SLAMtario: Spoken Word & Poetry Slam in Ontario

Burlington Slam Projects Tri-versary

2011-06-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

That’s right! This next slam (Thursday July 21st) BSP turns 3 and we want you to come celebrate with us!

As usual we are having an open mic, slam, and feature performer. This month our Feature is David Perez. David has toured and slammed all over the world and has realeased his first poetry book “Love in a Time of Robot Apocalypse” (which hopefully will be for sale at the slam). Read more about him on our blog.

For an extra dose of fun this month will be our first ever “Anything Goes Slam”. That means slammers can use props, costumes, musical instruments, and do covers! The only rule still in effect is the time limit (3 min 10 sec) because as much as we all LOVE poetry the bar does close eventually!

Don’t think the fun stops there! We will also be making a few more special announcements the night of the slam. So you have to come out to find out!

As always, the night kicks off at 8pm and cover is only $5 (Only $5?????)

Until next time…
…Spread the word!

Guelph Poetry Slam - Sat. Feb. 20th @ 7pm

2010-02-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

GPS visits the E-Bar on Sat. Feb. 20. Poet sign-up 7pm. Hosted by Truth Is … Featuring Andrea Thompson.
Andrea Thompson is truly a Goddess of Spoken Word.

You must come and speak with this women, listen to the words of this women, and engulf yourself in her magic. Andrea is one of the most well known spoken word poets in Canada. Her performances are electric and unique – blending elements of jazz, dub, hip-hop and traditional literary verse into a style all her own.

And yes! Guelph poets you’re welcomed to share your style. Come Come Come!!! We want to hear your poetry. Bring one piece for the open mic or two for the Poetry Slam - we only have 10 spots, so come early. We need to hear your VOICE. For poetry slam rules check out our website at guelphspokenword.com

The details:
Slam Prize: $100
Date: Sat. Feb. 20
NEW TIME: 7pm-Doors + Poet sign-up
NEW VENUE: E-BAR (41 Quebec Street)
Cover: $10 - Volunteers $5
Feature: Andrea Thompson
Host: Truth Is ...

Can make it out of the house? In a different city? Watch the slam on-line with our live-stream at http://www.blogtv.com/People/WriterDryden

Preview Andrea Thompson at:

» http://www.myspace.com/andreathompsononline

» http://bchannelnews.tv/?p=2465

»http://video.google.ca/videosearch?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4ADBF_enCA305CA355&q="Andrea%20Thompson"%20poet%20video&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=aAcYS8qaM9PIlAe43bnvAg&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CBYQqwQwAw#sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4ADBF_enCA305CA355&q=%22Andrea+Thompson%22+poet+video&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=aAcYS8qaM9PIlAe43bnvAg&sa=X&oi=video_+result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CBYQqwQwAw&qvid=%22Andrea+Thompson%22+poet+video&vid=-2512064988699371

» http://www.andreathompson.ca/

SLAMTario - December '09 Edition

2009-12-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

Last update for '09. Lots of great things happening. If I'm missing an event then PLEASE let me know in the comments and I'll be sure to add you to the next months bulletin.

Capital Slam (Ottawa)
Mercury Lounge (56 Byward Market Sq, Ottawa, On)
Happens twice a month. Doors usually open @ 6:30 & starts @ 7 with a $7 cover. For more details check the Capital Slam website or email INFO AT CAPITALSLAM DOT COM.

Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam
Thursday December 10th
Cajun Attic (349 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, On)
Hosted by Josie Frank
Feature: Ritallin
Doors / sign-up @ 7:30 & starts @ 8 with a $5 cover.
Check their Facebook group above or call (613) 252-1777 for more details.

Lanark County
On hiatus until January 2010. In the meantime, join their group on Facebook.

Peterborough Slam
The Spill (414 George St N, Peterborough, ON)
Always the 4th Thursday of the month. Check the blog close to the date for more information like who the feature will be.
Signup @ 7:30, starting @ 8 and a $5/PWYC cover.

Toronto Poetry Slam
Danielle Gregoire (from Ottawa)
December 19th
Drake Hotel Underground (1150 Queen St W, Toronto, On)
Sign-up @ 7:30, Starts @ 8
Cover $5

Toronto's $100 Slam
The Rearview Mirror (193 Baldwin Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1M1)
You can find more details for the event by checking the Facebook group or souljahras AT gmail DOT com

Burlington Slam Project
Moe Clark
December 17th
Fireside Lounge @ The Black Bull Pub(1124 Guelph Line, Burlington, On)
Sign-up @ 8, Open Mic @ 8:30 and Slam to follow
Cover $5

Guelph Poetry Slam
Moe Clark
December 19th
Guelph Googenheim (129 Woolwich St, Guelph, On) Behind Taylor Music
Doors/Sign-up @ 8, Open Mic @ 8:30, Slam @ 9, Dancing afterward
Cover $10

London Poetry Slam
Moe Clark
December 18th
London Music Club (470 Colborne St, London, On)
Doors open @ 8
Sign-up @ 8:45
Starts @ 9
Cover $5

Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam is BACK in a NEW VENUE!

2009-11-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

BB123 Slam - December Edition

Canada's only regularly-running poetry slam series in the 1-2-3 format is moving! Come and check us out in our new venue at the Cajun Attic in Ottawa's Byward Market. Bring your 1-minute, 2-minute and 3-minute poems or just come to cheer on Ottawa's very best spoken word artists while sampling the best Louisiana Cajun food in town! The winner of the slam claims Bill Brown.

And if you don't know who Bill Brown is, you better ask somebody!

Cytopoetics presents Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam
Thursday, December 10
Cajun Attic - 349 Dalhousie Street (at George)
7:30 pm doors/poet sign-up; showtime at 8 pm
Featuring Ritallin
Hosted by Josie Frank
$5 at the door
Call (613) 252-1777 for more info

The SLAMTario Monthly Bulletin: November 2009

2009-11-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Better late than never is what I keep telling myself. Here is your information on regular slams in Ontario. IF there is one not listed here then PLEASE let me know in the comments and I'll be sure to add you to the next months bulletin.

