Slam down at Concord Library
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29 August 2018 | Council
The City of Canada Bay is calling on all poets, rappers and rhymers to speak or even sing their words to an audience at Concord Library.“This year we will be part of the biggest poetry slam competition in Australia,” City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said. “As a community that celebrates creativity, we are delighted to be hosting a heat in the 2018 Australian Poetry Slam (APS).”
The City of Canada Bay Poetry Slam, to take place at Concord Library on 14 September, is one of 50 APS heats occurring around the country in the hunt for Australia’s best spoken word poet.
Slammers will be given a microphone, a live audience and just two minutes to impress randomly chosen judges with their original poetry, hip-hop and spoken word. The two best slammers will move on to the NSW State round before the competition culminates at the Australian Poetry Slam final in Sydney.
The ultimate prize is a $10,000 Writer’s Fest Tour in 2019 with the champion performing at Byron Writers Festival, Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, Singapore Writers Festival and Hong Kong International Literary Festival. They will also be published by Pitt Street Poetry and receive a residency with Bundanon Trust.
“We have some incredible talent in our community and this is the perfect opportunity for artists to showcase their skills on a national level,” Mayor Tsirekas said.
“Regardless of age, gender, background or education, everyone can tell their story,” said Miles Merrill, Creative Director of World Travels, the organisation running the event.
“I love hearing neighbours walk up to each other afterward and say, ‘I’ve never heard you speak like that before.’”
“This is an event for people from all walks of life,” Mayor Tsirekas said. “Young or old, novice or veteran, we want you to come down and share your story.”
“To help support local talent a free spoken word workshop, hosted by the 2017 APS Champion Jesse Oliver, will be held at Five Dock Library in the lead up to the event.”
“The workshop is a great opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to come together, create, practice, and share their skills. It’s a fantastic resource in the lead up to the City of Canada Bay Poetry Slam and I strongly encourage everyone to come along.”
“Whether you’re ready to ‘ignite the mic’ yourself, or just want to cheer on family and friends, make sure to head down to Concord Library on 14 September so we can show Australia what our community can do.”
Spoken word workshop When: Friday, 7 September 6-8pm Where: Five Dock Library Cost: Free To book a spot: whatson.canadabay.nsw or call 9911 6310
City of Canada Bay poetry slam When: Friday, 14 September 6:30-8pm Where: Concord Library Cost: Free Register on the night