Last week on April 17th, the venue known as Hear Here in Colorado Springs finally had its final slam poetry contest. If you don't know what slam is, here is a quick rundown: It is what would happen if theater and poetry had a love child. It works out to be somewhat like a monologue in poetry format. A poet has 3 minutes to perform his/her poem and is then scored on that poem by 5 random judges chosen from the audience. It is poetry that is judged. It is brutal, and it is amazing. It also happens to be kind of a big deal.
Every year, several cities (70+) send teams of 5 poets to compete on a national stage, and this year Boston will be the host city. Colorado Springs now has a team which they plan on sending to Boston. For those of you keeping score, you have probably figured out what I'm about to say next. I made the team for Colorado Springs, and in August, I will be traveling to Boston to compete with 4 other folks against several other cities in a winner takes all contest of awesome for the ages. I can't wait. Unfortunately, I need to reach out for assistance as well.
In order to get to Boston, I (and my team) need to begin fundraising right away. A friend of mine is beginning this task by selling small landscapes as artwork and they're awesome. Sadly, I can't draw for beans. I can't draw four beans either, but that's not the point. The point is that I need to begin fundraising, and I don't want to do it by begging my family for extra monies (however, if anyone in my family is willing to donate I wouldn't turn it down although I may take it begrudgingly). All hope is not lost though!
Although I cannot paint, I can teach. I can teach poetry, martial arts, dance (swing and blues), music, and writing. In addition, I can write, and I would be more than willing to sell a few of my poems for a low, negotiable, and charitable price. Not only would you get an amazing poem, you'd get an amazing feeling of helping out an artist to go where he really needs to! No better feeling exists, or so I've heard.
Another way to help is to simply spread the word about how awesome this blog/poetry/writing webpage is so that the cause can be heard.
And, if you don't have money to spare, I am always happy accept kind words, hugs, compliments, change, and stories.
Here's hoping that, come August, Colorado Springs will be represented in Boston by some amazing poets!
Thank you, good luck, and have fun writing!
~ Andrew
Location:Colorado Springs... For Now
