Yesterday, I had the pleasure of taking the red line to Dorchester to perform at my alma mater: UMass-Boston, the best school in the whole world. Or one of. Let’s just say one of, so it don’t sound like I’m dissing other schools.

It was put together by the Counseling Center and various other folks, and featured student performances from Janet Vo and Son-Ca Lam, who I first met when she was a sophomore in high school. Janet was performing for the first time in public, and said she was partially motivated to do so because of a certain show that happened at UMB last year featuring Bao Phi and some other Asian guy. I forget his name, but I remember thinking he was incredibly talented and handsome.

So I was proud to have seen people from my community here in the Boston area standing up and doing the do.

Also performing at the event was my man Afro DZ ak. I don’t see him that much because both our schedules are hecka busy, but when I do get a chance to vibe with him, it’s always a good time. I like seeing my other Boston folks on the scene because that’s something we got here that most places don’t have is that folks here back up the talk. It ain’t just about telling folks to do good work in the community; it’s about being a part of doing that work too.

I was cracking up about Afro D giving crowd participation instructions and going “When I point my trumpet at you…” I don’t even know why that’s funny, but I guess it’s because I’ve never heard anyone say that sentence before.

Anyway, afterward, we did a short Q&A session in which I babbled about something I don’t remember. It made me realize that the way I think and the way I write is mad different. My pieces generally are pretty straight forward. My thoughts in real time are the exact opposite. It can be hard to see how one point relates to another, even for me.

Good to see my buddy Gee from CAPAY at the event, and also the legendary Peter Kiang.

Much thanks to the folks who put it together, including Rebecca and Christian. Also especially Sue Lambe, who represents not only UMass-Boston, but Swirl Boston. Holla!

Doing an event at Boston College tonight. Then more shows on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. And so it begins. See yall soon.