Ashford Tea Company debuts Poet-Tea, an evening of food, music and spoken word in Savannah
In a world of go, go, go, faster, faster, faster, Wayne Ashford wants us to slow down, breathe, and be in the moment. He’s got an idea about how to do that, too.
Ashford is kicking off a brand new art and culture series at his downtown shop, Ashford Tea Company. The monthly event highlights different artists, musicians, poets, and authors hosted by writer and poet, Brandy Simpkins.
This Friday, Ashford Tea Company debuts Poet-Tea, featuring the spoken word of Simpkins. A variety of teas and an array of vegan and conventional tea sandwiches and desserts round out the evening.
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Ashford, who opened his tearoom at the end of 2018, believes art and tea go hand in hand in integrating mind, body, and spirit for total wellness. With more than 30 years in the tea business, Ashford has experienced the power of great tea in improving health.
“Tea is about maintaining balance, well-being, and healing,” said Ashford. “It brings people together and lends itself to space for slowing down and appreciating who and what is around you. Pairing an evening of art, music, and spoken word with tea and quality desserts enhances social wellbeing. My aim is to create an experience in which people can connect with art and those around them in a meaningful and memorable way.”
The flow will go something like this: Ashford welcomes everyone — no more than 20 guests — then prepares and serves tea. He introduces Simpkins, the featured artist, while visual artist, Margie Marie, creates a live painting inspired by the night’s music and musings.
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A freelance journalist and Savannah State graduate, Simpkins met Ashford last November when she was working on a news story about the teashop. The two hit it off and kept in touch, untied in friendship by their mutual respect for poetry.
“He asked what I liked, and I immediately replied, poetry,” recalled Simpkins.
“We had a great conversation about the power of words to motivate and inspire and we thought that kind of experience could be shared at his shop as an event. My goal is to get people thinking and going to the depths for reflection and healing. And enjoying the company of people.”
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Simpkins is the featured artist for May; each month after, she’ll host and begin the event with some of her work. Ashford is especially looking forward to it, as the evening symbolizes things being almost back to normal.
“It feels good to be able to gather together again,” emphasized Ashford.
“People need people and opportunities for expression and exchange because we are all innately works of art that need interaction for new insight. In that regard, tea is its own kind of art that flourishes within the company of others. Tea and art help give life purpose, and these must also, inherently, be shared.”
IF YOU GO
What: Poet Tea
Where: Ashford Tea Company, 406 E. Oglethorpe Ave
When: Friday from 7-9 p.m., and every third Friday of each month
Cost: $40 tickets at website