Furry Mic Poetry Slam.

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Furry Mic Poetry Slam
Poetry has always been something enjoyable for me. When I was a kid, Edward Lear’s limericks were regularly recited at me by my dad. Going from the ridiculous to the mildly inappropriate, the first single that I ever bought was Gangsta’s Paradise and I still know all the words. There’s no iambic pentameter or rhyming couplets, but instead a story told through rhythm and beats. In my mind both are almost identical. They use words, and words alone to engage their audience.
Poetry is a release from the annoyance of people and society. As naturally passionate/angry (take your pick), poetry allows creation of carefully thought through ideas on all those topics that can make you frustrated, inquisitive or dare it be said, happy.
Thinking is the crux of poetry. Compared to storytelling or stand up comedy, in poetry, every syllable has its place and meaning relative to everything else. Yes it can rhyme or it can be free verse, but it doesn’t matter as long as there’s some rhythm. The only tip I’ve got is have conviction with the words you’re using.
Performing poetry is where it’s at. Whilst there are quite a few amazing regular poetry open mic events in the area (check out Sticks and Stones in Headingley and Wicked Words in Chapel Allerton), none focus purely on the performance element. It is with this, that the Furry Mic Poetry Slam has been created. For those of who aren’t cool(io) enough, Poetry Slams exist as a way to big up self-written rhythmic wordplay without the brutality of a rap battle. The topic can be about absolutely anything and there is no set style. Each participant is given 3 minutes to impress the judging panel made up of random audience members. The top and bottom scores are removed with the others added together. Whoever has the most points at the end of the night wins. The prize will be a pint and an award winning Sunshine Bakery cupcake.
As it’s the first event, I will be performing some of my poetry after the break. If you’d like to see my style, here’s a video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIQaEnsDirw
If you’re teetering on the edge to perform, please take the leap. We’re all really friendly and it would be great to hear your passion.
To perform, or if you have any other questions please email [email protected] or @furrymic
The Furry Mic Poetry Slam is on Monday 29th November with doors at 8pm
The Packhorse (opposite the university steps), 208 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9DX
Tickets are £3 and available from www.furrymic.co.uk or on the night
Sunshine Bakery will also be there selling their yummy cupcakes. It doesn’t get much better than beer and cake!

furrymictrans

We asked wit, raconteur, poet and all round funny guy Hayden Cohen to tell us why he’s so obsessed with the spoken word . . . next time we might ask him “Why Furry Mic?”

Furry Mic Poetry Slam

Poetry has always been something enjoyable for me. When I was a kid, Edward Lear’s limericks were regularly recited at me by my dad. Going from the ridiculous to the mildly inappropriate, the first single that I ever bought was Gangsta’s Paradise and I still know all the words. There’s no iambic pentameter or rhyming couplets, but instead a story told through rhythm and beats. In my mind both are almost identical. They use words, and words alone to engage their audience.

Poetry is a release from the annoyance of people and society. As naturally passionate/angry (take your pick), poetry allows creation of carefully thought through ideas on all those topics that can make you frustrated, inquisitive or dare it be said, happy.

Thinking is the crux of poetry. Compared to storytelling or stand up comedy, in poetry, every syllable has its place and meaning relative to everything else. Yes it can rhyme or it can be free verse, but it doesn’t matter as long as there’s some rhythm. The only tip I’ve got is have conviction with the words you’re using.

Performing poetry is where it’s at. Whilst there are quite a few amazing regular poetry open mic events in the area (check out Sticks and Stones in Headingley and Wicked Words in Chapel Allerton), none focus purely on the performance element. It is with this, that the Furry Mic Poetry Slam has been created. For those of who aren’t cool(io) enough, Poetry Slams exist as a way to big up self-written rhythmic wordplay without the brutality of a rap battle. The topic can be about absolutely anything and there is no set style. Each participant is given 3 minutes to impress the judging panel made up of random audience members. The top and bottom scores are removed with the others added together. Whoever has the most points at the end of the night wins. The prize will be a pint and an award winning Sunshine Bakery cupcake.

As it’s the first event, I will be performing some of my poetry after the break. If you’d like to see my style, here’s a video.

If you’re teetering on the edge to perform, please take the leap. We’re all really friendly and it would be great to hear your passion.

To perform, or if you have any other questions please email [email protected] or talk to me on Twitter @furrymic

The Furry Mic Poetry Slam is on Monday 29th November with doors at 8pm

The Packhorse (opposite the university steps), 208 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9DX

Tickets are £3 and available from www.furrymic.co.uk or on the night

Sunshine Bakery will also be there selling their yummy cupcakes. It doesn’t get much better than beer and cake!

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