Capital Slam (Ottawa)

Mercury Lounge (56 Byward Market Sq, Ottawa, On)
Still no details on exact dates and features. But doors usually open @ 6:30 & starts @ 7 with a $7 cover. For more details check the Capital Slam website or email INFO AT CAPITALSLAM DOT COM.

Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam

Avant Garde Bar & Gift Shop (135 1/2 Besserer St, Ottawa, On)
It probably happened already. Last month was the 8th. So it prolly went down on the 12th? Regardless, sign-up @ 7:30 & starts @ 8 with a $5 cover. Check their Facebook group above for more details.

Lanark County

After a strong showing at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word in Victoria last week I believe they are taking a break until the new year.

Kingston Slam

Unless I hear otherwise this puppy is coming off the list. Even the Facebook group seems dead.

Peterborough Slam

The Spill (414 George St N, Peterborough, ON)
Still no firm info here. I'd venture a guess to say it will be November 26th with signup @ 7:30, starting @ 8 and a $5/PWYC cover.

Toronto Poetry Slam - 4yr Anniversary

Electric Jon
November 21st
Drake Hotel Underground (1150 Queen St W, Toronto, On)
Sign-up @ 7:30
Starts @ 8
Cover $5

Toronto's $100 Slam

Nth Digri (from Ottawa)
November 29th
I forgot to write down the information on when & where. But you can find details for the event by checking the Facebook group or souljahras AT gmail DOT com

Burlington Slam Project

Ntare Ali Gault
November 19th
1124 Guelph Line, Burlington, On)
Sign-up @ 7:45
Starts @ 8
Cover $5

Guelph Poetry Slam

Ntare Ali Gault
November 21st
Guelph Googenheim (129 Woolwich St, Guelph, On) Behind Taylor Music
Doors/Sign-up @ 8
Open Mic @ 8:30
Slam @ 9
Cover $5-10

London Poetry Slam

Robert Pries
November 20th
London Music Club (470 Colborne St, London, On)
Doors open @ 8
Sign-up @ 8:30
Starts @ 9
Cover $5

Poetry Slam's in Ontario are on the map!

2009-10-07T12:22:00.000-07:00

So I've wanted to add us to the list of slams on the PSi website for some time but never got around to it. There was this form to fill out for contact info and I didn't want to bother contacting each Slammaster individually to see what details and contact info they wanted added.

Right now they are working on updating the list but have created a Google Map where people can add their own slams. So I added all the slams I have addresses for.

The SLAMtario Monthly Bulletin: October 2009

2009-10-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome back fans of spoken word for an update on your monthly slam's across Ontario. This month we'll do it East to West. If we don't have all the details there is a link or an email address where you can get more information. As you can see, this month's favourite feature is Seven Dollar Bill.

Capital Slam (Ottawa)

Mercury Lounge (56 Byward Market Sq, Ottawa, On)
Doors @ 6:30
Starts @ 7
Cover $7
For more details check the Capital Slam website or email INFO AT CAPITALSLAM DOT COM.

Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam

Emily Kwissa
October 8th
Avant Garde Bar & Gift Shop (135 1/2 Besserer St, Ottawa, On)
Sign-up @ 7:30
Starts @ 8
Cover $5

Lanark County

7 Dollar Bill
October 21st
For more details check their
Facebook Group.

Kingston Slam

Please let me know (comment or email) if this slam is still running. Check out their Facebook Group for more details.

Peterborough Slam

Brendan Mcleod
October 29th
The Spill (414 George St N, Peterborough, ON)
Signup @ 7:30
Starts @ 8
Cover $5/PWYC

Toronto Poetry Slam

7 Dollar Bill
October 17th
Drake Hotel Underground (1150 Queen St W, Toronto, On)
Sign-up @ 7:30
Starts @ 8
Cover $5

Toronto's $100 Slam

Luciano I.
Oct. 11th
For more details check the Facebook group or souljahras AT gmail DOT com

Burlington Slam Project

7 Dollar Bill
October 15th
Black Bull (1124 Guelph Line, Burlington, On)
Sign-up @ 7:45
Starts @ 8
Cover $5

Guelph Poetry Slam

Alexandra Oliver
October 17th
Guelph Googenheim (129 Woolwich St, Guelph, On) Behind Taylor Music
Doors/Sign-up @ 8
Open Mic @ 8:30
Slam @ 9
Cover $5-10

London Poetry Slam

7 Dollar Bill
October 24th
London Music Club (470 Colborne St, London, On)
Doors open @ 6
Sign-up @ 6:30
Starts @ 7
Cover $5

Guelph Poetry Slam: October

2009-10-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Here we go again!
If your ears are still sizzling from Tomy 'Bam Bam' Bewick's last performance - you're not the only one! But October is coming up on us fast and the Guelph Spoken Word team is getting ready to bring you another night of amazing spoken word poetry! Alexander Oliver has style like no other feature poet at the Guelph Poetry Slam. And yes this fashion is wordsmith sexy.

So save the date!

Sat. Oct. 17^th

8pm

At the Guelph Googenheim

(129 Woolwich Street, underneath Gordon Taylor Music)

*** WHAT IS A POETRY SLAM? ***
A poetry slam is a night filled with spoken word poetry and competition...but winning isn't the point, the poetry is the point.
There will be a open mic for any poet of any age or from any walk of life to come up to the stage - and then, the SLAM! Poets will compete for the audience's approval over a 2 round poetry slam! They will deliver their poems in under 3 minutes, 10 seconds and will be scored by the judges! The winner will receive a gift certificate for a 60min massage from Selina Mullins and the coveted Twinkie!

So be prepared to loosen those muscles while enjoying a sweet-licious treat.
You can choose to be a perform, you can choose to judge, but you will most certainly be floored by the wordplay coming from behind the microphone!
Door's open / poet sign-up: 8:00 PM
Open Mic: 8:30 PM
Poetry Slam: 9:00 PM
$10 at the door.

