Anthology.org Livejournal of Events and Programs

Please Consider a Holiday Gift to Anthology

2009-12-08T14:45:54Z

2009 is fast coming to a close, and we here at Anthology central are already gearing up for a fantastic and busy 2010. As we look back at all the good we did in 2009, we reorganized and re-energized the Mesa Poetry Slam, finding a new home for the event and helping continue a tradition that has lasted in Mesa for 15 years. We paid registration fees for all of our poets that attended national events in 2009, and we helped raise money for both our team and our Women of the World and Individual World Poetry Slam representatives. We hosted the best in Arizona at the Cactus Slam 2.0, and we hosted the largest ever Poe Show at the Mesa Arts Center. We continued the tradition of The Valentine's Day Massicree. In one week, we will select our 2010 Women of the World Representative, and in two weeks, we will host our annual slammie awards.

We brought The Pin Cushion Orchestra, Paul Lipman and others into Downtown Mesa. 2009, for all of the challenges that it brought to us, is ending on a strong note. We'll be publishing our first ever annual Anthology of the best poems from the slam this year. We hosted performance poetry workshops, and organized our first reunion show of poets all of our past slam teams. We started AZPoetrypedia.com, and it has quickly grown into an invaluable rescource for poets and others regarding the history of Poetry in Arizona.

In 2010, we want to do even more, but we need your help. You know that we operate on a thin budget, and we'd like to have some breathing room to promote our 2010 events, pay some of the bigger names in poetry to visit Mesa in 2010, and continue to offer the community, both poet and audience the absolute best value for a poetry event.

So we are asking for you, yes, you, to chip in towards our goal of $2,500 by the end of December. Help us to help grow what we have started, a community based poetry community. We'd like to bring Voices of Youth back in 2010, keeping it open to everyone and anyone. And you can help us do that. We'd like to host the largest Mesa Slamoff Ever, sharing the excitement and rush of a huge crowd with any poet willing to dedicate to their art.

And you can make that happen. Please act now. All contributions are tax deductable,

Us the Paypal Link right here to donate today, you can also see how much we have received so far. Anthology's address is PO Box 4411, Mesa, AZ 85211-4411 for postal mail donations.

This week at the Mesa Poetry Slam...

2009-12-01T13:38:41Z

It's Holiday Time! Bring out your holiday poem this week, we'll be recording the show and the best holiday poems will become the fist ever Anthology Holiday Spoken Word Album. Had a horrible X-Mas? Write us a poem about it. Got a message for the Hanukkah holiday? bring it out. Funny, reflective, serious... it's all good with us...

Show starts at 8PM

Tomorrow Night at the Slam!

2009-10-01T03:02:34Z

We've got $15 in the Two Fists of Slam poetry kettle waiting for someone to start getting their little poet hands on it...

Plus...

Be there, and bring 5 people with you...

2009-09-24T03:36:02Z

The Two Fists of Slam Announcement

2009-09-18T06:15:13Z

Read on Anthology.org Here | Discuss in the Anthology Forums Here.

The Two Fists of Slam Prize
Thursday, 17 September 2009 22:33 | Author: Anthology Webmaster |

Anthology, Inc., the East Valley’s leading literary nonprofit, in partnership with the Downtown Poetry Slam, is proud to announce a new Poetry Slam Prize program called The Two Fists of Slam.

The program provides a special prize for poets that regularly attend and compete in both slams.

Beginning September 17th, 2009, each time the Mesa Poetry Slam and The Downtown Poetry Slam are held, each event will add $5.00 to the fund. The poet wins the prize when they win 3 consecutively scheduled slams where each slam has seven or more competitors.

The Anthology.org home page has been updates with a new "Two Fists of Slam" Tracker, where you can see the most current tally of Two fists of slam progress, including whether a poet is on their way to winning the prize. In describing the fund, Bob says, “In the 15 years that I have organized poetry in the valley, we have always had the opportunity to provide more tenured poets with an element of higher stakes to drive their performance. The audience definitely responds as well when they know more in on the line- it creates a more exciting show.”

For more information on The Mesa Slam (Anthology), Click Here. For more information on The Downtown Poetry Slam, Click Here.

Questions and Answers

1) Three in a row?

A) Yes, three slams that happen in a row, typically (but not always), that would entail two Mesa Slams and one Phoenix Slam, since Mesa is every week and Phoenix is the 2nd and 4th Fridays.

