First Annual Gypsy Invitational Poetry Slam
Got back late Sunday night from the Women Writers Conference in Lexington, Kentucky. Went down to participate in their first-ever Gypsy Invitational Poetry Slam. Quite an experience.
The slam organizers were new to the process--there were a lot of kinks--but, all in all, it was a great opportunity to bring NPS caliber poetry into downtown Lexington. We slammed in an old Victorian style shopping mall. Beautiful place with marble tile floors and sweeping stairwells leading off of the main assembly area. Three tiers of people gathered to listen to poetry, and the crowd was attentive and lively. Mona Webb took home the $500 prize, but there was a grand workshop experience provided to us completely free. Got to hang around with Patricia Smith all weekend--that was GREAT! She's a wonderful lady, full of wit and charm, not to mention a tremendous poet.
The organizers have requested our honest, straightforward feedback so that they can make next year's slam an even better experience.
Would I go back to Lexington? Yep. In a hot minute. I don't think wild horses could keep me away. I'll wait with 'bated breath for another invitation.
The slam organizers were new to the process--there were a lot of kinks--but, all in all, it was a great opportunity to bring NPS caliber poetry into downtown Lexington. We slammed in an old Victorian style shopping mall. Beautiful place with marble tile floors and sweeping stairwells leading off of the main assembly area. Three tiers of people gathered to listen to poetry, and the crowd was attentive and lively. Mona Webb took home the $500 prize, but there was a grand workshop experience provided to us completely free. Got to hang around with Patricia Smith all weekend--that was GREAT! She's a wonderful lady, full of wit and charm, not to mention a tremendous poet.
The organizers have requested our honest, straightforward feedback so that they can make next year's slam an even better experience.
Would I go back to Lexington? Yep. In a hot minute. I don't think wild horses could keep me away. I'll wait with 'bated breath for another invitation.
posted by Rose | 3:22 PM
2 Comments:
I'm glad it went well -- more than well.
Would you go to the conference if you weren't invited to slam?
Yes, actually, I would consider this conference in the future. The range of opportunities for learning was quite good. The decision to participate is, however, dependent each year upon who will be facilitating workshops. You know me, Liz, I'm a publishing poet from way back. Hammering away at my craft never grows old for me.
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