*** YOUTH ARE WELCOME! ***

After the slam, be ready for some dancing, conversation - and remember, the doors don't close until 2:00 AM - so get ready for some partying!

For more info on SLAM, SLAM rules and Guelph Spoken Word check out our facebook home page or website http://guelphspokenword.com

*** OUR FEATURE POET: ALEXANDER OLIVER! ***
Alexandra Oliver was born in Vancouver, B.C. in 1970. She attended the University of Toronto and received an M.A. in Drama in 1994. Her poems have appeared in numerous journals and publications worldwide, including Orbis Rhyme International, Nexus, Future Cycle Poetry, The Atlanta Review and The Vancouver Sun, as well as About.Com's Poems After The Attack anthology, a collection discussing and reflecting upon the aftermath of 9/11. Her first book, Where the English Housewife Shines (Tin Press, London, UK), was released in May, 2007.

Cash Rules Everything Around Me: 7 Dollar Bill Y'all

2009-09-24T05:09:00.000-07:00

Hey spoken word enthusiasts, just a head's up that Sean McGarragle and Chris Gilpin are coming to town and that they still have a few dates free for booking. If you want to book them, for a show or a workshop, email Chris at videochris at gmail dot com, no show is too big or too small. Here are their dates so far:

October 14th BAM! Toronto Youth Slam
October 15th The Burlington Slam Project
October 16th – AVAILABLE, BOOK US!
October 17th The Toronto Poetry Slam
October 18th – AVAILABLE, BOOK US!
October 19th – AVAILABLE, BOOK US!
October 20th The Art Bar (Toronto)
October 21st Lanark County Poetry Slam
October 22nd Free Will's Oneness Showcase (workshop?)
October 23rd The Umi Cafe (Ottawa)
October 24th The London Poetry Slam

And a bit more about them...

What is the appropriate cost for six-pack of beer? Who do you end up with when you cross John A. MacDonald with Wilfred Laurier? How much do you always pay for cheese? What lurks in the hearts and minds of Canadians? You will know, once you’ve seen Seven Dollar Bill!

If you have questions about mythological creatures, toques, rotisserie mystery meat, socioeconomic policies, your mom, or international dating, come to the show, and they will be answered.

Seven Dollar Bill is Chris Gilpin and Sean McGarragle.

Sean McGarragle is the national slammaster of the Vancouver Poetry Slam, the current chair of SpoCan, and was a member of the 2006 Vancouver Poetry Slam Team. Sean has toured festivals, series and schools in Canada and the United States as a spoken word artist and storyteller and has shared stages with such spoken word stalwarts as Lillian Allen, Shane Koyczan, Dwayne Morgan, Andrea Thompson and Sheri-D Wilson.

Chris Gilpin (aka Faust McKenzie) is a two-time member of the Vancouver Poetry Slam Team (2008 & 2009), the runner-up in the 2008 Vancouver Individual Poetry Slam competition, the champion of Vancouver's 2008 Haiku Death Match, and winner of the Vancouver's 2009 CBC Poetry Face-off. Chris always encourages the audience to stick their finger in the wonder socket.

GUELPH POETRY SLAM - SAT. SEPT. 19

2009-09-13T05:23:00.000-07:00

We're coming up on another another amazing night of spoken word!

We'd like to welcome back all the students from the university - and say hello to the all the new faces!

For those of you who don't know, you can choose to sign up for the open-mic or sign-up to compete for the $100 prize!

You can choose to be a perform, you can choose to judge, but you will most certainly be floored by the wordplay coming from behind the microphone!

Door's open / poet sign-up: 8:00 PM
Open Mic: 8:30 PM
The $100 Poetry Slam: 9:00 PM
$10 - $5 sliding scale.

*** YOUTH ARE WELCOME! ***

We will have two rounds for the poetry slam, so be sure to have two pieces ready - but remember, you only have 3 minutes behind the microphone before point deductions!

After the slam, be ready for some dancing, conversation - and remember, the doors don't close until 2:00 AM - so get ready for some partying!

(Note: For more info on SLAM, SLAM rules and Guelph Spoken Word check out our facebook home page or website http://guelphspokenword.com)

Our feature performer for September is the incomparable Tomy Bewick!

He's definitely not the kind of poet who is going to let you zone out! Tomy has been known to wander through the room and even jump on chairs just to get his point across.

Check out Tomy's on-line videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCuei_tr_To&eurl=http://www.facebook.com/event.php%3Feid%3D152777440498&feature=player_embedded#t=20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMpMC0-c6sk

Check out Tomy's amazing bio:
Tomy "Bam Bam" Bewick is a hard-working family man who breathes poetry and performs death defying acts of vulnerability. Having featured and competed throughout Canada and the USA, Tomy is constantly seeking to grow as a poet, performer and person.

Tomy has produced 2 self-published poetry collections, 2 spoken-word CD’s and 3 seasons of independent clothing designs since emerging on stage in 2003. The creator/organizer for Open Minds Respect Events is also an original member of Toronto’s “Slam Family” collective, Toronto Poetry Project and the “Up From The Roots” Slam Team that placed second at the 2007 and 2008 Canadian Festival of Spoken Word.

Tomy seeks to spread social awareness and self esteem through youth initiatives and is constantly working towards catching up with his dreams. Tomy has recently started a new Spoken Word series in the suburbs, called the Burlington Slam Project, and continues to promote expression and art as mediums for mental and emotional well-being.

------------------------------

*** blogTV LIVESTEAMING INFORMATION! ***
Guelph Spoken Word, in conjunction with blogTV, will be livesteaming this whole event! Even if you can't physically make it out to the slam, there's no reason why you can't tune in online!

We go live at 8:00 PM on September 19th, and will be broadcasting all the way until the end of the slam! Check out the site here:

http://www.blogtv.com/People/writerdryden

And for those of you who missed the wonderful Krystle Mullin (who featured in August), you can check out her performance here:

http://www.blogtv.com/Shows/404919/b2_FYe3xaeXDb2XEZ_&pos=ancr

See you there!

