YouthSpeaks Seattle

Open Mic and Remembering 9/11

2010-09-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is the Monthly Open Mic at Cafe Allegro in the U-District, in the alley next to Magus Books on NE 42nd & 15th Ave NE.

Sign ups at 6:30pm, starts at 7pm SHARP!

Hosted by our own Dujie Tahat and Featuring the young poets from the Renton Writing Circle. Watch out for what the south side's bringin y'all. Can't wait to see you there.

Last Saturday was September 11th - a day of sad infamy that changed history for ALL of us in this country. Here is a video from HBO's Def Poetry of Suheir Hammad, giving her perspective of how 9/11 changed things for her - a woman of middle eastern decent.

Finally the FINALS

2010-03-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

ROUNDS

2010-03-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

The grand slam is right around the corner. The stress is the cause of lack of posting. So here's the deal the rounds break down like so:

3 rounds

Round 1: 12 poets

Round 2: 8 poets

Round 3: 8 poets

5 spots on Team Youth Speaks Seattle. The 1st round is as fresh as a daisy, 4 people sadly get cut. Then round 2, start out fresh again with your scores. Round 2 and 3 are then added to see who gets the top 5 scores to land them a spot on the team.

Please remember, slam is just for fun. It's going to be a great show! If you have any questions, please hit me up.

Look at us: all business like

2010-03-11T13:02:00.001-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 3, 2010

CONTACT:

Rose McAleese, Outreach Coordinator

rose@youthspeaksseattle.org

Robin Park, Spokes Coordinator

robin@youthspeaksseattle.org

Chris Zweigle, Mentor

kartma@comcast.net

Don’t miss the Youth Speaks Seattle Grand Slam Finals at the Moore Theatre!

(Seattle, WA) – Literary history will be made at the Moore Theatre on March 19th at 7pm. Seattle's most talented young poets will take the stage to compete in the Youth Speaks Seattle's 2010 Grand Slam Finals. This exciting evening will feature the most brilliant and original poetry performances in the Northwest.

Twelve youth finalists aged 13-19 will compete for a chance to represent all of Seattle at the 2010 Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival held this summer in Los Angeles. The popularity of these national festivals has grown tremendously every year since they began in 1998. The 2008 Brave New Voices in Washington D.C. was the subject of an eight-part HBO documentary narrated by Queen Latifah and produced by Russell Simmons.

The Youth Speaks Seattle Slam Series, which runs from December through March every year, culminates with The Grand Slam. Last year's Grand slam was so popular it sold out Town Hall. Poetry slam is a competitive poetry reading where competing finalists will perform before a slate of judges who will score the quality of their work and select 5 winners to represent Seattle.

“This year, we’ve seen an incredibly talented group of young poets competing at the preliminary slam events,” said Rose McAleese,Youth Speaks Seattle Outreach Coordinator. “When I was competing at the national slam last year in Chicago, everyone was talking about all the great writing that comes out of Seattle every year. They were all wondering if maybe there was something in the water out here!”

“Anyone who is interested in the future of poetry, performance and youth literacy in Seattle should not miss this show,” McAleese added.

The Grand Slam will feature Rocky Rivera, aka EyeASage, a Pinay emcee and hip-hop journalist from the Bay Area, who will perform songs from her recent self-titled debut album, which will also be available for purchase. The slam will be hosted by Karen Finneyfrock, Writer-in-Residence at the Richard Hugo House and three-time member of the Seattle Adult National Poetry Slam Team. Finneyfrock will also read from her new book of poems, Ceremony of a Choking Ghost, which will also be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the Grand Slam will support Youth Speaks Seattle which provides programs and workshops to encourage self-expression and empowerment among young people of all genders, races, and economic backgrounds throughout the Seattle area.

Admission is $10 for Youth and $15 for 21+ when you order tickets in advance at: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?pid=6695301 or $15 for Youth and $20 for 21+ at the door.

Youth Speaks Seattle – Grand Slam Finals

March 19, 2010 7pm

The Moore Theatre

1932 Second Avenue

Additional news and information about Youth Speaks Seattle is available at: http://www.youthspeaksseattle.org

--
Youth Speaks Seattle
info@youthspeaksseattle.org
www.youthspeaksseattle.org
youthspeaksseattle.blogspot.com
youtube.com/seattleyouthspeaks
206.774.0443

Tick Tock Tickets!

2010-03-03T13:35:00.001-08:00

Get them while they are still here!

Heres where: TICKETS

WOW: potlatch

2010-03-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

potlatch

(POT-lach)

MEANING:
noun:
1. A party or get-together.
2. A ceremonial festival among American Indians of the Pacific Northwest involving feasts, lavish gift giving, dances, etc.

Wild N Crazy Poets!

2010-03-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

The end is a sad thing, but it's going to be done BIG!!

The slam prelims are done but there is ONE more STEP! THE WILD CARD!!! So how wild are you!?

It's on a Saturday (wild!)

March 6th, 2010

It's in the morning (so wild!)

11:30 AM sign ups/12:00 PM show starts

And it's at the Seattle Art Museum (The wildest)

University and 1st

More wilder... we have NO idea how the rounds will go! That's right, depends on if 12 poets sign up or 16. It's up in the air and it's WILD!

DON'T MISS IT!

It's been a long time...

2010-03-02T20:27:00.000-08:00

And I shouldn't of left you with out some post to read!

3rd Prelim!!... Already?!

2010-02-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

Yes yes ya'll! The 3rd prelim is TONIGHT!! Can you believe it?! This slam season has been jam packed with talent and been going by very fast.

So don't miss it!

TONIGHT!

NAAM (NorthWest African American Museum)

6:30 pm sign ups/7:00 PM show

$5.00 Youth/$10.00 21 and up

PLUS Bake sale! :)

Like you need another reason...

2010-02-17T13:34:00.000-08:00

Yes the rumors are true, the grand slam will have a musical act. Wanna know who....

some dope poetry

2010-02-16T14:04:00.000-08:00

so...a lot of the fam has been having relationship problems, and my stepdad just gave me a book entitled "best loved poems of korea" and i was flipping through it, and came across this one. this goes out to all of those feelin heartache.

azalea flowers by so-wol kim

when you hate to see me
and decide to leave,
ill quietly let you go.

ill pluck an armful of azaleas
in the yaksan hills at the yungbyun
to strew over your path.

tread softly on the flowers,
each step soft and silent.

when you hate to see me
and decide to leave,
i'll never, never shed tears.

Quote of the Week: Toni Morrison

2010-02-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

She is no stranger in the writing world, she is the mother to all women growing up not loving the skin their in. She is strong, smart, hopeful, and witty. She is Toni Morrison.

"Everything I've ever done, in the writing world, has been to expand articulation, rather than to close it."

-Toni Morrison

WOW: astraphobia

2010-02-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

astraphobia

(as-truh-FO-bee-uh)

MEANING:

noun: An abnormal fear of lightning and thunder.

EXAMPLE:

"In the USA, it is estimated around 10 per cent of people suffer from astraphobia to some degree."

Don White; Weatherwatch; The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, Australia); Dec 11, 2001.

Get them QUICK!

2010-02-16T11:58:00.000-08:00

The tickets are on sale ONLY ONLINE! So get them quick!!

We will be selling them at the door but that means they will coast more. So don't be lame about it, get them now!

Here's where:

http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?pid=6695301

This week in Events: Feb 15-21

2010-02-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

Let's just kick it off quick:

Monday: Feb 15th

Today is President's Day, whatever that means. But post offices are closed, no school, and I don't have work. It's a good day!