2) If there are fewer than 7 slammers in a slam, what happens?

A) We still add $5 to the prize, but the winning poet does not qualify towards the three win criteria. If a poet already had 1 or 2 wins, their streak is considered broken and they must start over.

3) How do i get my winnings?

A) Each organizer tracks their portion of the prize independently, so, depending on schedules and circumstances, you may get paid independently by each slam for their portion, although the organizers will most likely make a point to try and be at the "Win Out" event to celebrate the potential 3rd win.

4) Subject to change

A) The organizers of the Tiny Mesa poetry Slam (Mesa Slam, Anthology Slam, Essenzaslam, et all) and The Downtown Poetry Slam reserve the right to review and modify the terms and conditions of the prize and it's awarding based on independent circumstance.

This Thursday's Tiney Mesa Poetry Slam!

2009-09-15T03:55:21Z

www.anthology.org

Hosted by:
Crazy Mesa Poets
When:
Thursday, September 17, 2009 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM MST
Description

What's that you say? We do this every week? It's free to get in? And only $1 to slam? And Queens Pizzeria makes wings hotter than Hades? And Bob will sing George Benson songs if you ask him? How could you NOT be there...

It's a no holds barred verbal duel that brings out the best in each writer and performer.

* This show happens Each and Every Thursday.
* All shows start at 8PM
* Suggested Donation is $5
* Cash Prize awarded for first place

This show also features:

* The Pad- Pass around a pad for a free-writing excercise for the audience during the show. Some lucky audience person gets to read it at the end.
* The 60 second Haiku Death Match. A complete best of 5 Haiku slam all done in less than 60 seconds. Between the second and third rounds.

To learn more about each show, including features, sponsors and more, visit the Anthology Forums.

Tonite!

2009-08-13T13:53:52Z

The Anthology "Tiny Mesa" Poetry Slam

Queen's Pizza
125 W Main
Mesa, AZ
(480) 964-1609

In the tradition of Arizona performance poetry, Anthology, the state's longest running performance poetry nonprofit presents the next great Mesa poetry tradition.

Poetry Slam is a competition, where poets perform their work to be judged by the audience based on the presentation and content. The Anthology Poetry Slam has three rounds, and in each round the poets perform in random order, with a 3 minute time limit for each performance.

It's a no holds barred verbal duel that brings out the best in each writer and performer.

Directions:

From East of Mesa Drive:
by Car
Catch the US 60 westbound until you reach Mesa Drive, Exit North and take Mesa drive to Main St. Drive west on Main street until you reach Queen's, just passed McDonald.

or

Catch the Loop 202 westbound to Country Club Drive. Take Country Club Drive south to Main St. Take Main street east to Queens, which is just past Robson.

by Bus

Catch the 40 bus (Apache/Main), and ride it to DT Mesa. Get off between Mesa Dr and Country Club.

Routes/Times available here

From Phoenix, Tempe or anywhere west of Country Club:

by Car
Catch the US 60 eastbound until you reach Country Club Drive, Exit North and take Country Club to Main St. Drive east on Main street until you reach Queen's, just passed Robson.

or

Catch the Loop 202 Eastbound to Country Club Drive. Take Country Club Drive south to Main St. Take Main street east to Queens, which is just past Robson.

by Light Rail/Bus

Catch light rail to "The end of the Line" Sycamore/Mesa. From there catch the 40 bus as below.

Catch the 40 bus (Apache/Main), and ride it to DT Mesa. Get off between Mesa Dr and Country Club.

Reminder; Volunteer submission Deadline is TODAY!

2009-08-10T13:56:35Z

Hello-

Just a quick reminder that the Deadline for submitting your 2010 volunteer request for Anthology is today! here are the volunteer positions we need for 2010. We would love to hear from you, and get your help to make the rest of 2009 and 2010 a literary success!

Fundraising Director

Promotion/Public Relations Director

Festival/Large Events Director

Youth Director

To submit your information for consideration of one of the above positions, please use the form below:
http://www.anthology.org/submit-volunteer-request.html

We'll be scheduling meeting times in the coming week to meet with everyone that have volunteered, and we will hopefully announce the new volunteer soon.

For more information on Anthology's volunteer program, visit here.

Join us Friday Evening...