Bill Brown celebrates a year of slam!

2009-09-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

The first anniversary show celebrating one year of Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam, Canada's only regularly running poetry slam in the 1-2-3 format. It takes place at Avant Garde in Ottawa's Byward Market on September 10, with poet sign-up at 7:30 pm and the slam at 8 pm SHARP.

Members of the Lanark County and Ottawa slam teams take on all comers in a head-to-head, 1-2-3 slam bonanza! Come and check out Ian Keteku, Poetic Speed, Open Secret. Brandon Wint, Rusty Priske, Tammy Mackenzie, Emily Kwissa, Ken Kicksee, Monica Squires and Danielle K.L. Gregoire in an event that's not to be missed!

If you think you have what it takes to come in against these slam titans to claim the big prize, then bring your best 1, 2 and 3 minute poems for the occasion (you'll need 4 poems altogether -- an extra 3-minute poem if you make the final round is necessary for this special BB123 Slam). And if you walk in and win, you claim TWO Bill Browns! Yes, that's right, Bill ... and his twin!

All the proceeds from the show (including the final prize if one of the slam team members wins the event) will be contributed towards the cost of plane tickets for both teams to attend CFSW 2009 in Victoria!

And if you don't know who Bill Brown is ... you better ask somebody!

1st Anniversary Double Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Head-to-Head Fundraiser Slam
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Poet sign-up @ 7:30 p.m. - showtime @ 8 p.m. SHARP
Avant Garde Bar & Gift Shop
135 1/2 Besserer Street (@ Dalhousie)
Featuring the Ottawa and Lanark County Slam Teams
Proceeds to 2009 Canadian Festival of Spoken Word
$8 at the door

Confirm your attendance on Facebook. See you there!

Guelph Poetry Slam

2009-08-05T18:46:00.001-07:00

Saturday August 15, 2009

Guelph Poetry Slam!

Come one come all to the Guelph Poetry Slam! An evening of spoken word, playful competition, and community fun. Feature poet Krystle Mullin will be gracing the stage with her raspy political style. Three time member of the Toronto Slam team and performer at the local Eden Mills Writers’ Festival she is bound to inspire. Come to perform, come to be a judge, come to enjoy! There is an amazing $100 prize for the August Slam Champion. Youth Welcome

Where: The Guelph Googenheim (129 Woolwich Street, underneath Gordon Taylor Music)

When: Saturday August 15^th

^{8pm: Poet sign-up}

8:30pm: Open Mic

9pm Slam

11pm Feature Poet

Onward… chatting, dancing, and chilling

Cost: $10-$5 Sliding Scale

For more information on Poetry Slam rules or Guelph Spoken Word check out our website: http://guelphspokenword.com and facebook page. Contact us at guelphspokenword@gmail.com.

Guelph Poetry SLAM - July

2009-07-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Hello!

Lovely people.

That's right Guelph Spoken Word is hosting another wonderful Poetry Slam.

Happening in only One Week (yes, yes the third Saturday of the month like always) on Saturday July 18th.

We will be celebrating the break between poetry slam rounds with a wonderful, frigin' fantastic poet from London, ON; Steph SLY!!!

Currently a member of the London Poetry Slam team she will be competing in Vancouver at the Canadian National Poetry SLAM in October. She competed in the 2008 National competition on the Wild Card Team, making it to the final round of competition. She is a storyteller that will make you close your eyes and reply with assertion.

Bring your poetry to the open mic

Bring your poetry to the Slam.

Come to be a judge.

Come and enjoy our Spoken Word Artists

Come and chat with cool folk from Guelph!!!

Saturday July 18th

The Guelph Googenheim, 129 Woolwich Street (underneath Gordon Taylor Music)

Youth Welcome

$10-$5 Sliding Scale

SLAM PRIZE - $100 from the Salsateria

Poet Sign-up 8pm

Open Mic 8:30

SLAM, feature performer Steph SLY, talking and chillin' to follow!!!

The Guelph Spoken Word Crew*

For SLAM rules check out our website at: http://guelphspokenword.com

The SLAMTario Bulletin: July 2009

2009-07-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

Well folks, better late than never! Here is the low down on Poetry Slams in Ontario for July.

Lanark County

July 26th @ HerbFest
2 - 3 pm LiPS will be performing
http://www.lanarkcountylips.com/

Toronto Poetry Slam

Sat July 11th @ The Drake
7:30 Sign up 8:00 Show
Feature: Brendan McLeod
$10 cover
http://torontopoetryslam.com/

Burlington

Thurs July 16/23 @ TBA
7:30 Sign Up 8:00 Show
Feature: Dream Chasers (see facebook group)
$5 Cover
http://burlingtonslam.wordpress.com/

Guelph

Sat July 18th @ the Guelph Googenheim Behind Gordon Taylor Music
Doors 7:30 Show/SignUp 8:30
Feature: ?????????? + Dance music after
$5 to $10 Cover
http://guelphspokenword.com/

London

Tuesday July 21st
Black Shire Pub
Sign up 7:30 Slam 8 (Short Open Mic to start)
Feature: Nathanael Larochette
$5 Cover
http://londonpoetryslam.ca

SLAMTario Bulletin: The Rest of June 2009

2009-06-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

London

June 19th -FINALS-
London Poetry Slam
London Music Club, 470 Colborne St.
Doors Open 7pm, Slam 8pm
Featuring the incredible SHIHAN (www.shihansback.com)
PWYC $5 minimum
www.freewebs.com/londonpoetryslam

Toronto

June 21st (remember, a Sun. night this time)
Toronto Poetry Slam-
Drake Underground (1150 Queen St. W.)
Signup 7:30, Slam 8
Featuring 6 is 9 from St. Paul, MN
$5 at the door
http://www.torontopoetryslam.com/

BURLINGTON SLAM PROJECT June 18th - CHANGE NOTICE

2009-06-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

"Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement" - William Pollard

We are certainly not strangers to the concept of change. Last month we had a last minute Feature cancellation, this month we have a venue complication. This month our venue, Honey West, has double booked for Thursday night. Apparently they had the other group on the calendar longer so we're SOL (Sadly Over Lubricated).