Tuesday: Feb 16th

Youth Speaks Meeting

(Like you didn't already know this tho...)

7:00 PM

Beacon & Graham

Also: Happy Mardi Gras!!!

Wednesday: Feb 17th

Write Time is at the Hugo House

6:00-7:00

Find time to write this week. It's not only good to get it out, but it's good for your heart, soul, and feet...

Thursday: Feb 18th

Writing Circle

Downtown Library (3rd floor)

5:00-7:00 PM

Second chance to find time to write

Friday: Feb 19th

I believe it's the Youth Speaks Seattle Slam Series 3rd Prelim!!!

That's right folks, this is the slam for all those who have NOT slammed yet. Here is your chance!

Sign ups at 6:30 PM

Show at 7:00 PM

Northwest African American Museum

(23rd and Massachusetts)

Those who want to come clearly and help set up, please let me know!

Also: 80's Babies!:A Benefit Dance Party & Concert

This great show will have music, dance, and much much more. Some of the best local artists Seattle has to offer.

Saturday: Feb 20th

Happy Cherry Pie Day! That's right, there's a holiday for that. To celebrate one bakes a cherry pie and gives it to a stranger or love one. (I don't like cherry pie but HEY! can't say no to free food)

Sunday: Feb 21st

It's the Youth Speaks Open Mic!

Can't believe it but the 3rd sunday is already here. So come down to Cafe Allegro read poetry, eat food, or listen. Best way to end a long week.

sign ups at 6:30 (BE ON TIME!)

show at 7:00

If I missed anything or if you know of any youth-friendly events in the greater Seattle area, please hit me up. I'll make sure to add it to blog and Youth Speaks weekly facebook news letter.

rose@youthspeaksseattle.org

Workshop TODAY

2010-02-12T11:56:00.000-08:00

Remember the Denise Jolly super awesome, amazing, wonderful, crazy cool workshop is TODAY (2/12/10) at the Youth Speaks Office.

Beacon & Graham

4:30-5:30

Please hit me up if you need a ride or have any questions.

rose@youthspeaksseattle.org

Hope to see you there!

Rest in Poetry: Alexander McQueen

2010-02-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

Long live McQueen.

Once again, I have to break more sad news. A visionary, artist, and fashion icon Alexander McQueen has passed away.

I know the fashion world can be very taboo. I am against a lot of it actually. How they picture women and what not. However, I am fan of fashion! The way you can take fabric or a life less dull print and make it worth wearing. Fashion makes statements, it's a form of expression, of visual showing the world how you have changed.

And no one knew this better then Alexander McQueen. He's the male Chanel! He took risks and questioned form and rules to what you can do with clothing. For him a dress wasn't just a dress, it's a master piece. Wearable art. A poet who was seamless.

It's also very sad because of the circumstances of this death. Suicide is an awful thing that effects a lot of people. My hopes and wishes go out to his friends and family.

Monthly Slam: anti-valentine, POETRY PIMPS HAVE FEELINGS TOO!

2010-02-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

Rose is hosting

Violets are Blue

I'll be at the Monthly Slam

Will you?!

That's right tomorrow is the day you've been waiting for... the Youth Speaks Seattle FIRST Anti-Valentine's Poetry Pimps have feelings too! SLAM! It's going to be amazing!

So remember

Electric Tea Garden

7:30 sign ups (first 10 poets)

Show at 8:00

$3 Youth/$5 for 21 and up

ONLY LOVE POEMS!

Hope to see you there.

Grand Slam Tickets!!!

2010-02-10T12:25:00.000-08:00

A few posts back I said that the Grand Slam Tickets were on sale, they are! I just didn't post the right link... but here it is now:

So Quick! By your Youth Speaks Seattle Grand Slam tickets before they are sold out:

http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?pid=6695301

Quote of the Week: James Baldwin

2010-02-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

Logging on facebook today, I saw that Miss Robin Park had her status as a famous James Baldwin quote. This made my day!

I think one of the most over looked over authors of our time is James Freakin Baldwin. (Of course "freakin" isn't his middle name, but I am making a point) He is a man who went out looking for himself in another country. A man who questioned race and gender when it was taboo and a man who didn't take any funny business. He wrote what was true, raw, and what people needed to be read.

One of my favorite quotes of his is this week's quote:

It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who had ever been alive.

-James A. Baldwin

Denise Jolly Workshop!

2010-02-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

I can't stress this enough, but once again. You will be missing a BIG thing if you don't come to the workshop that the one and only Denis Jolly will be teaching at the Youth Speaks Office.

SO DON'T MISS IT!

Feb 12th (day after the monthly slam)

4:30-5:30 PM

Youth Speaks Office

(Beacon and Graham)

Don't want to miss this!

This week in Events: Feb 8-14th

2010-02-07T12:44:00.001-08:00

2nd week in February, here are this weeks events:

Monday: Feb 8th
Today is clean your computer out day! (Something I really need to do)

Tuesday: Feb 9th
Youth Speaks Meeting is at 7:00 PM
Beacon & Graham

Also, after the meeting: LADIES NIGHT! Come to Nuemo's and watch:
CANARYSING
THEESatisfaction
LISA DANK
KATIE KATE,
SAP'n
QUEERBAIT
DJ Colby B
Show starts at 8:00 PM
$10/$15

Wednesday: Feb 10th
Nothing that I know of, but please e-mail me or hit me up if you know of any youth friendly events.

Thursday: Feb 11th
It's here:
The Youth Speaks "anti-valentine, poetry pimps have feelings too" slam!
Electric Tea Garden
$3 youth/$5 21 and up
Sign ups at 7:30/show at 8:00
Poets can be 12-20 years old
ONLY LOVE POEMS! Yes, you can only slam love poems. the corny-est cheesey-est, awful-est love poems, the better :)

Friday: Feb 12th
Denise Jolly workshop! The lovely and very talented Denis Jolly is going to be leading and teaching a workshop. It's going to be amazing!
4:30 PM-5:30 PM
at Youth Speaks Office
open to anyone and everyone (Youth, mentor, old folk, what not)

Saturday: Feb 13th
Come down and support local artists at Cornish College. This event is a celebration of Black History month and a benefit for Haiti relief.
Poetry, music, dancing, and much much more.
Show starts at 6:00 PM
@ Nellie Cafeteria on the Cornish Campus.

Another event is the: Round{57}
@ Fremont Abbey Arts Center,
4272 fremont ave north,
seattle 8-10pm
7:30 doors
$8 advance / $10 door all-ages
Enjoy the poets and artists like:
Benjamin Verdoes (Mt St Helens Vietnam Band)
The Globes
Anna Arvan (I Love You Avalanche)
string quartet
and special guests
Slam Poet: Denise Jolly
Painters: Geoffrey Garza, Allison Maas

Sunday: Feb 14th
Oh just another day... Not like it's a holiday or anything.

Have a great week everybody! Please hit me up if I missed any events or if you know of something.
rose@youthspeaks.org

Eye candy: "Couldn't be Rude"

2010-02-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

So I love this blog and I love my youth speaks family. I am very shy to share anything I do out of Youth Speaks with anyone because it's not very "poet" like. But this time is different. A lot of people know I love film, acting, and directing.

Here is a little music video I made for my friend Caela and her band: Caela and The Dangerous Flares. Enjoy:

Thank goodness it's friday...

2010-02-05T13:10:00.001-08:00

So start your Friday off right! Go to the Ladies of CUSPI Slam tonight. Here's the info:

Place: University of Washington North Husky Den

Time: 7:00PM

Price: FREE!

