For over a decade, she has stood strong as an Artist and leading Poet, performing at L.A.’s most favored Spoken Word venues. Affectionately known as “Miss Gia”, Poetess/Author/Songwriter Gia Scott-Heron prepares for a special poetry slam honoring her legendary father, Gil Scott-Heron, on June 16.  Armed with endearing new poems, heartfelt songs, and a fresh perspective, she’s ready to step to the mic and rise as usual.  We asked her how she felt about performing so soon after his passing.  Beaming with love and inspiration, she simply stated, “It’s time to smash!”

SolShock:  What inspired  your latest project?

Gia:  My latest project is my CD (still an ongoing process).  It’s called “Different from the Majority” and it’s all about setting myself a part from other artists, including my phenomenal Father!  It unearths the good, the bad, and the ugly, but I also express what I think is good about me, and unique about me in a positive way.  It’s the stuff I wanted to say, but didn’t get a chance to in my last album.  I wanted to express that even though I am Gil Scott-Heron’s daughter, I am not Gil Scott-Heron himself!  He is a legend in his own right, and now is the time for me to branch off from that foundation.  They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but I don’t see myself as that apple.  Rather, I see myself as a strong limb branching off from the tree trunk that my Father grew out of his own literary genius!  I hope that makes sense.  I am a part of him, as he will always be a part of me, but I am still my own distinct entity…so maybe I am the apple…lol!  But I still feel very closely connected to my Father and his messages of working for peace and for freedom (real freedom as opposed to the illusion of freedom).  I’m also looking to have fun with this album.  The first album (entitled “Souletree”) was a learning curve.  This time, I’m ready to cut loose and play around with stuff!

SolShock:  What makes you radiant?

Gia:  I think what makes me radiant is my smile, and my inner strength.  If you look at me, I’m this skinny little thing, but I’m like an ant dude, I can withstand A LOT!  What makes me radiant, is that I always keep finding reasons to smile . . . and that stuff’s contagious (smiling).  It’s contagious in a good way!

SolShock: What was your most recent happy discovery?

Gia: My last happy discovery was finding out how blessed I am to be surrounded by such good friends and family.  Without them, I would not have been able to recover from learning of my Father’s recent passing, and then having to write his obituary and make arrangements for Memorial Services!  I am so thankful that everyone kept praying for me, and sending me positive energy, and just . . .BEING there for me!  Really being there, and letting me rant, and vent, and rage, and cry, and do whatever else I was feeling.  That’s when you need your friends and family the most, when you lose someone.  To know that I am blessed with true friendship and a wonderful family . . . that is a VERY happy discovery!

Thursday, June 16

8:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

The Damn Slam hosted by
Damnyo, featuring Gia Scott-Heron and guests.

The Attic Theatre
5429 Washington Blvd. LA, CA 90016 Email for more info: Damnmoviesnslam@yahoo.com.  For upcoming poetry events, news, music and more Visit Miss Gia’s website.