2009-07-31T04:47:51Z

Anthology Fanzine: July 31st Slam Team Show+ Volunteer Postings

2009-07-28T04:30:35Z

The Anthology Fanzine

July 27th, 2009

http://www.anthology.org

Have you Referred your Fanzine Today to a friend (click the link)?

http://mailinglist.brickcavemedia.com//?p=forward&uid=22fb31dab4f3eec4902db7c87abc2480&mid=37

In this Issue:

- July 31st Team Mesa Sendoff

- Anthology Poetry Slam (iWPS Updates)

- From The Board

- Anthology News Briefs

- Valley of the Sun Literary News Briefs

- Anthology Forums Recent Posts

- Random AZPoetryPedia Page

- Featured in the Gift Shop

- Credits/Contact/Submit

Please consider a tax deductable gift to Anthology, Inc. It's easy
and quick and can be done here:

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=rp7mtYO7vgGc6s2MEeD9BG18VqQrxqhrn529vUdPfElVheqD2dzE80eWddS&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f998ca054efbdf2c25fe4a05bcb33bff66824cbab1a92dde6

----------------------------------------

July 31st Team Mesa Sendoff

----------------------------------------

http://www.anthology.org/about-anthology/38-anthology-news/129-2009-mesa-national-poetry-slam-team-sendoff-show.html

**Help us send the 2009 Mesa National Poetry Slam Team to Florida AND
Celebrate 15 Years of Poetry Slam in Mesa, AZ**

We invited literally every poet that has been on a Mesa National
Poetry Slam Team over the last fifteen years to join us, and you
wonât believe who is coming- Dave Tabor, Patrick Hare, Bill Campana,
Chesko, Kelsey Miller, Brent Heffron, Tristan Marshell, The Klute, and
there is probably a suprise or two!

Inside the Bungalow

48 N. Robson

Mesa, AZ 85201

(480) 844-2353

Plus, weâll be auctioning a very special evening dinner with the
team, so bring some cash and bid to be a team memberâs date!
onations for the teamâs travel fund gladly accepted- and are tax
deductable.
<javascript:void(0);/*1248752388989*/>

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Anthology Poetry Slam

-------------------------------

http://slam.anthology.org

Coming this November, The Slam is sending a poet to compete in the
Individual World Poetry Slam! Will That be you? It could be, if you
qualify. And qualifying is easy- just show up and earn points between
now and August 27th... The top 10 poets earn a spot in the FINALS in
September. How we doing so far? Here is the list:

After week 5, 4 weeks to go...

Poet (Points)

The Klute (12)

Will (12)

Brit (12)

Aaron (9)

Neil (9)

Dwayne (8)

Lauren Perry (6)

Tye (5)

Tom (5)

Bill Campana (3)

Hannah (3)

Danie (2)

Mad Max (1)

Come on out on a Thursday and see for yourself, get some points and
qualify for the iWPS

Thursday at 8PM

Queen's Pizza

125 W Main

Mesa, AZ

(480) 964-1609

----------------------

From The Board

----------------------

Hey, we are looking for Volunteers! Anthology has posted for four
volunteer positions for 2010, and you can click the link to read a
description of each and see how to apply. The applications close on
August 10th, and the positions start September 1st, so you should get
on the ball!

Fundraising Director <javascript:void(0);/*1248752509158*/>

Promotion/Public Relations Director
<javascript:void(0);/*1248752529813*/>

Festival/Large Event/Convention Director
<javascript:void(0);/*1248752549150*/>

Youth Director <javascript:void(0);/*1248752567919*/>

-------------------------------

Anthology News Briefs

-------------------------------

Anthology, Inc. wants to keep up with you on Twitter To find out more
about Twitter, visit the link below:

http://twitter.com/azanthology

-Talk to Us! We have received some feedback that Anthology should
host a slam poetry festival in Mesa during the Memorial Day Weekend.
We'd like to hear your thoughts on it at The Anthology Forums!

http://www.anthology.org/component/fireboard/?itemid=19&func=view&id=62&catid=6

---------------------------------------------------

Valley of the Sun Literary News Briefs

---------------------------------------------------

- Didn't get any emails for this week...