Come out and compete against other students in region 14, or just come and cheer on your favorite contestant!

ALSO! There will be a workshop with Christa Bell! So Sign up now.

workshop tomorrow at either 10:30AM or 1:30PM.

To reserve a spot email openmic@uw.edu with your name and time preference. Hope to see you all tonight!

Monthly Slam: anti-valentine, POETRY PIMPS HAVE FEELINGS TOO!

2010-02-04T15:24:00.000-08:00

As you all know, on Feb 11th is going to be our Monthly Slam. Now this isn't any monthly slam.

This slam will help us find the Number One POETRY PIMP!

So to get ya'll in the mood, here is what inspired the slam:

WOW: daltonism

2010-02-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

daltonism

(DAWL-tuh-niz-em)

MEANING:

noun: Color blindness, especially the inability to distinguish between red and green.

EXAMPLE:

The brother in "Little Miss Sunshine" has a form of color blindness or a daltonism.

Mark the 12th

2010-02-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

Ladies & Gentlemen,

It's my honor to inform you all that there is going to be a poetry workshop with the famous and amazing DENISE JOLLY!

The workshop will be at the

Youth Speaks Office

February 12, 2010

4:30-5:30 PM

Open to all spokes and mentors! The workshop will focus on how poets can get out of the rut that is using the same words or vocabulary. So please come it will be amazing and fun!!

Please e-mail me if you have any questions.

-- Rose

Tickets! Get your tickets!

2010-02-01T11:04:00.000-08:00

I am proud to say that TODAY is the first day that the Youth Speaks 2010 Grand Slam Tickets are on sale!!

I can't believe it happened but 12 amazing lucky poets will be at the Moore March 19th!

http://www.stgpresents.org/artists/?artist=1249

Buy your tickets now!

This Week in Events: Feb 1-Feb 7

2010-02-01T10:04:00.000-08:00

Whoa! January was kind of a blurr, hopefully February is steady and slow. Here's the this week in events:

Monday: Feb 1st

It's February first! I think that's good enough as an event...

Tuesday: Feb 2nd

The Youth Speaks Spokes meeting will be happening at 7:00 PM

Open to anyone and everyone

On a side note: I will not be at the meeting because I will be teaching a poetry workshop with the famous group known as TSB. So anyone who is a spokes member that wants to sit in on workshop or help out, please let know soon.

Thanks!

Wednesday: Feb 3rd

Hugo House has it's writing circle at 6:00-7:00

Get to writtin'

Thursday: Feb 4th

Writing Circle is happening... I say GO! Because the monthly slam is right around the corner and so is the 3rd prelim!

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Downtown Library

3rd floor

Friday: Feb 5th

COME SUPPORT UW's CUPSI TEAM!

The Ladies of CUPSI are having a regional slam. As stated on their facebook invite:

"The ACUI Region 14 Poetry Slam will be held in the North Husky Den on February 5th at 7PM featuring poet CHRISTA BELL! Hosted by David and Andrew Fung. "

So please come out and support!

ALSO!

If you are in the South area of Seattle, like Renton, check out the Youth Speaks Renton Open mic. Here as stated in their facebook invite:

"For: all the Poets, Emcees, singers and Musicians who can't make it up to the YOUTH SPEAKS open Mic on the Ave in the U-district; this ones for you.. Youth speaks Seattle Presents an ALL AGES Open Mic at HARAMBEE Every FIRST Friday of the Month: Please come to the next one; FEBRUARY 5th Sign- ups at 6: 30 Show starts at 7 pm"

Saturday: Feb 6th

Today is "Get rid of that JERK day"... I think you guys know that is celebrated.

Sunday: Feb 7th

No events that I know of, but please e-mail me or hit me up on facebook if you know of any Youth-Friendly Events.

Happy Week everyone!

My Hero: J.D. Salinger

2010-01-30T15:34:00.001-08:00

First Howard Zinn now J.D. Salinger!

I just got word about Salinger passing away yesterday. For those who don't know, Mr. Salinger was a ground breaking American author, known for his most famous book "Catcher in the Rye"

Of course most kids in high school have been or will be forced to read this book. However, after being told to read it, I gave it another try. So glad I did because this book is brilliant! It's one of the best coming of age stories that fits perfectly no matter what generations or genders you are. It's a story of alienation and rebellion, a theme that most young adults come across when growing up. It's a reminder that no matter how hard life may seem one can always find themselves even if the are scattered among a broken city.

Although "Catcher in the Rye" wasn't the only book J.D. Salinger wrote, it's his master piece. One that he found himself battling against his whole life. Trying to come out with another book that would reached the same or even more success. I see this problem happening with young writers around me all the time. However, one should never give up and keep trying. J.D. Salinger never did, and look where they got him. He was, is, and will be forever more one of the most praise writers of our time.

Rest in Poetry Mr. J.D. Salinger

January 1, 1919 – January 27, 2010

WOW: discombobulate

2010-01-29T12:55:00.000-08:00

discombobulate

verb

DEFINE:

To disconcert or confuse.

EXAMPLE:

You're not alone. Some people claim they are really discombobulated by the time change.

Think about it...

2010-01-29T12:53:00.000-08:00

Quote of the week:

Losing one glove
is certainly painful,
but nothing
compared to the pain,
of losing one,
throwing away the other,
and finding
the first one again.
-Piet Hein, poet and scientist (1905-1996)

My Hero: Howard Zinn

2010-01-27T16:50:00.000-08:00

It kills me to say this, but historian, playwright, and social activist Howard Zinn passed away yesterday at age 87.

Howard Zinn was a hero. He's resume of books, awards, and praise stretches for miles. The man who was known for thinking outside the box, questions rules and authority. His most famous book "The Peoples History of the United States" seeks to present American history through the eyes of those rarely heard in mainstream history books.

Our love goes out to his friends and family. The world will not be the same without him.

jason bayani of proletariat bronze

2010-01-26T12:35:00.000-08:00

GREETINGS 21+ FOLKS!

tonight at the adult poetry slam, jason bayani, of the filipino spoken word collective PROLETARIAT BRONZE, is featuring. he came all the way from the bay! i met jason at the 2009 apia poetry and spoken word summit and he is down for the youth. yay for adults who support youth! if you are of age, have 5 bucks, check him out at rebar at 10pm!

It's HERE! IT'S FINALLY HERE!

2010-01-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

CANARY SING'S MUSIC VIDEO!!! You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this. :D

Poet(s) of the week: George Watsky & Maxwell Kessler

2010-01-25T11:06:00.000-08:00

Enough about me talking about the poems... just watch em'

Trans Gender & Queer writing circle

2010-01-24T12:38:00.000-08:00

If you need a sign that you need to write: look around you!! Writing circles are everywhere. And here's another:

(The lovely and talented Shanay Salas JUST sent me this, talk about being on top of her game:)

Trans & Gender-Queer Youth Writing Circle facilitated by Bent writer Cody Pherigo!

Who: Free writing circle is open to youth (21 and under) who identify as trans- or genderqueer. All styles and levels of experience in writing are welcome! The circle will be facilitated by Cody Pherigo, Bent writer and trained teacher.

When: First session on Monday, January 25th, and then every other Monday after that (February 8th, then February 22nd , etc…) This could increase to every week depending on enthusiasm!
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Where: Nova High School, Room 35
300 20th Ave E
Seattle WA, 98112
Nova is on the corner of Republican & 20th (look for the graffiti sign, that's the entrance), off the 48, 43, 8, 11, and 12 bus routes.