"For anything worth having one must pay the price" - John Burroughs

We STRONLY believe having a place to express ourselves through words, here in Burlington is very worthwhile. Our benfactor, Tomy Bewick, doesn't understand the term "quit" and so I have sourced an alternative venue that is just around the corner... We have booked the "Empire Room" at the Queens Head Pub (http://www.thequeenshead.ca/) which is at 400 Brant Street.

They don't really know we're having a slam, but I told them that we would have 20 to 30 people eating and drinking so please don't make a liar out of me...

Come on through, check out our KILLER FEATURE - "Shihan", and when we pass the hat or ask for your $5 just remember we're trying to bring you a show that you can't get anywhere else in the suburbs!

If you need directions or have any questions check out our facebook event page (http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1176790261131&f=1&e=-12#/event.php?eid=92979257390).

Peace, blessing, and hope to see you there!

BURLINGTON SLAM PROJECT - June 18th

2009-06-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

Join us Thursday June 18th for our monthly Open Mic and Poetry Slam;

We're in the back room at Honey West in downtown Burlington,
399 Elizabeth St. (Google map link)

we encourage all types of musicians, MC's, singers, comedians etc to come share their talents and sign up for the open mic

we have a monthly poetry slam where your best 3 minute poems, power rants, battle raps, tragic tales and inspirational speeches can win you a CA$H PRIZE...

***OUR JUNE FEATURE WILL BE***

SHIHAN:

Shihan is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic spoken word artists of our generation. This National Poetry Slam Champion (2004) and National Poetry Slam Finalist(2nd in 2001, 5th in 2003 and 3rd in 2005) has been featured on a variety of media outlets such as 6 appearances on HBO’s Def Poetry, NBC, Oprah Winfrey’s Oxygen Network, Al Gore’s Current TV, Nike’s Battlegrounds, Reebok, Adidas, NBA, CNN, Artisan Films’ Belly DVD, Complex and Billboard Magazine, several national commercial spots, 5 National Tours including the Tony Award Winning Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry Jam International Tour. His abilities to transcend cultural and generational boundaries have made Shihan a much sought after talent. In addition, Shihan has independently released 2 CD’s The Poet(Best of 2005 Honorable Mention-Baltimore Sun) and Music Is The New Cotton which have both received critical praise for their honesty and creativity.

Oh it is going to get HAWT!!!
bring all your friends and family for this one...

Cover is always ONLY $5

All performance types are welcome...

Come to share or come to stare; we're gonna rock your socks off...

See you there.

GUELPH - JUNE POETRY SLAM

2009-06-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Come, Come! Holy S*ht! No joke! Shihan (poet of wonderful fame), Los Angeles famous and Def Poetry Jam repeat performer will be featuring at the Guelph Poetry Slam Sat. June 20^th. Reggae music, reggae, reggae music will be sounding from turn tables scratched by DJ WHO… blending beats, sending chill grooves, and making that body dance till the day flips and it is officially Sunday. Bring your poetry and SLAM. Bring your poetry and perform at the open mic! Poets sign-up at 8pm. Check out our website for poetry SLAM rules http://guelphspokenword.com. Youth welcome. $5-$10 sliding scale. The Guelph Googenheim; 127 Woolwich Street, underneath Gordon Taylor Music.

MAY GUELPH SPOKEN WORD SLAM

2009-05-12T19:26:00.001-07:00

Spring has sprung! And yes ... like wise, Guelph Spoken Word is birthing an evening of Poetry, SLAM, and oh so dancible World Music! We are expecting... anticipating... rejoicing... and screaming out loud on SATURDAY MAY 23rd. So join us! Feature Spoken Word Poet WHITE NOISE MACHINE will deliver witty... sarcastic ... insightful words; woven into jelly shaking laughter. Bring your poetry and perform in our 2 round SLAM! Shake your booty, hang-out, and chat till the wee hours with musical sensation DJ HOK. He will be bring music from around the world.

DOORS OPEN: 7:30PM
POET SIGN-UP: 7:30-8:30PM
OPEN MIC: 8:30PM
POETRY SLAM: 9PM
MUSIC & DANCING: 11PM

You will find us at The Guelph GOOGENHEIM, at 129 Woolwich (underneath Gordon Taylor Music)

