Cantab Recap: Sunday, October 10, 2011

Last week, we were treated to the stylings of the irrepressible California native Amber Tamblyn, who brought us her newest book, Bang Ditto, to enjoy. The first slam of this season’s 8×8 series was jam-packed, and won by Emerson favorite Bobby Crawford.

This Wednesday: get ready to cut loose with the Beer Slam. A dozen-plus pre-selected poets will come together to write on one of the Cantab’s favorite pursuit: beer!

Cantab Recap: Thursday, October 2, 2011

Oh, April Ranger: it’s true, she breaks our hearts every time she features. Thanks to everyone who came out to listen and support! April will be representing us at the Individual World Poetry Slam from October 13-15 in Cleveland, Ohio; tickets are still on sale if you’re up for a one-day drive!

April’s feature was followed by a rollicking Champion of Champions slam! Despite a strong start, challenger Mckendy Fils-Aime faltered in the fourth round against reigning champ Adam Stone, who closed out the night strong to retain his title. Adam will defend his title next on Wednesday, December 28.

Next week: performance poet and actor Amber Rose Tamblyn.

Cantab Recap: September 22, 2011

What a fine night at the Cantab, folks! It looks we are in the swing of fall already, and birthday boy Ryk McIntyre came by to show us how it’s done. We also has a special spotlight feature from chemistry poet (and old-school Cantab open-mic’er) Mala Radhakrishnan. A rambunctious head-to-head slam was won by McKendy Fils-Aime, who came out on top over Carlos Williams.

Next week: our 2011 Individual World Poetry Slam representative, April Ranger, takes the stage in preparation to depart to compete in Cleveland! The slam will be a best-of-seven head-to-head featuring Champion of Champions Adam Stone taking on challenger McKendy Fils-Aime. Special $5 cover for this show.

Cantab Recap: September 16, 2011

It was a warm and wacky night at the Cantab this past Wednesday, folks, as we welcomed lots of first-timers to the stage. We’re just about getting into the swing of fall! Our feature was Seattle’s long-time SlamMaster Daemond Arrindell, who brought us a great selection of his work for his first time ever touring in New England. The semi-final slam was a head-to-head 603 matchup, won by McKendy over Matthew Richards.

Next week: our feature will be birthday boy Ryk McIntyre! Our slam will be the season final, with Carlos Williams and McKendy Fils-Aime facing off for the chance to challenge the Champion of Champions for the title.

Cantab Recap: Friday, September 9, 2011

Have you been missing all the folks who said goodbye to the Cantab this week? Never fear, folks: a new crop of fall visitors is here, and we heard a number of great new pieces on the open mic on Wednesday. Our feature was master punster and Bay Area sensation Kim Johnson, who regaled us with some of the work that earned her a top spot at IWPS 2009 (plus a few dirty haiku, as promised). The semi-final slam was won by Carlos Williams, who defeated Z and Sophia Holtz to advance to the September 21 season final.

Next week: organizer, schmorganizer… We get to hear Seattle SlamMaster Daemond Arrindell read his POEMS. A rare treat! Daemond’s feature will be followed by the second semi-final slam: Matthew, Paulie, Antonia, and McKendy are qualified.

Tips from the Bar: We’re All Adults Here

Write about something you once hated but now love.

Cantab Recap: Thursday, September 1, 2011

He ain’t sorry, he’s Sam Teitel! We rang in September with poet mentor and NH co-SlamMaster Sam Teitel last night, amidst cheers from regulars and new folks alike. The slam was won by McKendy Fils-Aime, who edged out Steve Subrizi in the final round.

Next week: Bay Area sensation Kim Johnson brings us the work that made her top ten at IWPS two years ago. Plus, our semi-finalists from the 8×8 speed slam series will slam off to get a shot at the season championship!

Cantab Recap: Friday, August 26, 2011

It was a raucously fun night at the show this week, Cantabbers, and we can only hope you didn’t miss Regie Cabico, back for the first time in sixteen years and working the room like… Like… Well, probably like something hilariously obscene that we can’t repeat here. Good luck to the many folks graduating from our open mic to college in another city: remember that you’re welcome home any time. One of our craziest slams ever boiled down to one big winner, Antonia Lassar: thanks to everyone who stayed to judge and cheer on the poets.

Next week: regulars will know what we mean when we tell you that you won’t be sorry if you spend your Wednesday with Sam Teitel! We’ll also close out the night with the last open poetry slam in our summertime speed slam series.

Feature for March 30, 2011: CUPSI Warm-Up

CUPSI Warm-Up! In honor of our many NorthBEAST teams traveling to the College Union Poetry Slam Invitationals this April, we present a double-header of 4×4 team slams! Local college teams competing: Berklee College of Music, Brown University, Brandeis University, Emerson College, Clark University, Middlesex Community College, Boston University, and Hampshire College.

Doors for the show open at 7:15. The open mic begins at 8:00 and the feature performs at approximately 10:00. An open poetry slam in the 8×8 series will follow. The show is 18+ (ID required) and the cover charge is $3.

Feature for March 23, 2011: Khary Jackson

Khary Jackson

Khary Jackson

Khary Jackson is a performance poet, playwright, dancer and musician. A Detroit native, he currently resides in the Twin Cities where he serves as a teaching artist and writer. He has written 12 full length plays, one of which (Water) was produced in 2009 at Ink and Pulp Theatre in Chicago. He has been a recipient of several grants, including the 2010 Artist Initiative Grant for poetry from the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the Many Voices Residency from the Playwrights’ Center, in 2005-06 and 2007-08. As a performance poet, he has enjoyed great success in
national competition, ranking nationally in 2007, 2008 and 2009, as well as winning the National Poetry Slam with the St Paul team in 2009 and 2010.

Doors for the show open at 7:15. The open mic begins at 8:00 and the feature performs at approximately 10:00. An open poetry slam in the 8×8 series will follow. The show is 18+ (ID required) and the cover charge is $3.