This Week in Events:

2010-01-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

*this week in events is a bit early, more time to plan it out*

Monday: Jan 25

CUP OF FLOW at the Faire Cafe

A great poetry show on Cap Hill on Melrose & Olive. Right next to "Winner's Circle" clothing store. It's an open mic/poetry contest for all ages. I will be featuring, so come and support!

7:30-11:30 PM

Tuesday: Jan 26

Youth Speaks Meeting (Open to everyone!)

This meeting is important because we are going to talk about youth speaks events as well as all the workshops open to the youth in Seattle for slam prep.

Beacon & Graham @ 7:00 PM

Wednesday: Jan 27

It's mama Cain and papa McAleese (my mom and dad's) 25th anniversary, super cheesy but just thought ya'll should know.

Also

Hugo House Writing Circle: Write Time. Is today as well.

6:00-7:00 PM

Thursday: Jan 28

Writing circle! Slam season is in full swing, best time to get to writing.

Down Town Library (3rd floor)

5:00-7:00 PM

Friday: Jan 29

Nothing that I know of, but please feel free to e-mail me if you know of a youth friendly event. (rose.rstar@gmail.com)

Saturday: Jan 30

No events, that I know of. HOWEVER did you know that Jan 30 is National Inane Answering Message Day?

I want to know... how does one celebrate such a day?

Sunday: Jan 31

A lot of great Haiti fundraisers shows in the Seattle area, and here's another.

Cafe Paloma (a place with unbelievable Mediterranean cuisine) located in the heart of Seattle's Pioneer Square is having a music show for the relief in Haiti. Starts at 7:00 and will be going on until closing.

If you know of any event or are in any shows in the greater Seattle area, please feel free to hit me up and tell me about (rose.rstar@gmail.com)

Have a great week! And get ready for next week, it's going to jamPACKED!

The Cup of Flow @ The Faire Cafe

2010-01-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

The Faire Cafe is one of the coolest spots in Seattle. on the corner on Melrose and Olive, it's open to all ages, has poetry shows, jazz jams, tap-dancing nights, and so much more.

Tomorrow is the poetry show "Cup of Flow" Here is the small bio about Cup of Flow, on the faire cafe website:

"...Is a jam session of musicians, poets and emcees. It's dynamic because its the artist and audience who come that direct what kind of show it will be. There is no list to sign up on, the mic is open to whoever want to get up on stage. Its lots of fun so bring you friends"

I will be the feature, so come and support!

haiti relief show

2010-01-21T20:15:00.000-08:00

greetings supporters

i'm sure you have heard of the tragedy that is plaguing haiti. the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks has left the nation in complete shambles. while we are miles away, there are still things you can do: donate to organizations that allocate funding to directly benefit those in haiti. please do your research before donating! also, here is a benefit show being hosted by one of the yss fam, khingz. hope to see you there!

Writing Circle 01.21.10

2010-01-21T14:16:00.001-08:00

Writing circle is tonight on the 3rd floor of the Down Town Seattle Library. From 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM. Parking can be a drag so try to come early. You never known who will be there...

Poet of the Week: J.Ivy

2010-01-20T14:54:00.000-08:00

J. Ivy is no stranger on Def Jam Poetry. A strong poet who's writing is very floetry (rapping and poetry). Now a lot of people who like Kanye West (back in the day when he was good) will listen to this poem and recognize this poem from Mr. West's song "Never Let Me Down". Please Enjoy:

Monthly Slam: Picture This

2010-01-19T23:45:00.001-08:00

I wasn't able to take pictures at the 2nd prelim because I was so busy, however, I did take pictures of the Monthly Slam.

Enjoy:

Writing Prompt: Bag O Words

2010-01-19T23:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the lovely Meg from Providence "Ask a Poet" I have this writing prompt for ya'll:

Take 25-30 words you like, love, rarely use or use often.

Put those words in a bag or box

Then free write

Now every time you find your self stuck, grab a word out of the bag

And NO MATTER THE SENTENCE or where you are write down the world you picked.

It's like mad libs for poets! Happy writing and enjoy.

Rocky Jazz

2010-01-18T19:51:00.000-08:00

The great thing about Youth Speaks is it's a family. We look out for each other and support each other. Rocky hit me up with an e-mail about a show she is doing that I did not put on "This Weeks Events" BUT HERE ARE THE DETAILS:

What: Rocky singing classical and jazz at a sweeeet all-ages party

when: Saturday Jan 23rd, 8:30pm

Where: Watertown Coffee (12th and Jackson by Seattle U)

Why: to hear pretty singing!

This Week in Events

2010-01-18T14:26:00.000-08:00

Last week was crazy packed, this week it's pretty chill. Here's what's happening:

Monday: Jan 18

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King Jr. The march from Garfield High School to Downtown Seattle was today. Those who go might see my mom!

Tuesday: Jan 19

Youth Speaks Meeting

Beacon and Graham

7:00 PM OPEN TO ANYONE!

For those who are 21+ there is the Seattle Poetry Slam Featuring Robert Lashley at Re-bar

8:00pm - 11:30pm

1114 Howell St. City/Town

Wednesday: Jan 20

Nothing that I know of, however find some time to write.

Thursday: Jan 21

Writing Circle

Downtown Library (3rd floor)

5:00-7:00 PM

Friday: Jan 22

Youngstown Art Center in West Seattle is having a show this friday with people like SKIM, Amos Miller and Gabriel Teodros. The event will celebrate music and poetry that youth from Youngstown presented at the Frey art gallery.

8:00 PM-12:00 PM (The Main Theatre)

Saturday: Jan 23

Nothing I know of but please let me know if you know any youth friendly events.

Sunday: Jan 24

No plans. Just another day to relax and kick it.

If you have any events coming up or know of anything let me know. (rose.rstar@gmail.com)

happy week everyone!

WOW: asperity

2010-01-18T14:24:00.000-08:00

asperity

(ah-SPER-i-tee)

MEANING: (noun) Harshness or roughness

Synonyms: 1. acerbity, bitterness, astringency.

Antonyms: 1. affability, cheerfulness.

Thank You!

2010-01-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to the monthly slam on Thursday, the 2nd prelim on Friday and the Open Mic on Sunday.

It was a busy week so thank you for coming to our events and showing your support.

2nd Prelim!

2010-01-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

TONIGHT!

Sign ups at 6:30 PM/Show starts at 7:00

$5 for youth/$10 for 21 and up

Poets in for free

SPOKES DO HAVE TO PAY!

FEATURE AND HOST: Canary Sing

we are selling BAKED GOODS! (Cookies, brownies, cupcakes, oh my!)

3 rounds

Youth must be 13-19

Must be your own work!

No props or costumes

3 minutes and 30 second with a 10 second grace period

Ask a Poet: MEG Fogarty

2010-01-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

Now some of you readers already know my love affair for Meg from the Providence, Rhode Island Youth Team. Seeing as I had her as a "Poetry Crush" a few months back. (I can't help it, the girl has a way with words)

So I had to feature her again as the "Ask a poet!" (Yet another reason to speak to her) For those who don't know miss Meg, let me fill you in. Meg a.k.a. Muggs is an 18 year old writer from Providence, Rhode Island. She has been on 3 PVD Youth teams and was the venue's grandslam champion of 2009. She is notorious for having cool haircuts and smoking too many cigarettes at National competitions (a nasty nasty habit, but I look past this because I love her so) At the moment, she is a first-year student at The New School in New York City, trying to figure her "things" out.

When did you start writing poetry?

Poetry didn't come until pubescent angst, but I wrote my first short story when I was 8. It was about my grandmother turning into a werwolf. She liked it, so I kept writing.

