Spoken Word Blog

I recently received a message from the Rhythm Club Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maryland searching for guest judges and participants for the a Rhythm Club Show and Poetry Slam that they will be hosting in Southern Maryland on May 17, 2008. Namely, he wants to get in contact with a few artists that may be able to help.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maryland is a non profit organization that serves the youth of the Southern Maryland area by providing a safe place for the communities youth to spend their time in a positive environment. The Club’s mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Club serves a very broad group of youth made up of boys and girl of all races, religions, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

If any of you experienced spoken word artists or poets will be or could be in Southern Maryland at that time, leave a comment and I’ll send you the contact information. It seems like a great opportunity to do something very helpful.

Sometimes you may have trouble thinking up topics for poems or other writings. I imagine some of the solutions that apply to traditional writers’ block apply to spoken word artists.

Most writers say that it helps to take a break. Sometimes that helps them clear their minds and come back to writing with a fresh mind-state.

Also, you can listen to music, read stories, or watch other spoken word performances. Seeing other work can help inspire you. Sometimes you might notice a great topic. You might also think of your own way to address a certain topic. How many times have your read a story or poem or watched a performance and said to yourself, “If it was me, I would have…”

Of course, there is an important difference between plagiarism and inspiration.

If you one of your own works was heavily influenced by someone else’s work, then it is usually smartest to give credit. Introduce your own poem by mentioning your inspiration.

What do you think?

I have noticed that successful artists are usually willing to experiment. I have to believe that is how they become successful.

The point of art is to express yourself. This is especially the case with spoken word and performance poetry. Do not limit your ability to express yourself by limiting your style.

Experiment with different methods of writing and delivering your poem. Experiment with different moods, topics, and so on. You will find what works for you, but you will also offer your fans more original work.

What do you think?

If you write poetry, I suggest you record yourself performing it. You do not need expensive equipment. You can probably use the camera on a cellphone, or borrow a camcorder from a friend if you do not have one yourself.

You do not need to have experience. At the very least, simply read your poem while taping yourself.

Then you can post it on YouTube, or send me the video and I will post it on this website. If you post it on YouTube, send me the URL of the video, and I will post it on this website.

You can get feedback doing this, which will help you improve your performance ability.

If you write poetry, why not perform it? Why not take the chance to express yourself and share your art? Artistic expression makes the world a much better place in my opinion.

What do you think?

I have received many requests from people seeking spoken word artists and performers for various events around the country. Today I want to make a recommendation to anyone who plans to organize an event. I suggest you find local artists and performers.

As people say, when looking for something, you can often find it right under your nose.

Even if you do not know any famous performers locally, I think you may want to consider enlisting new artists and performers. Many people write poetry, and many people like to perform. Think about how many everyday people enlist in a talent show. Well you can probably get people to perform at a spoken word show in a similar way. Encourage people you know to perform at the show even if they do not have a lot of experience.

What do you think?

I just read a good article by Brother Said about writing performance poetry for poetry slams.

He first points out the need to write a dramatic poem made for performance.

He also mentions how some people dislike performance poetry for its focus on performance rather than the written word. I guess some people see that as a perversion of poetry, but Brother Said points out that historically poetry started out as an oral tradition based on performance and dramatic structure.

He also offers some advice for constructing good performance poems. He stresses the need to make the poem dramatic.

What do you think?

I have just been notified about an event being hosted by a group of teens called T-Yo. The event will consist of teens performing poetry, music, and such. The event will take place at the Jewish Community Center in North Berkeley on Saturday, March 8th, 2008.

They would love to have some spoken word performers to go. If this interests you, please tell me and I can put you in contact with the coordinator.

I received a message from a student at Chapman University in Orange, CA, who wants a spoken word artist to perform on February 19, 2008 at their 1st annual “Rock the Piazza” multicultural concert event.

The concert is a celebration of diversity featuring various styles of dance and culture, as well as a fundraiser and tribute to Michael Belay, founder and CEO of Hands Across the Planet to Poor Youth (H.A.P.P.Y.), who sold his home in California and used the funds to build a school for children in his hometown in Ethiopia, Africa.

The event is scheduled to take place from 4-7pm on Tuesday, February 19, 2008.

If you want to perform in this event, I can email the the student for you.

Today, let me make a few suggestions for how you can find spoken word venues and events.

For around the United States, I found two lists online of spoken word venues and events. Firstly, I found a map which lets you click on your state to see nearby spoken word venues. Secondly, I found another web-page listing spoken word events in a few different places in the United States. I don’t know if those listings are kept up-to-date.

My best recommendation is to go to use craigslist. Craigslist lets you read and post free local classified ads. You can look for listings about spoken word or poetry on there, but more importantly you can post a classified ad asking where you can go locally to see or perform spoken word.

I have completed the second step of my plans for this site.

When viewing the artists page, people will be shown only the listings that have an audio and/or video sample. However, viewers can choose whether to view all listings or only view the ones with samples. But by default only the ones with samples will be displayed.

This will be convenient for people who do not want to be overwhelmed with a bunch of text-only listings.

If you notice any errors, please tell me. If you have any suggestions, please post them. Thanks!