1st anniversary roundup
Read or join the discussion on this post.
On Nov. 25, 2005, Toronto Poetry Slam was born in the small back room of Oasis Cafe on College Street. Exactly one year later, Toronto Poetry Slam enjoyed the type of energy and good vibes that it’s experienced all year. At the always-packed Cervejaria last Saturday, 15 slammers took the stage after a blistering set by guest feature Versiz from Detroit. First round saw the human-sampling power-rappery of Electric Jon, poignant poetry about love courtesy of Krystle, kick-ass team pieces straight outta the Slam Fam and some courageous verse from Valentino, Ziy, Truth Is, Peter, and Slim Stanway (aka Spencer).
Come third round and it was Ziy, Truth Is and R.D. kickin’ poems at 1:30am, the crowd still hungry for mind-expanding word-constructs. After Ziy’s touching poem about cancer, it was up to Truth to see who would take home the $80. Like many a slam in the past few months, the winner was decided by .1 of a point, and Ziy took home the November crown and ’nuff respect.
Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has supported Toronto Poetry Slam and the spoken word poets who have taken the stage through the months. A slam is only as good as the poets and audience, and there’s a lot of love in my heart for every single person who cheered, booed, stomped their feet, and got interactive like a slam audience should. Undoubtedly, the Slam is the most enjoyable thing I do in my life, but I couldn’t do it without you.
See you in December for the last slam of 2006…and watch for the 2007 season to begin in mid-January!
November 27th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
!!! BONHEUR!!
My first experience at a Toronto Slam and I had a great time. Cheering & booing (women jokes don’t amuse me) & clapping & crying. Thank you so much for doing this. I’ve been into slam & writing pieces for about 10 years now & I can’t fathom why I’ve never seeked out a slam in Toronto considering I’ve been to others around the world. I’d also like to extend a thanks to Ziy, from the moment you took the stage I knew you were gonna do it. There’s more inspiration in my heart as of Saturday night & i’m so glad to have it.
November 27th, 2006 at 9:49 pm
it was definetly a blast. the most fun i’ve had in a week. thursday @ dominion? sounds awesome.
November 28th, 2006 at 10:26 pm
Ziy’s had a win coming for a while. Well deserved. Bets on who’s next? I’m giving odds on Truth Is.
Meanwhile I’m plotting my spectacular return. Or my Phantom of the Opera-esque disaster.
By the by, anyone know if The Boat have a chandelier? Jess wondrin.
November 30th, 2006 at 4:54 pm
Not sure if there’s a chandelier…But I encourage any kind of off-Broadway theatrics.
Thanks for your comments, Magda n’ Tomy…Nice to know you guys have been enjoying the Slam. Truly, it’s one thing I look forward to most every month. I’ll keep on hosting if you all keep on slamming!
December 6th, 2006 at 2:13 pm
This event was my first slam. I truly enjoyed what I witnessed. I will definately be back. Great experience for everyone. If someone can walk away without inspiration then their heart does not really beat.