The Omnibus

Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: Gallery

Media Credit: www.subscene.no Poet Bradley Hathaway performs his poetry with music in Joplin. Hathaway performed Sept. 21 at the Foundry. [Click to enlarge]

When most people think of a poet they might imagine a person who meets in an English building to discuss the best metaphor to describe a leaky kitchen sink or ponder over the best way to write a poem about writing a poem. Poet Bradley Hataway, however, performs most of his work in crowed concert halls and outdoor arenas and has toured with music groups such as Underoath, Blindside and various other acts.
Hathaway, whose writings range from poems that reflect the spirit of the Sermon on the Mount to ridiculing a hard core concert scene kid, has recently expanded his repertoire to include songs.
On Friday, Sept. 21 Hathaway preformed his newer work at The Foundry. The Foundry, a Christian venue in Joplin, also hosted the band Mother 33 and other acts with Hathaway. Bradley's performance included "So Do I Love You", "I Got Pain" and "Dakota", which will be on his new album, released Oct. 12 "The things poets write about".
The crowd at The Foundry was fairly small including about 50 fans. This allowed for Hathaway to be a little more intimate than he would normally be. After about three songs, he stopped and recited "The Hug Poem", which is a poem asking Jesus for a hug to heal his brokenness. He played a few more songs then asked the crowd what poems they wanted to hear. During this part of his performance he recited "Celebration Wedding" and "There is Hope".
"If you are hurting, your hurt will cease
If you are restless, you will find peace
If you are empty, you will be filled
All of these doubts, they'll be stilled" are verses from "Celebration wedding.
Following his show, Bradley invited everyone outside to the parking lot where he recited "The Annoying Hardcore Dude Who Goes to Far."
Hathaway's overall performance was filled with excitement and energy. Despite his hectic travel schedule and demanding tour, he was able to transcend to the audience's hearts his love for Christ and his childlike spirit. Some have criticized his musical performances as inadequate, yet they came off flawlessly and he displayed a growing ability to play the guitar and sing. He demonstrated his ability as a performer and his passion to entertain other people.
The show was worth every penny of the $28 I spent to get there.

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