$5-$10 Sliding Scale

Youth Welcome

RUSTBELT! 10th Annual Regional Poetry Slam

2009-05-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

Get ready Toronto – Poetry fans will soon have a chance to see top American and Ontario poets battle it out in an international poetry slam. From May 28th-31st, the 10th annual Rustbelt(Mid-West) Regional Poetry Slam is crossing the border and heading to downtown Toronto. Started by Dayton Ohio poet Bill Abbott, the Rustbelt Slam is a spoken word competition that will pit top American slam poets against top Ontario poets. A poetry slam is a form of spoken word competition at which poets read or perform original work. These performances are then judged on a scale of 0-10 by five 'judges' - previously selected members of the audience. Poets are scored on both performance and content, and top scoring poets advance. Content can range from comedy to tragedy, personal triumph to the silly and satirical. Audiences generally are encouraged to be interactive and vocal and the common response to slams (from first-timers) is that they didn’t know poetry could be so “alive”.The 10th anniversary of the Rustbelt Regional Poetry Slam is produced by a collective of poets consisting of the Toronto Slam Fam, Up From The Roots, and the Toronto Poetry Project. All are thrilled that Toronto will be the first Canadian host city of this Midwestern U.S. poetry slam tradition. The Rustbelt will see teams from the following confirmed cities: Toronto, Minneapolis, Detroit, Columbus, and Cleveland. Some of the competitors listed on these teams have featured in Toronto as individuals and already have existing fans in Canada. Venue and schedule details are below:Festivities begin on the 28th of May with a “Wildcard” slam at the Dominion on Queen (500 Queen Street East). Poets will have the opportunity to compete for one of two remaining spots on a team featuring poets from Up FromThe Roots and the Toronto Poetry Slam. Competition officially begins on Friday May 29th at 8:00pm at the Poor Alex Theatre (772A Dundas St W). Two preliminary bouts will feature all competing teams.On Saturday afternoon, May 30th at 12:00pm, the action moves to the Trane Studio (964 Bathurst St) for the final preliminary matches.The competitive segment of the weekend culminates that evening at 7:00pm with both the team and individual final sat the historic Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor St West). This will be the first time any spoken word competition has beenstaged at the Bloor. Both the individual and team competition champions will be crowned that evening.On Sunday May 31st at 12:00pm, the Toronto Rustbelt Organising Committee, in association with Kensington MarketPedestrian Sundays, and thanks to generous funding from the Toronto Arts Council, presents a special freeperformance featuring our Midwestern guest hosts as part of the spring launch of Pedestrian Sundays, in the heart of Kensington Market.The 2009 Rustbelt Regional Poetry Slam will feature local hosts David Silverberg, Dan D’Onorio (SoulFistikato),Mike Smith (White Noise) , Yehuda “PAN” Fisher, as well as invited guest hosts from the mid-west, including EdMabrey and Steve and Deb MarshAdmission to all events is subject to venue capacity. “Last Chance” Slam tickets are $5, available at the door. Ticketsfor each preliminary bout are $8, also available at the door. Tickets for the finals at the Bloor Cinema are $15 inadvance, and can be purchased via T.O. Tix (www.totix.ca). Festival passes for both preliminary bouts and the finalsare available for $25 at www.rustbelttoronto.com.For more information, please visit www.rustbelttoronto.com or e-mail info@rustbelttoronto.com

GUELPH! APRIL SLAM!

2009-04-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

Guelph's monthly POETRY SLAM and World music Dance Party!

Come on Saturday April 18th to the Guelph Googenheim (129 Woolwich Street, under Gordon Taylor Music) for our monthly poetry SLAM.

Featuring TRUTH IS ... and LATIN MUSIC with DJ ZITO!

POET SIGN-UP 8PM

OPEN MIC 8:30PM

POETRY SLAM 9PM

LATIN MUSIC & DANCING 11PM

Poets come with two pieces to perform for our two round compeition.

It is going to be AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

Capital Slam - November 1st!!

2008-10-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

Since we are on the 1st, I couldn't wait for Greg's round-up, so...

Saturday, November 1st is the next edition of Capital Slam! We have already seen monthly victories by Brandon Wint and Slamtario's very own Ritallin, so who will be next?

This is the last Slam before Team Ottawa heads to the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word in Calgary, so come on out!

The night's feature will be Brendan McLeod, of Fugitive fame!

Last, but definitely not least, the show will be the firs topportunity to get 'Live at Capital Slam 2008', featuring the CD-recorded stylings of the likes of Marcus Jameel, Poetic Speed, Nathanael Larochette, Open Secret and more!

How do you not come out?

The SLAMtario Bulletin: October 2008

2008-10-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry I'm a bit late with this one -- with the travel to London this week it's been a hard one to keep on track of things, but here are the shows coming up in the province this month. Go and check them out!

BURLINGTON

October 30
Burlington Slam Project
NEW LOCATION: Paradiso Restaurant, 2041 Pine Street
8 p.m.
featuring the 2008 Toronto Up From the Roots Slam Team
$5 cover
http://burlingtonslam.wordpress.com/

KINGSTON

October 21
Kingston Slam
Grad Club, 162 Barrie Street
Doors at 7 p.m.; show at 7:45 p.m.
featuring Jeff Cotrill
$5 or PWYC
http://molledorst.com/ or (613) 539-1350

LANARK COUNTY

October 13
Friendly Slam Fundraiser
Carleton Place Cinemas, 17 Albert Street, Carleton Place
Doors at 7 p.m.; show at 7:15 p.m.
Featuring members of the Lanark County Live Poets Society (LiPS)
plus special guest Shane Koyczan
By donation
Contact Danielle Gregoire at danielle [dot] gregoire [at] hotmail [dot] com or visit http://www.lanarkcountylips.com for info

LONDON

October 28
London Poetry Slam
Alex P. Keaton, 580 Talbot Street
Sign-up 7 p.m.; slam 8 p.m.
Featuring Andrea Thompson
$5 at the door
http://www.londonpoetryslam.ca/

OTTAWA

October 4
Capital Slam
Mercury Lounge, 57 Byward Market
Doors 6:30 p.m.; slam 7-10 p.m.
Featuring The Foreign
Hosted by Ritallin
$7 at the door (free for performers)
http://www.capitalslam.com/

October 14
Shane Koyczan
Mercury Lounge, 57 Byward Market
Doors at 7 p.m.
With the members of the 2008 Ottawa Capital Slam Team
$10 cover

October 16
Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam
Umi Cafe, 610 Somerset St. W.
Sign-up 7:30 p.m.; slam at 8 p.m. SHARP
Hosted by Ritallin & Hyfidelik
$5 at the door
http://www.umicafe.org/

October 22
Oneness Poetry Showcase
East African Restaurant, 376 Rideau Street
Doors 6:30 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m.
Featuring Montreal's Katalyst and Ottawa's reggae/urban/spoken word ensemble Instant Release (put on your dancing shoes!)
Hosted by Free Will - with live art and an all-star OPEN MIC!
$7 at the door but come even if you got no coin. All ages and inclusive.

