It was a great Thursday night at Cervejaria for our Janaury edition of livewords with Mick Burrs, Luciano Iacobelli & Ryan Kamstra!
There was not a seat in the house for most of the night as we listened attentively as Mick read from the draft manuscript of his 29th chapbook, Ryan let us into his world-view with lyric energy, and Luciano gave us new narrative poems that were finely crafted and compelling.
We had 10 contestants in our open mic contest – the best reading of a cover poem. Pieces ranged from Priscilla Uppal, W. H. Auden, Dylan Thomas, to an anonymous chapbook piece, and well-known spoken word pieces expertly done.
Our contest judges: Shannon Maguire, Lara Solnicki and Kurt Zubatiuk selected Toronto Poetry Slam host & producer David Silverberg as the winner of our $50 prize.
Thanks to Mick, Luciano & Ryan for their words and presentation. Hats off (ot the apparal of your choice) to all our open mic contestants and well-deserved kudos to our winner. Thanks to Lara (who is singing with Sean Bray at 93 Harbord on Friday nights) Sharon & Kurt for their well-considered judging. A ‘we are not worthy’ shout out to Andrea Ledwell, editor of Gadzooks! for running the book table. And as always our gratefull thanks to Joe and the staff at Cervejaria.
