Toronto Poetry Slam

Three women in the final round? Let's be real, no jokesies, we haven't had an all-female final round in a long time, and how appropriate for it to befall on our annual tradition, the Anything Goes Slam.

In an event where poets are encouraged to break the rules and use props and wear costumes and play instruments...the 12 poets took full advantage.

What you doing May 26? Oh, going to the Drake Hotel for our annual Anything Goes Slam? Smart move!

The Anything Goes Slam allows competitors to have some fun on stage and break the rules: wear a costume, do a cover, add some beats to your poem, play an instrument, bring a prop onstage, eat muffins while performing haikus, do something wacky, unexpected, original!

The only rule in place is the time-limit rule, still at 3 minutes 10 seconds max (and then there's time penalties).
Open mic available too.

7pm doors. 730pm signup.

And so we return to the Drake after a month's absence. While the audience numbers weren't the usual sold-out-ness, we were happy to see some amazing poets take the stage to drop the sickness.

A mix of vets and rookies comprised the first round, from Ritallin and POE and Eytan Crouton and Tanya reppin' the long-time poets, and Emilee and Jay and newcomers Shy and Ben holdin their own. Lots of classics from Ritallin/POE/Tanya, with Eytan dropping a few newbies, energizin the crowd with a piece on comedy vs.

We're back, baby! After a few months of closed slams, we're now back with an open slam on SUNDAY MAY 13 at the Drake Hotel Underground, 1150 Queen St. W.

Doors 7, Signup 730, show 8. $5. All ages!
Open mic available for those who don't want to slam (5 spots)

We're overjoyed to feature TPS Team alumnus Arianna Pozzuoli, gigging in Toronto for the first time in a looooong time. She is not to be missed!

Hosted by That Brown Bastard

See you at the Drake on Sunday!

WELCOME BACK TO BAM! The in your face poetry brought to you by the YOUTH!

On Wed May 9, head to The Central (603 Markham St.) to take part in a fun and inspiring poetry slam. Come to perform or come to watch!

We will have 12 slots, 2 rounds, 3 minutes for every poet to grace the stage with their words.

Also there will be an Open mic for those who just want to share their work without being the competitive environment.

On Monday May 7, the latest workshop run by Toronto Poetry Project will take place at Supermarket in Kensington Market (268 Augusta Ave., back room).

On this stage, 20 poets maximum will read their poems one a time and get feedback from three Toronto Poetry Project members, who will offer advice on writing, style, performance, movement, theme, etc.

Poems must be 3 minutes max. It'll be a long night otherwise.

The mentors for the workshop are: Dave Silverberg, Valentino Assenza and Tanya Neumeyer.

7pm doors. 730pm start.

$10 per poet. Must register before!

Give it up for your 2012 TPS Team:

The P.O.E
Britta B
Cathy Petch
Eytan Crouton
alt: Noah Kaplan

What a night! 350 people packed the Royal, and the whole night was pure fire. Thanks to the BAM! showcase, we got the evening started right, with some incredible poetry from Mango, Simba, Jubilee and Ambrosia. That team piece really got the crowd energized.

Then the first round hit our faces with full force, as Spencer bit the bullet and dropped a rockin piece but got hit with a 1point time penalty. Tanya gave us two new poems in the night, and had some of us in tears (no joke).

Didn't have a chance to get advance tix for our big FINALS NIGHT at the Royal? (Tonight, being April 20).

Don't worry, we've saved a block of tickets for those who arrive at the venue, 730pm doors. $20 at door. Don't show up late, we're hopeful we'll sell out by 8pm!

The Royal is at 608 College, and remember the streetcar can be mighty slow on College so give yourself enough time to get to the venue.

All ages. Not licensed, but concession stand will be open. Bring extra $$, merch will be available!

Questions? Email info@torontopoetryslam.com !

Know how we promoted Scott Woods from Columbus as our feature? Yeah, that's not happening, long story short, a scheduling conflict arose, but never fear, slam fans, we've got a talent you'll be lovin on Friday night...

On April 20, at the Royal, for the Toronto Poetry Slam Finals night, we have none other than... KAY'LA FRASER aka Kiki, from the 2010 Toronto Poetry Slam Team, who's been lighting up mics all across the country! We're stoked to have her perform on the biggest stage of our season.

Did you get advance tix? You got a few days, hurry hurry! Hit up Play de Record on Yonge St.