-------------------------------------------

Anthology Forums Recent Posts

-------------------------------------------

http://forum.anthology.org

Feedback Requested: Memorial weekend slam festival
<http://www.anthology.org/component/fireboard/?itemid=19&func=view&id=62&catid=6>

by admin 2009/07/27 13:06

Re:Change of Forum
<http://www.anthology.org/component/fireboard/?itemid=19&func=view&id=61&catid=21>

by admin 2009/07/27 12:10

Questions on Volunteer Postings
<http://www.anthology.org/component/fireboard/?itemid=19&func=view&id=60&catid=21>

by admin 2009/07/27 12:02

Change of Forum
<http://www.anthology.org/component/fireboard/?itemid=19&func=view&id=59&catid=21>

by admin 2009/07/22 12:25

Cactus Slam Pictures!
<http://www.anthology.org/component/fireboard/?itemid=19&func=view&id=58&catid=6>

by admin 2009/07/12 02:33

----------------------------------------

Random AZPoetryPedia Page

-----------------------------------------

http://www.azpoetrypedia.com

About AZPoetrypedia:

I just wanted to share the tremendous rescource that we have growing
online called AZPoetryPedia.com. It is, as the name implies, an
encyclopedia of poetry related information that is specific to
Arizona. People, places, events, event poetic forms and styles. You
name it.

The best part, is that it is built, edited and maintained by you, the
community of Arizona poets. If you search for a poet and they don't
have a page, you can make a new one for them. Look up some information
that is wrong or not complete? You can complete or change it.

This Week's Featured Site:

The Willow House

http://www.azpoetrypedia.com/index.php?title=Willow_House

---------------------------------

Featured in the Gift Shop

---------------------------------

http://giftshop.anthology.org

Nothing featured this week

-------------------------------

Credits/Contact/Submit

--------------------------------

Anthology.org was accessed by 182 unique users in the last 7 days.

Anthology Fanzine is published haphazardly by Anthology, Inc. and
includes information on Anthology events and activities related to the
literary arts. For news, or other items, send a message to

fanzine_submit@anthology.org.

Anthologyâs mission is to promote performance poetry and associated
literary arts in the greater Phoenix community by providing
opportunities for artists to perform their work and by making spoken
word arts accessible to a diverse audience. More information on
Anthology and how you can become a member can be found at
http://www.anthology.org.

The Anthology Fanzine is Copyright 2009, Anthology, Inc., all rights
reserved.

Anthology, Inc. is sponsored in part by:

Del Sol Reception Hall, Mesa- Weddings and any social event from 10
to 300. Complete Catering Available as well.
http://www.delsolreception.com

Linda Collins Repair, Phoenix- Home improvement, remodel or repair,
small jobs to big no problem. http://azhandywoman.com

Queen's Pizzeria, Mesa- Family owned and operated in Downtown Mesa,
Fresh, delicious Pizza, salads and sandwiches served daily.
http://www.queenspizzeria.com

Brick Cave Media, Mesa- Stuff, cool stuff. Audio, video and print.
http://www.brickcavemedia.com

Learn how you can become a sponsor by emailing sponsor@anthology.org.

Cactus Poetry Slam 2.0 7/11/09

2009-07-11T06:52:05Z

Citizens of Arizona! Fans of Poetry Slam! Come on out to Queen's Pizzeria sat Night July 11th and see Team Mesa compete head to head in death-defying poetry slam competition with teams from Flagstaff, Tucson and Phoenix! Witness the Zombieotica of Lauren Perry, the loving poetic cradling of Tufiq Shayeb, the unbridled litrerary brilliance of Britt Shostak, and the no-nonsense sly wit of Neil Gearns. See your poets compete in verbal jousting never seen before! And How much, dear citizens of Arizona- How much would you pay to see such a spectacle? $7? $10? $20?

How about FREE?!?

Well, there is no cover price, no tickets to buy, but we do ask that you bring something to donate to these fine poets who perform for your pleasure. The show starts at 8PM, and we'll have a number of "side" fun events to keep you properly in stitches. All of the teams get something (the winner gets a little more), so you'll be helping ALL of Arizona's poetry community.

Bring your own chair, trust us, you'll want it. Enjoy the fine delectables of Queen's Pizzeria- including Ice Cream...

Queen's Pizzeria
125 W Main
Mesa, AZ
(480) 964-1609
http://www.anthology.org/aps/119-cactus-slam-ii.html

JUST ADDED 7/8/09

SCRABBLE CHALLENGE
- Each Team (Mesa, Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson) chooses a person (can be anyone) can represent your team in the Scabble Challenge that will happen at the same time as the slam. Game starts at 8PM, goes until the slam ends, or the game ends, whichever happens first. Highest score team gets $50.

