Wow. That sums up my sentiments for the head-spinning FINALS NIGHT at Toronto Poetry Slam. Wow because the poetry dropped in our faces was so deliciously honest and powerful, it would’ve made the hardest heart soften. Wow because 250+ people crowded into Hugh’s Room to hear poetry…even though the TTC went on strike and crippled transportation options for Torontonians. Wow because guest feature C.R. Avery pleasured our earholes with incredible music, poetry and storytelling. Wow because there was intense drama and beauty at the end of the evening.

So as you know, the Finals Night determined who made the Toronto Poetry Slam Team reppin’ the series at national festivals in the U.S. and Canada. Eight competitors took the stage and busted out their classic and new pieces, all performed with the gusto audiences have expected from these spoken word artists. We heard White Noise Machine proffer a different kind of political party; we enjoyed Arianna telling us about her comical moving day; we fell silent as Ziy divulged her pain at taking too many drugs to combat cancer; we were taken on a thirsty journey with Jogi’s powerful pieces; and Gypsy Eyes let us know a bit about him in his biopic poem filled with Ken Finkleman and OMRE references.

When the final poet rang in our ears, the team was determined…almost: the top four poets out of March’s Semis and April’s Finals were Arianna, Krystle, Truth Is and White Noise Machine. But there was a tie for the alternate! Yes, Jogi and Ziy tied for fifth which meant one more round to see who would take the final team spot.

Jogi went up first and performed a fluid poetic piece he delivered with comfortable ease. Then Ziy went up and just talked to us. No poetry, no wordplay. Just letting us know how beautiful it is to perform poetry to so many attentive people, reminding us to never take this art form for granted. It was honest, it was beautiful…but the judges weren’t feeling it, score-wise. Jogi took the final spot on the team as the alternate, and a hearty congrats to this young poet making tidal waves in the scene.

C.R. Avery had us mesmerized during his set. He beatboxed his way through poems about boxers and Jimi Hendrix, then moving to his piano to give us sweet ballads about gritty urban living. The dude is a multi-talented genius, and TPS was lucky to have him bring his unique voice to the stage.

A big high-five to Arianna, Krystle, Truth, White Noise and Jogi for making the team. Expect to see them at many a venue around Toronto, including international fests. And I want to extend my thanks to everyone who slammed during this season, no matter what you scored. You do what many people can’t and won’t do and that alone deserves recognition.

So that wraps up the season proper, but we’re returning to regular non-season slams on Sunday May 25 at the Drake Hotel. In fact, May’s slam is crazy-special: it’s the ANYTHING GOES Slam, where the rules are thrown out the window. See you then!

This entry was posted by Dave under Slam roundups.