TORONTO

October 6
TOFU (Tons o' Fun University) - Mike McGee, Shane Koyczan + C.R. Avery
Clinton's, 693 Bloor St. W.
8 p.m.
Hosted by Dave Silverberg
$10 at the door
If you've never seen TOFU -- one of Canada's top spoken word fusion groups -- then you don't want to miss this show. There's kickass spoken word, beatboxing, keyboard insanity, duets, solo pieces, and overall tightness from the most rocking poets in the biz.
For info, email info [at] torontopoetryslam [dot] com

October 18
Toronto Poetry Slam
Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St. W.
Sign-up 7:30 p.m.; slam 8 p.m.
Featuring Ami Mattison from Michigan
Hosted by Dave Silverberg
$5 cover
http://www.torontopoetryslam.com/

THE SLAMTARIO BULLETIN: SEPTEMBER 2008

2008-09-02T06:41:00.000-07:00

Based on what I've seen so far, September promises to be a busy month for poetry in Ontario. Check back on this posting from time to time to see updated information as it comes in from all the different cities starting poetry series and slam events this month.

BURLINGTON

September 25
Burlington Slam Project
The Dickens Pub, 423 Elizabeth St.
featuring DaneJahRas
Free cover
http://burlingtonslam.wordpress.com/

KINGSTON

September 10
Dream Big Tour
Grad Club, 162 Barrie Street
Doors at 8 p.m.
This group of multimedia artists are fashionistas, film-makers and poets, crossing Ontario and raising awareness for the Affected Campaign
Hosted by Molle Dorst with special guests and an Open Mic
$5 cover
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=tn#/event.php?eid=37766188616

September 16
Kingston Slam
Grad Club, 162 Barrie Street
featuring Gypsy Eyes

LANARK COUNTY

September 6
Sounds of Downtown in Carleton Place, ON
LUX Gallery, 11 Lake Street, Carleton Place
6-8 pm
Featuring members of the Lanark County Live Poets Society (LiPS)
http://www.artscarletonplace.com/

LONDON

September 30
London Poetry Slam
Alex P. Keaton, 580 Talbot Street
Sign-up 7:00-7:45; slam 8 p.m.
Featuring Ritallin
$5 at the door
http://www.freewebs.com/londonpoetryslam/index.htm

OTTAWA

September 4
Dusty Owl
Umi Café, 610 Somerset St. W.
8 p.m.
Be Thirsty Heart Tour
Feat. Paula Belina, Kyra Shaughnessy and One
Free cover; donations lovingly welcomed
http://www.dustyowl.com/

September 6
Capital Slam
Mercury Lounge, 57 Byward
Sign-up 6:30 p.m., slam 7 p.m.
Featuring Matt Peake
Hosted by John Akpata
$7 at the door
http://www.capitalslam.com/

September 13
Dream Big Tour
Umi Café, 610 Somerset St. W.
Doors at 8 p.m.
This group of multimedia artists are fashionistas, film-makers and poets, crossing Ontario and raising awareness for the Affected Campaign
Hosted by Ritallin with special guests and an Open Mic
$5 cover
http://www.umicafe.org/

September 18
Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam
Umi Café, 610 Somerset St. W.
Sign-up 7:30 p.m., slam 8 p.m.
Top poet wins Bill Brown -- a $100 bank note!
Hosted by Ritallin and Hyfidelik
$5 at the door
http://www.umicafe.org/

PETERBOROUGH

September 18
Peterborough Poetry Slam & Spoken Open Stage
The Spill, 414 George Street North
Sign-up 7:30 p.m., slam 8 p.m.
Featuring the Londonborough Slam Team
Ziy, Elyse Maltin, Fraser and Beth Anne Fischer
$5 or PWYC, to raise funds for CFSW 2008 in Calgary
http://peterboroughpoetryslam.blogspot.com/

TORONTO

September 5
Up From The Roots - US vs. THEM
Cervejaria, 842 College St.
The 2008 Toronto-UFTR Slam Team takes on all comers
Feat. Lady Loxx, Leviathan, Tomy Bewick & Dwayne Morgan
Lots of prizes & surprises - a fundraiser for CFSW 2008 in Calgary
$10 at the door
http://www.upfromtheroots.ca/

September 12
The Dream Big Poetry Slam Tour
Cervejaria, 842 College St.
Doors at 7:30 p.m.
This group of multimedia artists are fashionistas, film-makers and poets, crossing Ontario and raising awareness for the Affected Campaign
Hosted by Tomy Bewick with special guests and an Open Mic

September 20
Toronto Poetry Slam
Drake Hotel Underground, 1150 Queen Street W.
Sign-up 7:30 p.m., slam 8 p.m.
Featuring Ardath Whynacht from Halifax
$5 at the door
http://www.torontopoetryslam.com/

The New Capital Slam Season is Nearly Here!

2008-08-25T07:29:00.001-07:00

We are inching ever closer to September 6th and the staert of the new season of Capital Slam, Ottawa's premiere Slam series!

With the poetry scene in and around Ottawa growing by the day, it is time to check back in with the big show, Capital Slam!

Come out to get started on trying to make the Ottawa Team which will represent the nation's capital at the 2009 CFSW in Victoria, B.C.

Or come out to watch some great poets throw down!

Or come out to see the feature performer, Matt Peake!

Or come out to see the talented hosting of John Akpata!

You just can't go wrong!

September 6th, Mercury Lounge in the ByWard market in Ottawa.

The sign-up list starts at 6:30 and this year it will be first come, first served, so if you want to slam, get signed up!

The show starts at 7:00 and goes to 10:00.

I think I am still below my exclamation point quota, so help me out and show up!!

New Poetry Slam Series Starting in Ottawa - Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam

2008-08-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

Can you throw down with Bill Brown?

Cytopoetics presents the newest poetry series to grace the local Ottawa spoken word scene – Bill Brown’s 1-2-3 Slam. The inaugural show takes place at Umi Café on Thursday, September 18, hosted by Ritallin and Hyfidelik. Sign-up at 7:30 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m. Cover is $5.

At Bill Brown’s 1-2-3 Slam, each spoken word artist in the competition (to a maximum of 12) will perform a 1-minute poem in the first round, with the usual grace period and time penalties of a classic slam format. The top 8 performers earn the right to move on to a second round with 2-minute poems. The four best scorers in the second round qualify for a Showdown Round with standard slam-length 3-minute poems. The highest scoring poet in the final round wins Bill Brown – a $100 bank note complete with a picture of the 8th Prime Minister of Canada, Robert Borden. Each round wipes the slate clean on the scores, so you just never know who’s going to come out on top!