Anthology Fanzine: Poetry Slam Beginner's Workshop, more

2009-07-01T05:00:56Z

The Anthology Fanzine
July 1st, 2009
http://www.anthology.org
... Because poetry doesn't have to suck.

Have you Referred your Fanzine Today to a friend (click the link)?
[FORWARD]

In this Issue:

- Poetry Slam Workshop for Beginning Poets
- From The Board
- Anthology News Briefs
- 2009 iWPS Qualifying starts THIS WEEK
- Valley of the Sun Literary News Briefs
- Anthology Forums Recent Posts
- Random AZPoetryPedia Page
- Featured in the Gift Shop
- Credits/Contact/Submit

Please consider a tax deductable gift to Anthology, Inc. It's easy and quick and can be done here.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Poetry Slam Workshop for Beginning Poets
------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.anthology.org/workshop-registration.html
So, do you know someone that would like to get into slam a little, but perhaps would like the opportunity to talk about it BEFORE they hit the stage? Maybe you'd like to see about getting into poetry slam?

Well, now is your chance, as a fundraiser for the Mesa Poetry Slam Team, I am hosting 3 sessions over 3 weeks for poets and writers that would like an introduction to slam.  It's $15 for all three sessions, and they run the 9th, 16th and 23rd. 

Register now

----------------------
From The Board
----------------------

The Board has nothing for you this week I guess... If you've got a question for the Board, feel free to email me...

-------------------------------
Anthology News Briefs
-------------------------------

Citizen's of Mesa! Fans of Poetry Slam! Come on out to Queen's Pizzeria sat Night July 11th and see Team Mesa compete head to head in death-defying poetry slam competition with teams from Tucson, Flagstaff and Phoenix! Witness the Zomberotica of Lauren Perry, the loving poetic cradling of Tufiq Shayeb, the unbridled litrerary brilliance of Britt Shostak, and the no-nonsense sly wit of Neil Gearns. See your poets compete in verbal jousting never seen before! And How much, dear citizen's of Mesa- How much would you pay to see such a spectacle? $7? $10? $20?

How about FREE?!?

Well, there is no cover price, no tickets to buy, but we do ask that you bring something to donate to these fine poets who perform for your pleasure. The show starts at 8PM, and we'll have a number of "side" fun events to keep you properly in stitches. All of the teams get something (the winner gets a little more), so you'll be helping ALL of Arizona's poetry community.
Bring your own chair, trust us, you'll want it. Enjoy the fine delectables of Queen's Pizzeria- including Ice Cream... we call it the "It's So Hot We Don't Have a Name For This Slam" Slam

--------------------------------------------------------
2009 iWPS Qualifying starts THIS WEEK
--------------------------------------------------------

http://slam.anthology.org
Starting THIS THURSDAY, July 2nd, poets can earn points to qualify for the finals and be Mesa's representative to the 2009 Individual World Poetry Slam being held this coming October in Berkeley, CA. Each week, competing poets will earn points based on their participation in the slam, and the top 10 finalists will compete in a special slam on Saturday, September 5th, details to be announced.   IF, there are 20 or more poets that have earned points and intend to compete for the position, then there will be two semi-finals, held on Thursday, August 27th and Thursday, September 3rd, with the top 5 finalists from each semi final competing in the September 5th Final. If there are fewer than 20 poets, then the top 10 point earners as of August 21st will compete in the Final September 5th. Semi Finals, and Finals will be 4 round slams, with one round of 1 minute, 2 minute, 3 minute and 4 minute each.   More details can be found at the Anthology Slam Site, http://slam.anthology.org.

---------------------------------------------------
Valley of the Sun Literary News Briefs
---------------------------------------------------

-From Poet Neil Gearns

We have an opportunity to read at First Friday. I know this is short notice and a holiday weekend so no worries. The place is Slade Graves Studios at the old "pie factory" on Grand Ave. 1301 Grand Avenue
Phoenix, AZ The studio is on the McKinley side - on the south side of the pie factory - a big steel graphic SGS is above the studio.

- Christy White
Phoenix Poetry Society host

Hello all you lovely poets!