Who do you look up to? (Doesn't have to be a poet)

Strong females who don't need to say they're strong females. My father, for various reasons. People who think before speaking.

What do you find to be the hardest thing about writing poetry?

Being honest without being overly emotional. Poetry doesn't have to be about emotions- but it always has to be honest.

What's your favorite part?

Of performance? Probably that auto-pilot moment when you can just stare into the dark. You know your own poem so well that you can just relax and be present.

I'd really rather just sit in the back of a slam, hiding in the shadows, snapping like an asshole.

What's one of your favorite writing prompts?

Picking 30-50 of your favorite words and putting them into a box. Then, picking 5-10 of them to use if you're stuck or bored.

Makes shit crayzeee

Top five favorite things you did in 2009?

-Moving to NYC

-Being the youth grandslam champ of Prov.

-Stopped eating red-meat almost entirely

- CHICAGO! was dope. 303 forever.

-Not loosing my mind and realizing I'm loved.

Five things you want to do in 2010?

-Start performing again

-Make a new Chap book

-Learn how to ride a bike without dying in NYC/ find a better place to live

-Learn how to drive a car...

-Make some zines and distribute them

What book are you currently reading?

Maus by Art Spiegelman and some stuff by Alexander Berkman

What are you currently working on right now?

Thinking of how I'd like to approach my next chap book. Fusing fact and fiction in some new poems. Working on my life n shit.

Favorite season?

I like them all for different reasons- also depends where you are in the world.

Least favorite fruit?

Grapefruit

Do you listen or wait to talk?

Neither

Facebook or Myspace?

Twitter- it's less based around image and popularity. Its a network that gets to the point.

Villains or Heroes?

Penguin is my favorite villain. Pocahontas is my favorite hero.

High School or college?

They're both riddled with bullshit. The sex is better in college.

Handshakes or hugs?

I'm more of a fist bumper. Either or can be nice- but they have to be done with conviction

What's some advice you would give to our readers and/or young poets?

Just because someone is older than you doesn't mean they know what they're talking about. Always follow your gut when it comes to your own art- but don't close yourself off to constructive criticism.

Portland!

2010-01-12T12:08:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, the ladies of UW CUSPI went to Portland for a show. If you want to check out some photos check out Shelby's pixs.

http://picasaweb.google.com/nakedpasta/005#

Monthly Slam: Are you a Hero?

2010-01-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

8-10 Heroes

3 Rounds of Battle

3 Minutes and 30 Seconds you save the Human Race

WHO Will Win?!

Jan 14, 2010

Sign ups at 7:30 Show starts at 8:00

$3 youth/$5 21 and up (Discount if where your TRUE superhero get up)

Electric Tea Garden

14th and pike

2nd Prelim!

2010-01-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

This is going to be one BUSY BUSY BUSY WEEK! Open Mic, Monthly Slam, Spokes Meeting, Works shops, and the 2nd Prelim!

Come and watch the crazy talent that is our youth.

$5 Youth/$10 (21 and up)

Hosted and feature by Canary Sing

3 rounds

Youth must be 13-19

Must be your own work!

No props or costumes

3 minutes and 30 second with a 10 second grace period.

This Week in Events

2010-01-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

Monday: Jan 11

Just a lazy day to regroup from a great weekend.

Tuesday: Jan 12

Youth Speaks Spokes Meeting (Starts at 7:00)

AND

The Round 52 is happening at the Fremont Abby Arts Center with their feature: Kevin of The Moondoggies, Jason of The Maldives, Zoe Muth. All ages and a whole lot of fun.

Wednesday: Jan 13

At Hugo House from 11:30-1:30 spokes and myself will be teaching a workshop on how to use spoken word to spread messages of empowerment, self love, sexual health, HIV prevention. There will be time to write, a performance and a great workshop. Hope you can join. (There will be other amazing youth-friendly groups there as well)

Thursday: Jan 14

Writing Circle at the Downtown Library on the "Teen Floor" (3rd floor)

Open to everyone

5:00 PM-7:00 PM

THEN! After that, come on up to Cap Hill and either spit, watch or enjoy the Youth Speaks MONTHLY SLAM! The theme this month is "Super Heroes" and is open to anyone 12-20 years old. Hosted by me and feature by Dakota. Normal Slam, 3 rounds, your own work, 3 minutes and 30 second (with a ten second grace period)

Sign ups at 7:30PM Show starts at 8:00 PM

$3 youth/$5 adults 21 and up

At the Electric Tea Garden

Be there or be Square

Friday: Jan 15

IT'S FINALLY TIME!!! THE 2ND PERLIM!

That's right slam season is in FULL SWANG! Meaning it's already time for our second prelim at Youngstown Art Center (In West Seattle) I will make sure to post more info on the blog later.

Saturday: Jan 16

Nothing that I know of, but please let me know if you know of any youth-friendly shows.

Sunday: Jan 17th

The Youth Speaks Open mic! With it's great crowd and lay back vibe, the Youth Speaks open Mic is a prefect way to end your weekend.

Please let know if you know of any events going on in Seattle and hope to see you all at most if not all of these events!

i don't know about you...

2010-01-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

but i love erykah badu.

Poet of the Week: Sierra DeMulder

2010-01-08T11:47:00.000-08:00

To get ya'll in the mood for the craziness you will get to witness at CUPSI show tonight, I picked a strong and very talented young lady by the name of Sierra DeMulder as the Poet of the Week.

Now I've never meet Sierra before but with the power of poetry and magic of words, after hearing this heart felt piece I feel like I know her so well. Super cheesy, but oh so true. Since tonight is an all-ladies show I think it's best I put this poem of Sierra's up. It's honest, raw, and stunning. So please enjoy. And hope to see you tonight.

Don't Miss it!

2010-01-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

The Show for UW CUPSI Team is TONIGHT!

Hugo House

7:00 PM

$10.00

AND POETRY!

This is a Team Piece: Denver Adults

2010-01-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

Funny pieces are hard to come by sometimes in the poetry world, but when you find one, it's hard not to remember it. Case in point this year at Adult Nationals two lovely amazingly talented ladies from the Denver Mercury Slam Team wrote and preformed a great FUNNY slam piece. Of course it ends on a serious note but it takes one for the team.

Please enjoy.

Eye Candy: You Art What You Eat

2010-01-07T11:29:00.001-08:00

Here some food for thought... an Artists by the name of Phil Hansen finds himself using normal paper as his canvas but fast-food burgers as his paint brush?!

Watching this video might make you very sick or carver a double cheese burger. Either way, this is some super creative art.

Super Hero!

2010-01-06T12:52:00.001-08:00

The Monthly Slam event is on facebook now! So make sure you RSVP and invite your friends.

This Week in Events

2010-01-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Monday:

No plans... but did you know January fourth is National Trivia day?

Tuesday:

Youth Speaks Meeting 7:00 PM

@ the Office (beacon and graham)

We have been all wacky because of the break but we are back on!

Wednesday:

Hugo House Writing Circle

Hosted by Karen Finneyfrock

Also! If your 21+ the Adult Slam is having a show at Spit Fire (2219 4th Ave) featuring Laura Yes Yes. If you are of age, you don't want to miss that.

$5.00

8:00 PM-11:45 PM

Thursday:

Writing Circle is back from holiday break!! So if you are ready to write about all those crazy family members you had to hang out this holiday break, now is the time.

Friday:

I don't know of anything expect.... THE LADIES OF CUPSI SHOW!

At Hugo House (Doors at 7:00 PM, Show at 7:30 PM)

$10.00 (But it's the "Send us to Boston" money, good cause!)