Poets – get writing your 1- and 2-minute poems and then come down to Umi to be part of Ottawa’s newest poetic experience!

Bill Brown’s 1-2-3 Slam takes place at the Umi Café (610 Somerset St. W. at Percy) on the third Thursday of each month. Check www.umicafe.org for updates and information.

Can you throw down with Bill Brown?

Who is Bill Brown?

2008-08-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in the previous post, there is a new monthly poetry slam series starting in Ottawa in September. After spending time focused on national and regional organizing, I am throwing my hat back into the slammaster's ring. On Thursday, September 18 inside the Umi Café (610 Somerset St. W.) in Ottawa's Chinatown neighbourhood at 8 p.m., the world will be introduced to Bill Brown.

Who is Bill Brown? More details to come.

September cometh ...

2008-08-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

The beginning of many poetry series, both new and established, is rapidly approaching. As August degenerates into "jacket weather" wholly unbecoming of a full month of summer, poets across the province are getting keyed up for the resumption of poetry writ large.

I am anxiously awaiting updates and postings from slammasters and poetry organizers in Lanark County (which has started a new poetry organization, LiPS), Kingston (where the new Kingston Slam gets started at the Grad Club at Queen's University), Guelph (with what looks like a combo poetry/hip-hop show in the offing), Peterborough (with a full season of slam about to get going at the Spill), Windsor (where rumour has it a hot poetry slam is gonna lift off) and Ottawa (with Capital Slam and the Oneness Poetry Showcase getting underway again, plus a new monthly slam series about to get started). Combined with the series already running in Burlington, Toronto and London, spoken word in Ontario has never been hotter.

A September bulletin will be posted on this blog at the end of the month. Organizers should submit their shows for posting by Monday, August 25 to ensure the posting is as up-to-date and accurate as possible.

Toronto Poetry Slams on Aug. 16

2008-07-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Ontario spoken word heads...
The Toronto Poetry Slam goes down on Sat. Aug. 16 at the Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. W.). Signup is 7:30pm, slam is at 8pm.
There's an open mic too for those who don't want to hit the competitive stage.

The feature is actually TBA (the Detroit ladies cancelled on me last minute). Don't worry, I'm on it.

For info, check out www.torontopoetryslam.com

Thanks for doin this blog thing, Greg!

THE SLAMTARIO BULLETIN: AUGUST 2008

2008-07-30T07:37:00.001-07:00

Alright everyone, every month we're going to try to get one of these posts up on the board. In August, look out for the following poetry events around the province (the post will be updated as other events are added):

BURLINGTON

August 21
The Burlington Slam Project
The Dickens - 423 Elizabeth Street
Doors & sign-up 8 p.m., mic check 8:30 SHARP!
Featuring Truth Is
Free cover

HAMILTON

August 14 to 24
Grade 8 - a one man show by Dwayne Morgan
premiering at the Hamilton Fringe Festival
Downtown Arts Centre, 28 Rebecca Street
August 15, 8pm
August 16, 3pm
August 17, 10:30pm
August 18, 9pm
August 21, 7:30pm
August 22, 4:30pm
August 23, 6pm
Visit http://www.hamiltonfringe.ca/ for more information

LONDON

August 26
London Poetry Slam & open mic
the Alex P. Keaton Pub - 580 Talbot St.
Sign-up 7-7:45 pm, slam 8 pm
$5 cover

OTTAWA

August 8
Words of a Poet Vol. 1
Bronson Centre - 211 Bronson Avenue
8 p.m.
featuring Black Ice, Liza Garza, Amir Sulaiman, John Akpata, Q the Romantic Revolutionary, the 2008 Capital Slam Team, and more!
See www.facebook.com/pages/Marcus-Jameel/10258281602 for more info

August 19
Mark Berube and the Patriotic Few w/ Ritallin
Mercury Lounge - 56 Byward
7 p.m. (doors open)
$5 cover

TORONTO

August 10
Black Love Soul & Spoken Word Show
The Trane Studios - 964 Bathurst St.
8 p.m.
$20 cover

August 16
Toronto Poetry Slam
Drake Hotel Underground, 1150 Queen Street W.
Sign-up 7:30 p.m., slam 8 p.m.
Featuring TBD
$5 at the door

August 31
The 6th Annual Toronto International Poetry Slam
The Kathedral - 651 Queen St. W. @ Bathurst
Doors open at 8pm, Showtime 9pm
$20 in advance

Check out Burlington's new website

2008-07-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Burlington Slam is establishing its presence online ... in addition to its Facebook group you can also find out more about Ontario's newest slam series by following the link provided. Click on the title of this post and go to burlingtonslam.wordpress.com. Great job Tomy and Selina!

Keeping SLAMtario up-to-date ...

2008-07-28T13:18:00.001-07:00

Hey readers, if you happen to know of other poetry series I may have missed in my lists of links, or other slam series not yet represented here, please be sure to send me an email message at greg [at] ritallin [dot] com and I will update the page accordingly.

Similarly, if you run a poetry series in Ontario and would like to have the ability to post here, send me a note and I'll add you to the list of contributors. Let's all work together to make this blog the most inclusive place possible for spoken word artists, organizers and fans in Ontario!

Welcome to SLAMtario!

2008-07-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Taking a suggestion from Duffman on the Toronto Poetry Slam online forum, I took it upon myself to start this blog. My hope is that slammasters from across Ontario will come to this page to post their upcoming events along with information about their series and the general state of poetry (particularly spoken word) within their communities.

As the community of poetry organizers and performers in Ontario grows, we should have a place to share our successes, keep each other abreast of upcoming events and pool our colletive experience to strengthen our scene in the global family of writers and reciters.

Spread the word and post often, slammasters -- and welcome to the blog!