Queanbeyan uber alles in the National Poetry Slam

It was an awesome night! Massive congratulations to Omar, he smashed it. Finig was also spectacular, as were all the other poets.

Poetry Slam is an event that began in Chicago back in the 80’s, in an attempt to move away from poetry readings and add a performance element. They happen once a month at The Front in Canberra, with competitors from established writers to first timers. They are incredibly supportive environments, and all types of poetry and performance are encouraged.

Contestants are given a mike and 2 minutes to do SOMETHING — poetry, spoken word, rap, monologues, 2 minutes of silence, flapping like a bird, whinges, manifestos, whatever, and are judged by randomly selected audience members.

They aim to be inclusive, community spirited events showcasing high quality writing and performance.

What a bunch of hippy faggots.

johnboy said :

Give it a listen, I reckon you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Caught a bit of it on “number of the beast” radio, it was dreadful.

johnboy said :

And now the ACT entrant has won the ABC is claiming him for NSW.

Last time I checked Queanbeyan was still in NSW.

Give it a listen, I reckon you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Pommy bastard said :

What is a poetry “slam”?

I believe they are trying to make poetry groovy.

It won’t work.

And now the ACT entrant has won the ABC is claiming him for NSW.

Well done all. Omar got my vote, but the other lads did admirably.

What is a poetry “slam”, do they hit each other with books until only one is left standing?

download a mp3 of POETRY?!

I don’t think so. bloody hell.

We’ll ride that Queanbo bloke out on a fence rail in the morning. Disgraceful behaviour.

I’m trying to think of another publication that’s got two finalists in a national poetry competition contributing.