After some deep thought I have decided that the Phoenix Poetry Society will be taking the summer off and begin again in September. We have lost our free space at the Yucca Library and are now required to pay if we want to play there. I am currently checking out other spaces in north/central Phoenix, a coffee/tea house with a quiet corner would be nice, and I will keep you updated when I find the perfect place for us to read and talk all things poetry. If you have any ideas (thanks to those that have already given me suggestions), please let me know!

In the meantime, keep your pen on the paper and don't stop writing!!

-------------------------------------------
Anthology Forums Recent Posts
-------------------------------------------

http://forum.anthology.org

Re:July 11th Team Slam
by admin 2009/06/30 12:09
July 11th Team Slam
by admin 2009/06/30 12:06
Anthology.org Updates
by admin 2009/06/28 03:04
2009 Southwest Shootout Results!
by admin 2009/06/22 11:46
2009 Mesa Slam Nationals "Cheer Squad" Post
by admin 2009/06/16 09:36

----------------------------------------
Random AZPoetryPedia Page
-----------------------------------------
http://www.azpoetrypedia.com

This Month: Sandcutters
http://www.azpoetrypedia.com/index.php?title=Sandcutters

About AZPoetrypedia:
I just wanted to share the tremendous rescource that we have growing online called AZPoetryPedia.com. It is, as the name implies, an encyclopedia of poetry related information that is specific to Arizona. People, places, events, event poetic forms and styles. You name it.

The best part, is that it is built, edited and maintained by you, the community of Arizona poets. If you search for a poet and they don't have a page, you can make a new one for them. Look up some information that is wrong or not complete? You can complete or change it.

---------------------------------
Featured in the Gift Shop
---------------------------------
http://giftshop.anthology.org

Nothing featured this week

-------------------------------
Credits/Contact/Submit
--------------------------------
Anthology.org was accessed by 326 unique users in the last 7 days.

Anthology Fanzine is published haphazardly by Anthology, Inc. and includes information on Anthology events and activities related to the literary arts. For news, or other items, send a message to

fanzine_submit@anthology.org.

Anthology’s mission is to promote performance poetry and associated literary arts in the greater Phoenix community by providing opportunities for artists to perform their work and by making spoken word arts accessible to a diverse audience. More information on Anthology and how you can become a member can be found at http://www.anthology.org.

The Anthology Fanzine is Copyright 2009, Anthology, Inc., all rights reserved.

Anthology, Inc. is sponsored in part by:

Del Sol Reception Hall, Mesa- Weddings and any social event from 10 to 300. Complete Catering Available as well. http://www.delsolreception.com

Linda Collins Repair, Phoenix- Home improvement, remodel or repair, small jobs to big no problem. http://azhandywoman.com

Queen's Pizzeria, Mesa- Family owned and operated in Downtown Mesa, Fresh, delicious Pizza, salads and sandwiches served daily. http://www.queenspizzeria.com

Brick Cave Media, Mesa- Stuff, cool stuff. Audio, video and print. http://www.brickcavemedia.com

Learn how you can become a sponsor by emailing sponsor@anthology.org.

a couple cool panoramic from Last night

2009-05-23T23:41:41Z

http://www.anthology.org/gallery/view/14.html

Slam Info

2009-05-13T05:19:17Z

First, I share this with you...
On Thursday, we have :
Joaquín Zihuatanejo is a poet, spoken word artist, and award-winning teacher. Born and raised in the barrio of East Dallas, in his work Joaquín strives to capture the duality of the Chicano culture. Sometimes brutal, but always honest his work depicts the essence of barrio life, writing about a youth that existed somewhere between the streets of the barrio and the dream wanderings of a boy who found refuge in a world of stories and poems. Joaquín has been called by critics, “one of the most dynamic and passionate performance poets in the country, melding equal parts comedy, poetry, and dramatic monologue into a crowd-pleasing display of verbal fireworks…always thrilling, Joaquín’s hilariously manic presentation is full of compassion and nuance, never sacrificing substance for style, leading many to call him poetry slam’s answer to John Leguizamo.” A National Poetry Slam Finalist, Grand Slam Spoken Word Champion, and HBO Def Poet, Joaquín has performed his poetry at universities, conferences and poetry slams all over the Unites States, Canada, and Mexico. In 2005, Joaquin was featured on season five of Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry for HBO.

Second...