Not only will I be there along with the rest of the famous team our feature is TARA HARDY! Yep, it's going to be that cool of a show.

Saturday:

No youth speaks events, but please let me know if you know of anything.

Sunday:

Nothing unless you count the amazingness that went down this day 19 years ago! I am talking about the birth of spokes member Shanay Salas. Happy Birthday lovely lady!

The first full week of the new year, enjoy it!

Ladies of Cupsi

2010-01-04T00:41:00.001-08:00

The Ladies of CUPSI AND TARA HARDY FOR 10 DOLLARS?!?!?! What a deal.

HUGO HOUSE

Jan 8, 2010

Doors open at 7:00 PM

Show at 7:30 PM

$10.00 (Send us to BOSTON! It's a great cause)

You don't want to miss it.

WOW: astraphobia

2010-01-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

astraphobia

(as-truh-FO-bee-uh)

MEANING:

noun: An abnormal fear of lightning and thunder.

ROOT:

From Greek astrape (lightning). Ultimately from the Indo-European root ster- (star) that is also the source of star, asterisk, asteroid, astrology, disaster, stellar, constellation, Persian sitareh (star), and the names Stella and Esther.

EXAMPLE:

Living in Montana during the summer time is a bad idea if one is astraphobia.

2010!

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years!

From:

The Youth Speaks Seattle Family

Hope it's safe, fun and grand.

And we are back...

2009-12-28T22:43:00.000-08:00

Yes its true!

Tomorrow 12/29/09 will be in fact a Tuesday Youth Speaks Meeting. See you there

Beacon and Graham

@7:00 PM

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-25T00:29:00.000-08:00

Whatever you celebrate and however you celebrate, hope it's a fun, safe, and good holiday!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

To: You and Your Family

From: Us and the Youth Speaks Family!

Eye Candy: Ice Ice Baby

2009-12-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

It's very sad that the ice caps are melting due to Global Warming and human kind. But why get sad now? I don't want this post to be such a downer. So here are so beautiful ice caps that have become frozen art work.

Scientist (better known as the "mad poets") have discovered these icebergs in the Antarctic area that have stripes, formed by layers of snow that react to different conditions. For example the blue ones are often created when a "crevice" in the ice sheet that fills it up with melted water and freezes so quickly that no bubbles form. The green stripes have rich algae in it that freezes. Brown, black and yellow lines are caused by "sediment" (dirt), picked up when the ice sheet grinds against main land. How poetic is that!?

Enjoy.

WOW: flibbertigibbet

2009-12-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

flibbertigibbet

(FLIB-uhr-tee-jib-it) noun

MEANING:

Someone who is regarded as flighty, scatterbrained, and talkative.

EXAMPLE:

A lot of people would said I was a flibbertigibbet due to my unique personality.

Tuesday meeting

2009-12-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

There isn't one today... Happy Holidays!

This is a Team Piece: Sharese King and Keighley Page

2009-12-20T00:25:00.000-08:00

The ROC is in the building! This piece had to be THE POEM HIGHLIGHT FOR ME AT BNV. Now I hate when people write in CAPS for a really long time. But I MEAN IT! I was literally dreaming about the day I would find this on Youtube. Well why don't I just ask Sharese King and Keighley Page themselves... Ask and you shall get.

So here is, what I think was the best poem about MJ. So please, get your socks and mind blown. P.S. When we were at BNV, I had to follow THIS!

Thanks!

2009-12-20T00:22:00.000-08:00

I am really sorry I wasn't at the show on Friday but I heard it was amazing! So thank you to everyone who came, it wouldn't have been the slam it was, if it wasn't for you.

So please remember Jan 15th!! At Youngstown.

See you there!

Word of the week: didymous

2009-12-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

A new type of post I am going to start is "WoW" (Word of the Week) Maybe hoping you can use it in your poetry or give you creative help.

This Week's Word:

didymous

(DID-uh-muhs) adjective

MEANING-

Occurring in pairs; twin.

ROOT-

[From Greek didymos (twin). Ultimately from the Indo-European root dwo- (two) that also gave us dual, double, dubious, doubt, diploma, twin, and between.]

EXAMPLE:

"Shakespeare portrays the didymous functionaries as if they were a unit comprised of two parts."

Peter Usher; Hamlet's Universe; Aventine Press; 2006.

This Week:

2009-12-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

This is a bit late, but better late then never:

Monday

No events that I know of but hoped you had a great Monday

Tuesday:

Spokes Meeting (7:00 @ Youth Speaks Office)

Now if your not in the Seattle area, there is a great benefit show for a dear friend of mine Alyssa in Burien, WA Sydney Robertson will be signing. Show starts at 6:00

Wednesday:

Hugo House Writing Circle (Karen Finneyfrock is back this week, last week it was actually Christa Bell, my mistake) but what a great class it was!

Thursday:

Writing Circle at the down town library

Also, at the Fry Art Museum is the "Critics Wrap" Seattle movie critics talk about the best of the best and worst of the worst for movies of not only 2009 but our decade.

Friday:

YOUTH SPEAKS SEATTLE FIRST PRELIM! but I bet you all already knew about that.

Saturday:

Nothing that I know of, but please feel free to let me know if you know of any good youth-friendly events going on.

Sunday:

The Open Mic! It's going to be great and a blast. SO please remember sign ups at 6:30, show at 7:00 PM. Be on time!

Please feel free to shoot me an e-mail or comment if you know of any events this week. Have a great week!

"A new way to think about creativity"

2009-12-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Now I am guessing that a good amount of you guys may have already seen this video but I think since the prelim is this friday this is a great video to get that creative juices flowing.

Elizabeth Gilbert is the smart women writer behind the beloved book "Eat, Pray, Love." After topping most of the best selling book list, Miss Gilbert found herself thinking what most people think about after getting so much fame and notice... "What next?"

I am not going to try and explain that idea any further because a. I am still trying to figure it out for my self and b. Elizabeth explains it so much better in her TEDtalk.

(A little side note TEDtalks mission is to have remarkable people speech on subjects they are passionate about, then record them, so the public can watch them for free and benefit from. Enjoy.)

This Rules!

2009-12-14T11:24:00.003-08:00

As you all know... slams have rules. So if you didn't get the e-mail about them, here it is on the blog. Enjoy this very very LONG and dull post.

Information and Rules:

Every year, Youth Speaks Seattle hosts a series of poetry slams to select the Seattle youth poetry slam team, which is 4-6 youth who then have the opportunity to travel together to the international Brave New Voices youth poetry festival and slam. This coming year, the 13^th annual BNV festival will be held July 19-25^th in Los Angeles.

This year we have secured a series of venues, doing our best to make our slams accessible to all parts of the city and beyond. We also welcome and encourage other youth in the region beyond the Seattle area to come slam. We've had people from as far away as Oregon secure a spot on the Seattle team! Youth must be 19 years old or younger as of July 2010 to slam.

While Youth Speaks Seattle offers many opportunities for working on your writing and performance, not everyone has had the same opportunity to access our programming to get help and coaching with their poetry. We already held our first mentor-day, and will schedule more days like this for any interested youth to come and get suggestions and help with their writing and performance from our amazing poetry mentors, so please take advantage of these opportunities. We are also happy to meet with you, or email with you to help you with your work, so please get in touch with us!

