There are many outlets for individuals to express themselves be it impressionistic artwork, political debates, poetry, sports or fashion.

The Carpetbag Theatre in Knoxville promotes individual expression through spoken words, music and performance.

The intimate setting, dim lights and soulful beats are the perfect elements for the performer's to show raw emotion through words, expressions and movements.

"As a University of Tennessee student, it is easy to get sucked into the commercialism and convenience of the Strip since it is so accessible," said Erin Bernstein, a first time listener.  But if you crave art and culture, you truly have to seek it out. The poetry slam was the perfect escape. It was intimate, raw and inspiring. -Erin Berstein

Since the founding of the Carpetbag Theater at Knoxville College in 1970, the organization's mission is to give artistic voice to the issues and dreams of people who have been silenced by racism, classism, sexism, ageism, homophobia and forms of oppression.

The performers express intimate details of past adversities that spark reflection in the listener in which each word brings memories of one's own struggles and the angst, hurt or desire felt.

The performances allow us to "hear other people, see other people, and feel other people," Kelle Jolly, a guest performer and local Knoxville musician, said.

The show features works by members of the Carpetbag Theater members like Star Rutherford, whose talent encompasses playing, singing and verse.

At the age of 13, music became a passion that has propelled him through the life of an African American who found his voice rather than robbing homes.

Performer Michael Merchant's larger than life personality fills the stage with happiness, spunk and endless positive energy.

The robust depth of his voice is simply divine, and leaves listeners grinning ear to ear.

The show, although not a religious experience, was spiritually enlightening, both lifting burdens and raising spirits.

Even first time visitors felt like family by the time the evening was over, as everyone left with hugs, happiness and hope for the day ahead.

"There's something about a poetry slam that causes a bit of discomfort. Perhaps it is the intimidation of a talented poet; perhaps it is the content of his or her poem; perhaps it's feeling antsy because you really want to go up to the microphone and share something of yours, but you just don't have the confidence yet."

"Either way, I kind of liked that feeling, that feeling of stepping out of my comfort zone and into this black box where I found myself immediately connecting with the strangers around me and the words they so beautifully put together. For that reason, I would go again," Bernstein said.

Students with a desire to share or perform their own works or listen to pieces by others, have the opportunity to attend a Carpetbag Theater at the Three Flights Gallery in Knoxville as part of the monthly first Friday festivities.

"Artists like plants, need food, water and people to grow," Jolly said.

The Carpetbag Theater provides students with an outlet to share their feelings, lay down their burdens and support those around them.