Review of the first Toronto Youth Poetry Slam
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For those in the dark….Toronto Poetry Project produced its first ever Youth Poetry Slam last night @ the Central, on Markham Street. And if you missed it, well, you missed something special.
Hosted by PAN (aka Yehuda Fisher), the Youth Slam featured 10 poets ranging from 12 to 19. The packed crowd was treated to a poem by Aishe about teachers who kill students slowly with homework to Pablo’s piece on what kind of boyfriend he wasn’t to Saraina’s powerful coming-out prayer. There were moments of tender grief from Tanya and flashes of humor from Spencer. The first round also co-starred Kimiko, a finalist in the Toronto Poetry Slam Finals night.
After the first round, the main feature slayed it on stage. Made Wade was joined by beatboxer extraordinnaire Scott Jackson, who had excellent command of the kids’ attention. Wade and Scott busted some hot hip-hoppery, getting some heads a-bobbing, especially during Got Myself a Genie. Wade then went solo with some spoken word, and he didnt disappoint in them department either.
The second round saw 5 poets battle it out for some cash and respect. When the dust settled, Spencer and Pablo came second and third, while Kimiko took home the top prize. It was her first poetry slam win and definitely well-deserved.
Rest assured we’ve started something big here, peoples. Many poets said they’ll be spreading the word to their friends, so expect the next Youth Slam to even be more energetic, more packed with poetic goodness.
PAN has told us the next Youth Slam will be on May 13 @ the Central. $5 cover. See ya there, young poets and slam fans!
April 21st, 2009 at 9:23 am
Iam a teacher at a secondary school in Peel Board. Some of our kids would like info about the youth slam series or I understand one of your poets likes to work with youth. If you could give me info I would appreciate very much. We are a city centre school and anything would help our kids. Thanks
Dave