationships with their peers.

The event, held at Denison Park in Cleveland Heights, was filled with music, food, games, and support.  Families filled the pavilion while Latin Assassin spun records.  His son even tried to get in on the action.

There were water balloons and face painting.

There was even some line dancing going on. Lamari was spotted on the dancefloor.

The afternoon was amazing.  I was really happy to support the cause.  Lamont and Latin Assassin got on the mic to thank everyone who attended the event.  They expressed their concerns with the approach that the Black community has taken towards Autism.  As fathers of Autistic children, Lamont and Latin Assassin encouraged the Black community to stop the embarrassment, stop ignoring the issues, and to really pay attention to their children.  Autistic children have trouble communicating.  If parents don’t recognize their needs, they cannot serve as the voice for these children.  They cannot give these children the proper tools to be able to communicate with others and function normally in society.  It is also our responsibility as a community to educate children about the disorder so that they are tolerant, accepting, and understanding of those who may suffer from Autism.

For more information on Autism, visit the Autism Speaks official website.

For more information on Lamari Speaks, contact Lamont Robinson at LamontDR@yahoo.com

@SeveralThousand I feel like I can smell people’s breath through my ears. Haha

@Ariel_Charlotte I miss saying the word “sike” lol I use to use that word like allllllll the time lol

@Devin_2x I count money like bitches count calories.

@BigLilKim This Rapture thingy ain’t living up to the hype..it’s actually about as disappointing as the BET Awards.

@iGreezy I dnt care if ur black, white, gay, lesbian, short, tall, chubby, skinny, rich or poor. If ur cool wit me than ill be cool wit u!

@JoyVBehar Cheer up. It’s not like it’s the end of the world.

This week’s Shop Topic is Jennifer Hudson’s Weight Loss: Was she better before or after shedding the pounds?

Keep reading to find out the Shop Topic answers…

I first went to Today’s Styles and Cuts on S. Taylor in Cleveland Heights. My friend DJ $crilla was getting edged up at the time and I thought I’d pay his barber shop a visit. The barbers Lamont (AKA “Twin”), Ernest, and Scott were great guys. They definitely had their opinions on all subjects ranging from sports to celebrity plastic surgery. These fellas aren’t afraid to speak their minds and that type of honesty is refreshing.

I asked them their opinion on the Shop Topic of the week and all the men agreed that they liked Jennifer Hudson BEFORE her weight loss transformation. It looks like the men at Today’s Style and Cuts prefer a full-figured woman. I somewhat had to agree. Although her new body is healthier, Jennifer Hudson was praised for being a plus-sized pop star. She showed the industry that you don’t have to be a size six to be successful.

After speaking with the guys for a little while, I wanted a second opinion. I went across the street to the Simply Chic Salon to see what the females had to say about the Shop Topic of the week.

The owner Juanita Taylor and the ladies in the salon at the time had a different opinion than the fellas. They all agreed that they like Jennifer Hudson’s body better NOW, after she went through the weight-loss transformation. I don’t know if women are more body-conscious or they appreciate a healthy woman, but I found it interesting that the women’s opinion differed from the men.

Mars vs. Venus is always going to be debatable. Men and women are always going to have different opinions. I guess it’s one of those things that makes the world go ’round.

In my opinion, Jennifer Hudson is on a better path. She broke into the industry as a full-figured woman. Her voice and talent are undeniable. She is a multiple award winning singer and actress and she has proven that you don’t have to be a skinny girl to be a successful in the industry. Now that she’s got the industry right where she wants them, she can have her body right where she wants it. I think her new figure is healthier and I hope it inspires more women to be conscious of their eating habits and personal health.

If you need to get edged up or styled, visit Today’s Styles and Cuts OR Simply Chic Salon.

Today’s Styles and Cuts

2172 S Taylor Rd

Cleveland Heights, OH

Simply Chic Salon

2177 S Taylor Rd

Cleveland Heights, OH

mysimplychicsalon.com

@BridgetPeterlin Tmrw is going to be a high of 49. WTH #cleveland. Where is the summer weather that we deserve?

@UsherRaymondIV Cleveland! you ready?? #OMGTour

@AverageBlackMan #imjustsayin if your profile pic is you and 3 other people I’m just going to assume your the ugly one

@FashionWeekNYC Fun Fact: Facebook is like jail, you sit around & waste time, write on walls & get poked by people you don’t know!

