It's been a few months since I moved over the Blackheart in downtown Kingsport. As summer's sweltering heat melts into the embrace of autumn's cool breath, the evenings here offer a subtle, refreshing breeze that makes wandering a delight—even on a Wednesday.
With the sun warming my back and cicadas weaving their Southern vibe, I drifted down Market Street toward Commerce. This street has a new rhythm of its own downtown and has been the new energy pulsating for about a year now. It is alive with possibility.
The Reserve on the corner is a beacon of weekend music and post-party revelry. Just behind it, King City Distillery is concocting its magic, and a barbecue haven is on the horizon. Slide down a bit further, and you'll find the Crumb Bum, Kingsport's sweetest secret, and beyond that, Bays Mountain Brewery, Reedy Creek Bikes, and Mid City Grill. But another gem is the Inspire Wine Bar.
Inspire has been an ode to dreams for about a year, a heartfelt venture by Talina Zsido, a Registered Nurse, and her family. It's a sanctuary where each week brings a new event, a fresh batch of local wines curated with care, and an atmosphere ripe for conversation and new connections.
A couple of weeks ago, I ventured out toward Commerce Street. I sauntered toward Commerce Street, enveloped by the city's cool, seductive charm. As I rounded the corner, a beautiful red dress and heels eased up on the curb in front of me as I passed by the Sassy Lady boutique. Our pace was in perfect step as we both drifted into the Inspire and were greeted by Aundrea Wilcox.
Aundrea, the evening's muse, shared her inspiration with a reflective smile. "I saw something like this in another city and knew Kingsport needed its own version," she said with determination and passion, which has influenced many businesses and entrepreneurs in the region. From her role at the Chamber to the KOSBE awards, she now channels her creativity into portrait photography and these enchanting poetry nights.
Another reason I was looking forward to this night was the opportunity to hear Maurice Butler cultivate his new endeavor as a musical therapist. He unfolded cables and connected his laptop, preparing for a night of smooth jazz. It describes it like a balm for the soul, and together with his tracks, keyboard, and bass, he adds a deep ambient atmosphere to this vibrant new space.
Part of getting outside and exploring downtown is the chance to run into one of those surprising meet-ups with an old friend. I caught a glimpse of him at the bar in the back of the room. After more than 30 years with the Kingsport Fire Department, Kevin surprised me a bit with that sage-like salt-and-pepper beard. Engrossed in his smartphone, he was tracking something that would reveal itself later.
We sampled whiskey blends while Aundrea orchestrated the evening's flow. She approached a table with Rotesia Sutton, a poet from Jonesborough. Rotesia's book, Through the Eyes of Ro - These Sacred Scars, was in her lap as I introduced myself before taking a few photos. Her favorite poet? Pablo Neruda. Finding an immortal line from this poet doesn't take long —"Love is so short, forgetting is so long"—carries a timeless resonance.
When it comes to poetry, my relationship is a book of souls that includes a mashup between Hafiz, Virgil, Emerson, Collins, and Bukowski. I wouldn't call myself an academic or bohemian by any means, but I have read the future and the past.
The lady in red turned out to be a poet herself. Wendy Guzman shared how Aundrea had encouraged her to read, sharpening her presentation skills. Wendy, accompanied by Alexis Ferguson with her radiant afro and luminous smile, added her voice to the evening's poetry, captivating the room both performances.
Aundrea nudged Kevin into the spotlight, and to my surprise, he took the mic, sharing original poems that delved into themes of uncertainty, despair, and the ever-present specter of the grim reaper. His performance, set against Maurice's ambient jazz, transformed applause into the gentle rhythm of finger-snapping—a true mark of an eclectic gathering.
I was struck by Kevin Mitchell's transformation that night. This was a man I'd known through the years—a stalwart of Carson Newman, the Kingsport Times, The City of Kingsport, and the Kingsport Fire Department. A servant's heart, always present, had guided him through his roles, but hearing him speak his own words, sharing his poetry, revealed a new dimension to him. His soul, ever so cool, now expressed through verses that echoed with the same dedication he had shown in his service.
It was more than a revelation; it was a reminder of how we all evolve, shifting into new characters and expressions, each one uniquely Southern. In Downtown Kingsport, we're witnessing a profound, vibrant metamorphosis. People are channeling their deepest selves, painting their lives with shades of authenticity and creativity that reflect the Spirit of Kingsport. It's an ever-changing tapestry stitched into the threads of our past and the vibrant colors of our present selves.
So there you have it—Kingsport's creative spark is alight, poised to grow into a roaring flame. It might not blaze every weekend, but October's poetry night is already marked on my calendar. What moves me most is witnessing my friends bloom in this small town, turning their passions into vivid realities.
Hanging out at Inspire was truly inspiring. It was a chance to connect with old friends and a new wave of creatives. As usual, I can't wait to see what happens next.