Anthology, Inc. announced today that the 14th annual Mesa National Poetry Slamoff will take place on Friday, May 22nd, 2009 at Queen's Pizzeria, 125 W Main St, in Downtown Mesa. As many as twelve of the valley's best performance poets will compete for a chance to represent Mesa Slam at the National Poetry Slam to be held this August in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Show starts at 8PM, the event is completely free to the public, and donations will be accepted to help fund the team's application fee and travel expenses to the event.

Since 1996, Mesa has sent poets to The National Poetry Slam, making the Mesa Slam one of the oldest poetry slams in the country. Mesa success includes semi-final finishes in the 1999, 2000 and 2005 events. Regularly attended by hundreds of people, the slamoff is a high energy, high stakes showdown for the coveted team positions.

The Mesa Slam Poetry community has long brought tremendous attention to the arts of Mesa, solidifying a reputation as being unique and entertaining. Says Bob Nelson, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Anthology, "I've seen a lot of poets and poetry slams in 15 years, and I still think this event is the single best way to show the community that there is a vibrant and exciting performance poetry community right here."

Queen's Pizzeria will host the event, and as a special offer will give a free drink w/order to anyone that wears an Anthology or Mesa Slam T-Shirt to the event.

Poetry Slam is a no-holds barred verbal competition that pits performance and writing skills of poets against each other at the mercy of the Audience. Devised in the 1980's by a Chicago construction worker named Marc Smith, the style has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, with a national Nonprofit, Poetry Slam, inc. guiding it's growth. More information about Poetry Slam can be found at http://www.poetryslam.com.

Anthology, Inc. is a Greater Phoenix based literary nonprofit, recognized both by the state of Arizona and is a 501c(3) organization with the Internal Revenue Service. Founded in 1994, Anthology’s mission is to promote performance poetry and associated literary arts in the greater Phoenix community by providing opportunities for artists to perform their work and by making spoken word arts accessible to a diverse audience. More information on Anthology can become a member can be found at
http://www.anthology.org .

Queens Pizzeria is a family operated Pizza Parlor in the heart of Downtown Mesa. Open Since 2008, we pride ourselves in creating fresh, delicious, made-to-order pizza, sandwiches and salads. Whether you come into our restaurant or order for delivery, you will be impressed with our uncompromising quality, freshness, superior customer service, and above all, great food!! Check out our list of events for fun happenings at Queens and in downtown Mesa. More Information can be found at: http://www.queenspizzeria.com.

Help AZPoetrypedia.com

2009-05-10T05:08:49Z

Arizona Poet? Arizona Poetry Supporter?

Come on now, get in the game and use AZPoetryPedia, the best place to document all of the rescources for poetry in Arizona online. Help us (and yourself) out- make an account, add some info, or just add a link to the site to your blog, website, or other web presence.

Best of all, it's all free, so you have nothing to lose... here are some cool graphics...

azanthology @ 2009-05-09T21:52:00

2009-05-10T04:53:50Z

So, within AZPoetrypedia, here are the fifty pages that have the most links to them. Click on a page to see it...

2009 Mesa Slamoff Points Update

2009-05-05T05:06:25Z

Harmony has absconded with the April 23rd results, but here are the point totals so far:

Tom    21
Brit    17
Bill Campana    15
Neil    13
Lauren Perry    8
Charles    8
The Klute    7
Chesko    6
Lee    4
White Chocolate    4
Seth walker    4
Bakeem    3

Here are the details of the 2009 Mesa National Slamoff:

Will be FRIDAY, May 22nd... 8PM
At Queen's Pizzeria
Will be totally free to the public
The Theme will be "Tiny Mesa" If you wear an Anthology/Mesa Slam T-Shirt to the event, Queen's will give you a free beverage with your order.
Donations will be accepted for the team's registration and travel expenses, so tell all your wealthy friends to bring their checkbooks...

Go out there and spread the Mesa Slam Gospel...

Oh,

The twelve competing poets will be asked to pay, $19.95 each... I am totally serious, $19.95, and I will have nickels on hand...

here ya go

2009-05-03T22:21:11Z

Tonite week 9 of 11!

2009-04-30T13:49:11Z

Anthology on Twitter...

2009-04-17T14:15:50Z

From: Anthology, Inc.
Subject: Anthology, Inc. wants to keep up with you on Twitter
To find out more about Twitter, visit the link below:
http://twitter.com/azanthology

2009 Points Update

2009-03-23T04:15:20Z

For the 2009 Mesa National Poetry Slamoff Season, here are the current point updates.