Slam is essentially a gimmick to make poetry exciting and to attract an audience. Young people in Seattle already write amazing poems and attracting large audiences, so we would love to avoid the ridiculousness of judging and scoring artistic expression. Unfortunately, we don't have a better way of choosing a youth poetry slam team fairly, so we continue with the necessary evil of slam. Just remember, the points are not the point! The point is the poetry! But to make sure that everyone understands the rules and structure of the slam series in advance, this is all the nitty-gritty business that you should know:

This season, we are hosting 3 preliminary slams, 1 wildcard slam, and then a final slam for poets who have qualified in the 4 previous slams. To make sure that we create space for the largest number of young poets the opportunity to compete, we limit your participation to any 1 of the 3 prelim slams: you may not slam in more than 1 prelim slam. Choose wisely. While waiting and polishing your work for a later slam may have its advantages, also be aware that in all past years the number of people slamming in earlier prelims is often smaller and competition less fierce than later slams. Because this limit means you have only one chance to make it to the final slam via a prelim slam, we have also created a wildcard slam which is open to ALL poets, including anyone who competed in a prelim slam. The wildcard slam is your second chance if you didn't make it in a prelim slam. Because the wildcard slam is the last chance to make it to finals, everyone brings it hard, so it is often the most difficult slam to win. In each of the prelim slams and the wildcard, 3 poets will be selected to move on to the final slam, for a total of 12 finalists.

The 3 prelim slams will be a maximum of 12 poets, and sign ups are first-come first-serve 30 minutes before the show-start. Be at the slam early! If you are traveling from out of town or can't arrive early to sign up, please email us well in advance: yss.info@gmail.com

The wildcard slam may have a different maximum number of poets and an entirely different round structure to allow more poets to compete, this will be determined and announced later, it is always pretty wild!

Each of the 3 prelim slams will have the same structure: there will be three rounds, with a cut after each round based on your score, from 12 poets, to 8 poets, to 5. First round is random order. The top 8 poets will move on to the second round which is ordered based on score with the highest score performing first. After the second round, the cumulative score from rounds 1 & 2 determine the remaining 5 poets who move on to the final round which again will be ordered by score from high to low. The final round is clean slate (scores from previous rounds have no impact, unless a tiebreaker is needed). Out of the 5 poets in the last round, the top 3 poets win a spot in the final slam. The remaining 2 poets secure a spot in the wildcards, so they do not need to worry about signups for the wildcard.

As is standard, there will be 5 judges giving scores olympic-style (0-10), on the quality of both your writing and your performance.. The high and low scores are dropped, the remaining three give your score (after any time penalties) out of a possible 30 points. We follow the same time limit as BNV, which is 3:30 with a 10-second grace period. After 3:40 there is a penalty of .5 points for every 10 seconds over. So if you read a poem that is 3:53 long and score a 26.5, your adjusted score will be 25.5. Know how long your poems are because the penalty is severe, and be aware that audience applause can also slow you down. There is no minimum time limit.

And as usual, the slam is about your words and performance. Be as creative as you want with your performance! No costumes, props, or musical instruments are allowed, and your poems must be your own work. You can make music with your body or voice if you want, just no instruments. You can bring up whatever papers or notebooks you need if you do not have your poems memorized. We strongly encourage you to be very familiar with your work for the best performance, so memorization is to your advantage.

1st Prelim

2009-12-14T11:12:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it?! It's that time of year again, the Youth Speaks Seattle Slam Series! It's going to be amazing, jam-packed creative, lots of talent, but most of all lots of fun. I will not be at the first prelim (sadly) HOWEVER, go for me because it's going to be GREAT!

Electric Tea Garden

December 18th

$5 Youth (unless you are slamming)

$10 for grown Folks (21 and up)

Signs up at 6:30, show starts at 7:00

FEATURE: Christabel from the 2009 Youth Speaks Slam Team!!

Be there or be square.

Smile!

2009-12-10T23:20:00.000-08:00

If you missed the Monthly Slam, you missed HISTORY! Firs time ever a 12 year old has ever won a poetry slam in Youth Speak Seattle history.

Congrats to Benji! My student at PSCS.

I've been having a super busy week and my best Friend Chey knew this. To make me happy and smile she sent me thing... it made my week!

Jingle Bells Jingle Bells! SLAM

2009-12-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the Monthly (Holiday theme) Slam!

Sign ups at 7:30 PM

Show from 8:00-10:00 PM

Hosted: by your truly

Feature: Isaiah Jones

@ The Electric Tea Garden (14&Pike)

$3 for youth/$5 21+

(PRICE DISCOUNT if you where a holiday sweater!)

SEE YOU THERE!

Updates and Show dates

2009-12-09T11:31:00.001-08:00

SIDE NOTE: For those who missed the Tuesday Meeting. We talked slam rules and what not. I will be posting all the rules on the blog shortly.

Tonight! Hugo House is having their writing circle from 6:00-7:00 (this one is not hosted by Karen Finneyfrock but the lovely and strong Christa Bell Then after that their is Stage Fright, Hugo House's Youth friendly Open mic.

Hope to see you there.

Tuesday meeting

2009-12-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

Today is Tuesday. So you already know, Beacon & Graham at the office

7:00 PM

Very important meeting for those who are slamming this year.

OPEN TO EVERYONE!

Eye Candy: Definition Please...

2009-12-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

So if Austin does blackout poetry with newspapers, Brian Dettmer does a similar thing with dictionaries.

Brian Dettmer's art work is jaw-dropping and meticulous. I mean talk about looking inside a book! He takes old leather bond dictionaries, cuts them to create these complex layered three-dimensional sculptures. They are sweetest eye candy and elegantly elaborate works of art. The artist him self says he is doing "Book Autopsies." Ah! So gosh darn poetic.

The rounded books are my favorite. Now I hope this inspires people like it did for me, because we do have a monthly slam this Thursday (12/10 ;)

Black Out Poetry

2009-12-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

Still on jury duty I grabbed a newspaper and did one of my favorite pass-times: Blackout poetry! Blackout poetry is a cool art project where you take something that's already written; (newspaper article, book passages, magazine article, another poem, ect) and then make it your own.

This is one way to do it: first read the article then circle the phrases or words you like, then using a black marker you black out everything else except the words you choose. Here are some really cool examples:

There is man by the name of Austin Kleon (all the blackouts above are his work) that has master this art form! He just came out with a new book called Newspaper Blackout. **Hint hint, this book would make a GREAT holiday gift....

Austin who's catch phrase is "Newspaper + Marker = Poetry" is a writer, cartoonist, and designer living ironic living in Austin, TX. Since his first book has come out, he is moving up not only on the book charts but moving steadly up in the poetry world.

enjoy this amazingness

12 Angry Men

2009-12-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

I am currently on my second day of jury duty and find that I now have a lot of time on my hands. I could do work for my job, but that such a cop out. No fun.

Now I had mixed feelings about jury duty. First I was excited because I heard so many unbelievable stories from friends and family about what happens there. Then on the other hand I thought "I am going to bored out of my mind." So... what did I do?! I came up with a writing prompt.

Yes, I am that nerdy.

This prompt is inspired mostly by one of my favorite movies 12 Angry Men (trailer below it's cheesy but a need to see movie)

Write about the lives of 12 people who are on a jury for a crime. These people come from all walks of life, the possibles are endless.

Enjoy & Happy Writing.

This Week in Events

2009-12-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

Tuesday: 12/8

Spokes Meeting (important meeting going over slam rules and the coming years new goals) Beacon and Graham @ 7:00

Wednesday: 12/9

We never bring this up, but Hugo House has a lovely writing circle for all ages on Wednesday hosted by the amazing Miss Karen Finneyfrock. And this event is 6:00-7:00 PM

Thursday: 12/10

Writing Circle (5:00 PM-7:00 PM) and....

