With so many poetry and open mic night events blossoming in London it can be easy to think that the scene has become over-saturated. This may be the case for some but the iconic event, Groove Verse, says otherwise. Ran by organisers Henry Beckwith and James Booth, this duo has curated one of the most beautiful spaces that fuses live improvised jazz with spoken word. They have raised the bar when it comes to providing entertainment through artistic expression, and people can’t get enough.
Groove Verse have been supporting both musicians and poets since their inception in 2021. Fast forward to 2023, they have sold out over 13 shows in their home venue, Toulouse Latrec, and collaborated with some of the best creatives London has to offer. The duo have found the perfect balance between improvised jazz and spoken word that has inspired many to take their art one step further. What really makes this event so special is the range of opportunities that they provide for musicians. Their diverse team include drummers, bass players, and pianists that accompany poets on stage as they recite their stories.
We’re unashamedly trying to mainstream spoken word. Groove Verse’s aim is growth and music is the key to that.
Henry Beckwith aka Ted Temple – Groove Verse
The process behind the launch of Groove Verse was a simple one. Henry and James felt as if the art of spoken word wasn’t as appreciated as it should be. In the US, spoken word holds a higher level of popularity compared to the UK and the duo wanted to bridge that gap. Surrounded by many talented musicians, it was a no-brainer to incorporate both arts together to create an experience that people keep coming back for.
To go to America and host a show would be one of the greatest things for Groove Verse. It would prove our mission to be successful and we would be representing the talent of the UK spoken word and jazz scene.
James Booth – Groove Verse
After a successful run of London events the Groove Verse team is looking to expand its reach to new cities whilst giving new and established musicians more opportunities to perform live. They have already taken Manchester by storm, hosting an epic event at the Band on the Wall, and they have been featured on BBC Radio Manchester for the electric energy that they’ve introduced to the city. They have plans to take to the stage in Bristol and potentially set up another space in London. Spoken word has become more widespread over recent years and Groove Verse aims to pave the way for more creatives to gain mainstream opportunities within the art through events and quality content creation for their performers.
We enjoy spreading the word of spoken word by combining it with the best talent on the London jazz scene.
James Booth – Groove Verse
Featuring at the Farrago Festival at Brixton Jamm on the 23rd July, Groove Verse is back to doing what they do best with their live band and a great line-up of talented poets. Their previous features have included Manchester based poets Skittles, Griot Gabriel, and others such as Myndstate and Temi Spoken Word. They will be back in Toulouse Lautrec for their regular Groove Verse event on the 26th July which will be headlined by the brilliant Nego True. Four poets will compete in an audience vote for the chance to headline their next London show; a clever incentive for the spoken word artists that want to try something new. Tickets to both events are out now.
Creative Director & Writer: Tannika Taylor – @tannikataylor
Photographer: Seun Sontan – @seunsontana
Groove Verse Team:
Henry Beckwith aka Ted Temple – @tedtemple_
James Booth – @jmsbth
Wordplay & Flow 