Featured Artist - Barb Day

A member of the Cambridge Writer's Collective, Barb Day is generally a writer of prose, but has gained a new passion for Slam Poetry, and loves to write and perform Slam whenever the opportunity arises.

Barb's favourite Slam Piece, Complicated Coffee, describes the hassle and expense people will go to just for a coffee! Wouldn't it be much simpler just to make a pot for a fraction of the cost - at home?

Barb's Thoughts on Slam
A poetry slam is a competition during which poets recite their work. The performances are then judged on the content, the manner of delivery and the passion behind the words. Slam poetry is definitely not "a game played for the sheer fun of it.” After attending the Toronto Poetry Slam Semi Finals, the Finals, the Burlington Slam Project, and the London Spoken Word Event, I can attest to the fact that the very talented poets that participate in any or all of these events take their poetry very seriously. As for Slam being referred to as a "young persons game" one cannot deny the appeal or the beauty of this form that has helped to rejuvenate an interest in poetry for a younger generation, amongst many others. This was apparent at the event held at the Euphoria Bistro in Cambridge on April 9, 2010. Spoken Word is not only geared to the younger crowd. Anyone can be involved, at any age. Check out Jack McCarthy, featured at the Vancouver Poetry Slam, online.

Spoken Word is not always a Rant. Shane Koyczan, the poet who performed "We Are More" at the 2010 Winter Olympics presented an inspiring poem defining Canada that would by no means be categorized as a Rant. Check it out on YouTube.

It is a good idea to attend more than one event, as each offers something very different. Many would be pleasantly surprised at the optimism of the participants and the amazing prose/poetry all are writing and performing. There is certainly no age limit, no restrictions, and anyone who is interested is entirely encouraged to try this unique style out for themselves.

—Barb Day