To learn more about qualifying, Click Here

azanthology @ 2009-03-12T23:09:00

2009-03-13T06:10:15Z

2009 Mesa National Slam Team Info...

2009-03-02T03:14:29Z

Hi all,

I wanted to send this note out tonite, in response to many inquiries I have received regarding the (Mesa) slam team for this year, Treetop Qualifying, etc. This note has two parts, Treetop first, then NPS second. I have broadcast this message as far and as wide as I can, however, I ask for your assistance in sharing this information within your own circles, people that may be interested in participating.

It is my hope that this helps everyone decide their "Slam Strategy", and clearly communicates what is needed to be a member of Team Mesa 2009. Any Q's, let me know.

Treetop Regional Poetry Slam
This process is very simple, interested poets show up this Thursday at Del Sol, we'll have a slam and from the winner on down, we will invite them to slam for Mesa this coming weekend in Flagstaff. Poets should be members of PSI, and if you are not, then you need to call some friends to come out with you. If we have 14 people that each pitch in their $5, then Anthology will pay the PSI membership fees for the poets that are on the team. It's that simple, 3 rounds cuts if we have more than 10 poets, you know the drill. Treetop is THIS COMING WEEKEND, so make sure that your schedules are clear. I'll have details with me on Thursday. The Coffee will still be free.

2009 Mesa National Slamoff
This will be year 14 that we have picked a team, and as the old addage says: Go Big, or Go Home. So here we go:

This is the information that was sent out on Anthology.org this evening:

The 2009 Mesa National Poetry Slamoff will be held Thursday, May 21st, 2009.
Tickets for the 2009 Mesa National Poetry Slamoff will go on sale April 1st, 2009.

If you would like to be a member of the 2009 Mesa National Poetry Slam Team, and compete in the 2009 National Poetry Slam to be held in Florida in August 2009:

- How to Qualify

Between March 1 and May 14th, 2009, poets will be able to Slam weekly and earn points the schedule is listed below:

March, 2009- 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th

April, 2009- 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

May, 2009- 7th and 14th

You will notice that we have replaced all open mics with slams during these months. In each poetry slam, poets will earn points based on how many total poets slam. See the example below for details. Following the final week of Competition (May 14th), the top 12 poets will be invited to compete in the Slamoff, which will be held on Thursday May 21st, 2009. The poet that has accumulated the most points will be allowed to read last in the first round, with the poet that has earned the fewest points reading first.

An Example of earning points.
If there are 10 poets that read in a slam, the winner receives 10 points, the 2nd place poet 9 points, and so on.

* To sucessfully earn points, you must read in each round that you ualify for. If you are cut from a round because of congestion, you will still earn points for the slam.
* Hosts do not receive any points for hosting.
* Points may not be transferred of given away.

Registration for the 2009 Slamoff

Poets that qualify for the 2009 Slamoff will need to:
* Bring a registration fee of $40 on the night of the Finals (May 21st).
* Make sure that they are registered members of Poetry Slam Inc. Membership may be obtained at http://www.poetryslam.com.
* Accept their invitation Prior to May17th, 2009.

Additional 2009 Slam Team Info
* The 2009 Team will be coached by veteran Mesa Slammaster Bob Nelson.
* If you are on the team, you should understand that you will be obligated to meet once per week outside of the normal slam schedule for a series of workshops and practice sessions between May and August.
* If you are on the team, you should also be prepared to contribute to a team chapbook and CD for fundraising, attend fundraising shows and generally spend a distressingly busy summer promoting your poetry and raising money so you has to come up with less money on your own when the time comes.

Updates and Changes

As always, visit http://www.anthology.org for updates and/or changes to the 2009 Mesa National Slam Team selection process. Directions to Del Sol are on the site.

Open Mic Thursday!

2009-02-26T04:37:17Z

Come and join us for a casual laid back old fashioned share the microphone. Grab some free coffee and really focus on what's being written, share some of your thoughts and have a good time.

Before the show, come by and enjoy the live broadcast of The SpokenWorld Show, hosted by Bob Nelson, and maybe you can share some of your work with a worldwide audience!

* This show start at 8PM

Del Sol Reception Hall
236 S Mesa Dr
Mesa, AZ 85204
(480) 655-9100
www.delsolreception.com

Tonite!

2009-02-19T14:29:32Z