Three Weeks and A Day

Twenty-two days left in the Eye On Life Poetry Contest.  A few more entries have come in, but there is room for many more.  Already, however, I can see that our panel of judges will have their work cut out for them as they decide the winner, both because of the quality of the entries and their eclectic variety.

This week at the Poetry Locksmith we are once again highlighting a sampling of poetry events around the United States, in California, New York, Chicago, Massachusetts and North Carolina.  I am always amazed at the number of quality poetry events that are available, and I know that we are only scratching the surface.  The current of poetry runs deep in America as it does elsewhere in the world.

Seeking a Writer for IWPS Cleveland

If you are going to the Individual World Poetry Slam in Cleveland next week, October 13th through 15th, and you are interested in writing an article covering the event for Eye On Life Online Magazine, please use the “Contact Tom Rubenoff” field on my main feature page, The Poetry Locksmith, to discuss your qualifications and terms for renumeration.

NPS2011 Now Underway

Cambridge, MA – The National Poetry Slam began on Tuesday, August 9th, in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts.  On Tuesday night I picked up my Tournament Pass – a good deal, since it includes access to all evening venues including the Finals at Berklee Performance Center in Boston on Saturday, August 13th.  The only thing it doesn’t do for you is prevent standing in line for entry.

Check out the full schedule at the NPS2011 web site.

On Wednesday I saw slam teams from Portland, Oregon, Washington, DC, Houston, Texas and Boston, Massachusetts compete at my favorite poetry hangout, the Cantab Lounge in Cambridge.  I had the privilege of being one of the randomly selected judges.

I’ll be headed to The Middle East in Central Square, Cambridge, to hear the Group Semifinal Slam in which teams perform as a group onstage instead of as individuals.  I am very much looking forward to it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So Many Good Poets

I was so impressed the other night at open mic and then the part of the slam that I stayed for.  There are so many good, young poets reading their work.  The atmosphere was electric at the Cantab Lounge.  I think everyone is pumped for the National Poetry Slam that is coming to Boston in August.  I know I am.

But the poets all read so well – engaging, confident.  The whole experience is not just entertaining, but a mind opening, transcendent experience.  This is an exceptional community.  I am grateful for the moments I can spend in it.