MONTHLY SLAM!! That's right it is in deed that time again. Sign ups at 7:30, start at 8:00 Firts

8-10 poets ages 13-20

Friday:

There are no youth speaks events and I can't think of any youth-friendly ones but if you know of anything feel free to leave it in our comment box below.

2008 YS Pics (Alaska, BNV + More)

2009-12-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

Corbin, Mikeya, Kyle and Angel - Alaska, Nov 2008

Gano On the Run

DC Metro with Gabe T

Open Mic 2008

Corbin spittin fire across the street from the White House

The Legendary Amiri Baraka

Goodbye DC

Rose and Mary Gettin It In

Hollis calling Michael on her hand phone in the subway

Yes, Rose!

Milu doing handstands on DC streets

The Gang post-Finals

On the steps of Semi Finals

Hello, George.

In the Thunderdome

Open Mic 2008

Tonight you could...

2009-12-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

Go to the first Ladies of Cuspi show:

jamPACKED

2009-12-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

There is so much going on this week! So please get your pen and paper ready because I am going to tell you about every event:

December 4th (7:00 PM):

CUSPI will be having their first performance at Seattle Symphony Soundbridge (in Benaroya Hall) Here is a little info from their facebook event:

Did you know Seattle has a COllegiate Slam Team?? Well we do!!!

And you are invited to come to the first shows they ever perform together on Dec. 4th!!

The team is: Rose McAleese, Shanay Salas, Shelby Handler, Robin Park, and Mary Lambert! (being mentored by me, Rocky, and also hosted by me.)

THEY ARE FILTHY (that means really good) SO YOU SHOULD COME TO OUR SHOW.

Plus it's relatively inexpensive: only $10 at the door. And all proceeds go to getting us to nationals! Doors at 7, shows at 7:30

December 5th (2:00-5:00 PM):

ALL YOU POETS OUT THERE PALNNING ON SLAMMING THIS YEAR come to the Youth Speaks Office Saturday December 5th from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Mentors and poets (who have slammed or have been on the team in passed years) will be there to help YOU!

Help you workshop pieces, work on performance, talk about spoken word, and hang out. This is open to all the poets from ages 13-19 who plan on slamming this year. It doesn't matter if you are a spokes or not... IT'S OPEN TO EVERYONE!

So please come and bring your poems (3-4 pieces, printed please) to the Youth Speak Office (Beacon and Graham) on Saturday December 5th 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

December 5th... Later that night (7:00 PM)

Cuspi will be having their second performance at Electric Tea Garden.

December 10th (7:30-10:30)

Youth Speaks Monthly Slam

December 18th (6:30-11:30)

Youth Speaks Seattle Slam Series first Prelim!

December 20th (6:30-9:00)

Youth Speaks 3rd Sunday Open Mic

SOOOOOO much do to! So please come to all these events. Check on the blog for more info or our facebook group.

MONTHLY SLAM!

2009-11-30T21:42:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it?! It's already that time again... Seattle MONTHLY SLAM!!

December 10th

Electric Tea Garden

sign ups at 7:30 PM

Show at 8:00 PM -10:30 PM

$3 Youth

$5 Adults

Poets must be 13-20

THE THEME: A holiday to remember. (poems do not have to do with the theme, however if you have a funny holiday story write it down and spit it poet style!)

THIS IS ALL FOR FUN! So come, watch, spit, enjoy, Youth Speak's Monthly slam!

Lookie What I have...

2009-11-30T13:48:00.000-08:00

flyers by roxie t.

Happy Turkey Day

2009-11-26T10:30:00.000-08:00

Whether or not you celebrity this stuffed day of excited have a safe and lovely holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thangs-taken Day

NO TUESDAY MEETING TODAY 11/24

2009-11-24T15:59:00.000-08:00

have a great break!

peas
rsp

Writing Prompt: Never See

2009-11-24T15:31:00.000-08:00

Short and sweet.

Write about the rooms you will never see. (inspired by the trailer to the movie Last Station) The story of Leo Tolstoy.

http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/thelaststation/

Eye Candy: Hey Shorecrest!!

2009-11-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

I love when Seattle (or any other city/town near Seattle) is in the news. I was in the car driving to work (late of course) when I heard about how Shorecrest High School did a video for their production class that became HUGE on youtube. Being the internet junkie that I am, I looked it up... I LOVED IT! I didn't go to Shorecrest but some spokes in the past have. So please enjoy Shorecrest High Schools "Hey Ya!" music video.

This is a Team Piece: Denver Nuba

2009-11-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

Well.. watch the video. There isn't much I could say.

Your busy December 5th, Aren't you?

2009-11-17T15:02:00.000-08:00

Yes you are! (Is the correct answer) ALL YOU POETS OUT THERE PALNNING ON SLAMMING THIS YEAR come to the Youth Speaks Office Saturday December 5th from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Mentors and poets (who have slammed or have been on the team in passed years) will be there to help YOU!

Help you workshop pieces, work on performance, talk about spoken word, and hang out. This is open to all the poets from ages 13-19 who plan on slamming this year.

It doesn't matter if you are a spokes or not... IT'S OPEN TO EVERYONE!

So please come and bring your poems (3-4 pieces, printed please) to the Youth Speak Office (Beacon and Graham) on Saturday December 5th 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

It will be blast! You don't want to miss this.

Re-cap Open Mic

2009-11-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the late notice, but yes indeed there was an open mic this passed Sunday. Sorry I forgot to remind people on the blog, but every 3rd sunday should already be blocked off in all of your ical, phone reminders, and such. Here are some lovely pictures from yet another successful evening: (Also big huge thank you to our features: Rocky and Shelby)

You MISSED IT!

2009-11-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

For those who missed the slam... well, you missed out! It was a great slam, with an even better turn out. I want to thank all the poets who came out and spit their words: EVERYONE WAS SO MIND BLOWING!

all the poets:

Pete

Roxie

Henry

Daemon

Claire

Troy

Devin

Alex

Javonna

And an even bigger THANK YOU to the audiences who came and support the youth and their art. Here some pictures from the evening:

Eye Candy: Camilla d'Errico

2009-11-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

In just two seconds of looking at her website, I am utterly THE biggest fan of Camilla d'Errico. This amazing young half Italian and half Canadian artists has master the unique skills that is Anime. All the girls in her paintings are so beautiful and have such emotions in their eyes. With all her drawings having such crazy details and strange situations, Camilla is a very one of kind artists with a creative eye.

She began her passion when she attended her first Comic Con in San Diego, in that moment she realized a 9-5 would not be her cup of tea. Since then she has dabbled in the art of comics, toys, clothing, paintings and drawings. Camilla is such a wonderful women artist that has inspired this poet. Here are just a few of her breathe taking pictures:

Monthly Slam

2009-11-11T18:59:00.000-08:00

Guess what you'll be doing tomorrow night... Going to Youth Speaks Seattle FIRST EVER Monthly slam! That's right, it's finally here.

Where: Electric Tea Garden

When: 7:30 PM (sign ups) FIRST 8-10 POETS!! 8:00 (show starts)

Who: Poets 13-20

$3 youth, $5 21+

Be there and support! You know you want too.

Radio meet Angel

2009-11-11T14:24:00.001-08:00

Even tho we miss her dearly and she is far far far FAR away on the over side of the "pond" in England, Angel is still repping Youth Speaks!

Check out this interview she had a few days ago about Youth Speaks and how it benefits the amazing teens in Seattle.

http://www.prx.org/pieces/39162#description