@JoeHaden23 http://twitgoo.com/29zeh0 met my new homeboy at the marothon! His name is haden! #swag

1.)  If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be and why?

Blaire Bommer: Without a doubt in my mind, D.A. Levy. He died when he was 26, killed himself. He’s a Cleveland poet, my renegade muse. I’d like to bring him back and take him around Cleveland, show him what it’s like today.

2.) What was the worst job you ever had?

Bommer: I love bartending, don’t get me wrong; but some nights it can be the worst job in the world. I’ve had plenty of drinks thrown at me for really dumb reasons – a girl threw Patron in my eyes because she thought it cost too much. I’m also surprised at the amount of people who don’t realize that bartenders don’t make money unless they get tipped.

3) What inspires your words and your poetry?

Bommer: People. How they treat other people. We’re all strange, but some more so than others.

4.) When did you discover your writing talent?

Bommer: I’m not sure if it’s a talent yet. I will only admit that I am a decent writer when I get a manuscript accepted by Write Bloody Publishing.

5.) What is the best month of the year and why?

Bommer: In Cleveland, it’s got to be May. The sun finally comes out and the weather is usually nice. Also, my birthday is in May and I always find some weird way to celebrate it.

6.) What makes you different from other poets?

Bommer: Nothing, really. My face? I guess I’m different from some performance poets because I have zero desire to be a poetry star. S’long as one poem reaches one person and can make them feel better, I feel satisfied with my work

7.) If you could tell the world one message, what would it be?

Bommer: Other people exist. They existed before they met you and they will exist after you leave the room. You can’t blame those people for surviving the only way they know how.

8.) What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?

Bommer: The Waterloo Arts District. Every time I’m down there I find something awesome. We all know Beachland Ballroom is down there, but there’s so many more awesome little shops and nooks on that street that people don’t realize. Did you know Arts Collinwood has food, fancy coffee drinks, and a full bar? And an art gallery! And they’re a non-profit so they’re helping the community all the time with workshops for kids and a giant list of other things. You’ve got to go to Waterloo, my Cleveland friends. When you get there, you tell them I sent you.

9.) What is your favorite piece that you’ve written?

Bommer: Seven Matadors. I just finished writing this piece after working on it for literally months. It’s been like child labor getting this poem out. I wrote it about 7 people who hate me so much, they want me to die. As a girl who happens to be generally described at “good looking” and “a nice person”, you’ll find that you make enemies with insecure people very quickly. I wanted to make sure those suckers got their own poem.

10.) What has been the most fulfilling experience of your life?

Bommer: My parents will hate me for saying this, but choosing to leave college and forge my own path in the world. It’s incredibly hard to find a job without a college degree, so I don’t recommend this for anyone. But, I knew that if I wanted to succeed with Blasted Press and poetry, I just didn’t have time for the nonsense classes. My goal is to tour and spread the word that poetry is back, and it’s cool, that it’s okay to be a writer and have emotions. It’s amazing how many people are “first time” readers or writers at events I go to, and the events always change their life in some way.

11.) What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

Bommer: Rolos. I can eat so many Rolos.

12.) What is your favorite cocktail?

Bommer: Blemonade. It’s Stoli Bluberri with Lemonade and some fresh squeezed limes. Very refreshing and it will get you super drunk because it tastes like juice. I’m pretty sure we made this up at Fortress Nightclub one night.

13.) What is your favorite place to travel to and why?

Bommer: New York City is #1. Best food, best people watching, best bars, best weirdest taxi cab drivers, and I always end up in Times Square at 5am doing something dumb. I love that city.

14.) What is one thing you would like to achieve before you leave this earth?

Bommer: I’d really love to be a Mom. It sounds strange, but to have a little tiny person with half my personality and half the personality of the guy I love – it’d be a monster. That kid would have the most interesting life.

15.) What can we expect from Blaire Bommer in the future?

Bommer: Blasted Press is taking off right now, so hopefully you’ll be hearing a lot more from that part of my life. I host and run an all-women’s poetry night called “She Speaks”. We give women a safe space to speak their minds without being treated like pieces of meat, or skipped over. Hopefully, in the future, you’ll hear about how She Speaks transformed women poets in Cleveland and how Blasted Press is the coolest chapbook company in the world.

For more information on Blasted Press, visit www.blastedpress.com or visit www.shespeaksup.org for more information about She Speaks.  You can also follow Blaire Bommer on twitter @MissBommer.