Slamming Success

Slamming Success

The first annual Women of the World poetry slam finals are being held in Detroit, Michigan at The Fillmore Detroit. Original Woman, who will be representing Denver at the competition preformed two powerful pieces at Slam Nuba which solidified her standing as one of the top poets in Denver. Her moving performances were not overshadowed by the slam competition, which was one of the years best. John Riggs’ popular ‘Suburbia’ piece wowed the audience and Ryan Versa’s meat ballot earned the only ten rating of the night.

However, the crowd at Blackberries Ice Cream and Coffee was once again small and quiet despite the amazing delivery and emotion of the local slammers. In the last three years, popularity of slam poetry and spoken word in Denver has grown, but at times the enthusiasm feels forced and runs as shallow as an African pond. That is a true testament to the talent and will involved with slam poetry as the crowd is greatly fueled by the performers subject matter, and stage presence. Diverse themes add to an up and down roller-coaster of emotion and insightful point of views through a medium most people age fourteen thru fifty can enjoy.

In a city that has grown 32% from 2000 to 2007, a need for an identity and original western flavor has began to marinate in the exhilarating life and energy of spoken word poetry. As a major hub between the west coast, Mexico, and the Midwest, Denver has grown in popularity as a vacation destination, and an oasis for the arts. Recently attracting a few celebrity scandals, the 2005 NBA All-Star game and now the 2008 Democratic National Convention, a new surge of interest gives some of the nations best talent a chance to showcase worldwide.

Denver’s Mercury slam team has enjoyed success in the past, winning first at the national slam competition in 2006, and Slam Nuba reached the final stage and took fourth place in ‘07. The city’s talented artists are beginning to shine among some of the major powerhouses such as New York and Dallas, and has become “one of the top cities” for spoken word artists in America, according to Bianca Mikahn-Shaw, who was coach of the ‘07 team. Her success with Mercury and Slam Nuba has earned her title of ’slam champ’, along with her 10 year experience in spoken word.

“Denver is busy enough to feel like a city but small enough to give you a chance to cultivate.” Bianca said when asked about the effect of the city’s personality in relation with the slam culture. “I talk about the mountains a lot.” The diversity found in Denver’s metro population is also a major contributor to the flavor and feel of the poets. Nearly 40% of the city’s population is African American or Hispanic and contributes to a “hybrid style” that’s interesting and appealing.

Denver, now with a light shining on the events this summer has a chance to emerge as a major national contributor to the arts and also a major city. With poets such as Bianca Mikahn, spoken word is “impactful, and sparks conversation among the youth.” Slam poetry has created an avenue for kids and adolescents to hear and understand the issues that impact their future. “It puts the issues in a medium that addresses the younger generations.” Also as the city with the most public funding per capita to the arts, it creates a career opportunity for those with interest in gripping, emotional stage performance.