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Discover How Poetry Came First for Tank Ball and Shaped Her Music

Update A Journey from Poetry to Performance: The Heart of Tank Ball Tarriona “Tank” Ball, the radiant leader of New Orleans’ multifaceted group, Tank and the Bangas, has always had a way with words. Before the music filled her voice, it was poetry that paved the way for her artistic journey. This Sunday, May 17, at the Reinberger Chamber Hall, fans can join her alongside jazz giant Terence Blanchard for an afternoon dedicated to the intertwining arts of Courage and Poetry. The Inspirational Roots of Tank Ball’s Poetry Tank first fell in love with poetry at the tender age of twelve. She stumbled upon her sister’s diary, which contained profound reflections that captured her imagination. "For a lot of people, their favorites are Nikki Giovanni or Maya Angelou, but my favorite was my big sister," Tank reflects. This early inspiration transformed her into a thoughtful poet, unafraid to tackle heavy themes that often belied her age. With a voice that has evolved alongside her poetry, Tank emphasizes that her first love was always words—an essential truth echoed in her debut poetry collection, Vulnerable AF. This book, a candid exploration of love and life, showcases the emotional depth she crafted through many sleepless nights and heartfelt moments. The Transition: Melding Music with Words Ball’s transition from poetry to music was a natural progression. Initially, she sought to amplify her words through melody: "I started asking for things, and they started coming to me," she recalls, highlighting her journey from a solitary poet to the vibrant frontwoman of a band. 2013 marked a significant milestone with the release of their first album, Think Tank, showcasing just how seamlessly her poetic voice melded with the dynamic sounds of funk, soul, and rock. The Grammy-winning album, The Heart, The Mind, the Soul, encapsulates this journey as it won Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, further bridging the gap between poetry and music, something Ball insists is very much alive in her creative process. Creating Community Through Creative Expression Tank recognizes the importance of connection within the arts. She states, "If COVID taught us anything, it’s that we are nothing without our fans." The pandemic provided artists with a reality check, highlighting their need for live interactions and the energy of shared experiences. "Who wants to make music for the phone?" she explains. The forthcoming album, The Last Balloon, is shaped by the laughter and joy of in-person performances. Even the album's first single, "Move," aims to connect with listeners both physically and emotionally. The song, enriched with a smooth groove, reflects Tank’s desire for community—as she expresses a longing for her partner while also resonating with broader experiences of love and distance. Empathy and Understanding Through Music In her performances, Tank often contemplates the diversity of her audience and how it influences her storytelling. She describes the difference as akin to experiencing "a revival tent" with her band, contrasted to the personal confessions during her solo spoken word performances. "It's a kind of church, a sanctuary," she says, emphasizing the sacred space that music creates between artist and audience. This connection is especially vital when reflecting on themes that resonate with her own experiences and the collective journey we embark on through love and loss. An Evening of Healing and Expression As Tank prepares for her event this weekend, she invites her audience to partake in not just a concert, but a shared experience of healing, community, and creativity. This event promises to celebrate the artistic journey from poetry to song, where themes of vulnerability, love, and shared histories will undoubtedly capture the hearts of all attending. In a world dominated by screens, personal storytelling and live music serve as a powerful reminder of human connection and emotional resonance. To immerse yourself in the profound artistry of Tank Ball and Terence Blanchard, mark your calendars for May 17, and prepare for an unforgettable afternoon filled with courage, creativity, and community.