Slamarillo poets… What do you want?

Hello poets

As the New Year settles into our lives I believe it’s time to take a breath and focus ourselves. Slamarillo is in transition to a new slammaster and by doing so slamarillo will naturedly get a new feel. I have my own general vision for slamarillo. It’s no good if I keep it to myself… so here it is… I want Slamarillo a “self funded community arts experience” meaning…

Self Funded… The audience and poets is our lifeline. The poetry slam doesn’t spend more than it makes. So if we need a mic or to pay a feature… we have to have the funds… we will definitely seek donations and help from the community BUT in most cases it will be partnerships meaning we earn the respect of the community first…

Community… A give back mentality that helps us poets walk what most of us talk. We poets seem to have this “the world owes me” mentality… and I don’t know where it comes from… it has no place in Slamarillo that’s why poets and audience alike pay the cover. We have to earn the respect from our community so they can feel they can back us. In the Amarillo art world this usually means we donate our time and talents… donate… for free. Give first then take.

For example: (I’ll get back on track in a sec) Slamarillo has been working on different relationships with WTAMU. In 2009 we will start a college spoken word radio show on 91.1, have a bi-monthly poetry slam at the panhandle plains historical museum (last Thursday of every other month starting in Feb) and will be part of a poetry writer’s workshop featuring a Slamarillo Poetry Slam. Cool Huh? None of this would be happening without partnerships with Jenna from the YMCA, Daniel’s hard work on contacts and some workshops I did. I say that to make the following point…

If only a few Slamarillo poets participate in the featured WTAMU Slamarillo Slam… What kind of an introduction is that to poetry virgins? What kind of relationship will that build with the radio station? Or the panhandle professional writers association which is part of the workshop? Would WT want to continue supporting poetry through us after that? Slamarillo ends up being a joke. You may think I’m over exaggerating but there have been plenty of outreach opportunities that slamarillo has had in the past that ended up being Daniel and I or Jenna and I. heck, one workshop opportunity that could have put slamarillo on a great rotation and donation Daniel had to do on his own. We weren’t asked back. Not because Daniel didn’t do a great job but because in their eyes they saw the great SLAMARILLO POETRY SLAM! And only one poet showed he cared by donating his time to spread poetry to youth. BUT… Not any more, right? We are a Slamarillo Poetry Community that gives back. (Ok back on track…)

Arts Experience… Poets want ears to hear, Slammers want judges to judge and the Audience wants a reason to pay and be somewhere on a Tuesday night. Most audiences unknowingly sing to the words of Nirvana “here we are now Entertain Us”. Slamarillo is intelligent entertainment! Intelligent entertainment is having a poetry slam that encourages the arts to be part of show. Inviting open mic-ers, novelist, painters, music (of all kinds…yes, even country), freaks, dancers, comedians… to be part of the show turning it into an experience. An experience not only for the audience but also for the poets and performers. (I mean really, why have our own poetry slam bore us.)

A self funded community arts experience! What do you think? No really What do you think? Here’s the more important part….

WHAT DO YOU WANT?

You see the above is just part of the vision for Slamarillo… I’m asking what you the poets want. Because it’s no use in putting forth energy and funds for “A” to happen when you couldn’t careless if “A” happens. You rather be doing “B”. But I won’t know if you don’t tell me. What is important to you as Amarillo Slamarillo Poets? (By important I mean “____” is your goal with Slamarillo. Or This is why you slam at slamarillo. This is what you want more of…)

Examples:
I want to be around artsy people like me without censorship.
I want to hang out with friends and be part of the art community.
I want it to be more open mic like 806 but different.
I want to be on the team going to NPS.
I want to educate people about poetry.
I just want to read my stuff and have fun.
I don’t care about being on a NPS team but I like competing.

The more you tell me the better Slamarillo can be… I have my ideas BUT What I need to know is… Slamarillo Poets what do you want?

BE HONEST!

Thanks for your time and info.

Raul

WTAMU, the Panhandle Professional Writer’s Association & Slamarillo Lit & Poetry Workshop

Join WTAMU, Panhandler's Professional Writer's Association & Slamarillo for a writer's workshop at WTAMU on January 16 & 17
Various techniques for short stories, novels & poetry.

We need at least 30 writers to sign up.... yeah i said 30 writers...

Slamarillo's own Raul "magic man" Rodarte will be doing a Spoken word / Oral Poetry Workshop. Then later at 7pm after pizza Slamarillo will host an open mic and poetry slam at Legends! Respond to this blog to sign up for the slam.

Get details and Sign up at the following links…
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lnd0YW11LmVkdS9+cHR5cmVyLw==
http://www.wtamu.edu/~ptyrer/Writer%27sWeek-End.html


Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are." -- Mason Cooley

Slamarillo in 2009!

Greetings Poetry Slam Family. Chris Imperial here.

Where is NATS 2009 going to be?Answer: It will take place most likely in West Palm Beach, but Miami is also a possibility.

Where is the host hotel? Answer: the most likely host hotel will be the West Palm Beach Marriott which is a 5 minute walk or 2 blocks from the main boulevards in Downtown WPB.

What are the projected dates for NATS 2009?Answer: August 3rd-8th 2009

What type of events can we expect at NATS 2009?Answer:As many as time will permit.

One Love, Chris Imperial 2009 National Poetry Slam Organizer

FOR FULL LETTER FROM CHRIS GO TO MYSPACE.COM/SLAMARILLO

SLAMARILLO CHALLENGE

Take the
SLAMarillo Challenge!

Write a poem for each category by January 1st 2009

1) A poem about OR inspired by Woody Guthrie.

2) A children’s poem

3) A poem with no expletives or sexual content/references

4) A poem about Black America

5) One minute poem

Slamarillo Poetry Slam CD Vol. II

Slamarillo Poetry Slam CD Vol. II

That's right poets... Slamarillo will be recording Vol II in JANUARY! And will be released in MARCH. The best part???? You can be in it! This volume we want to feature you! If you have Slammed at a slamarillo poetry slam in the last two years then you can be on the CD.
A sign up form will be at the next two Slams on Mondays before the holiday. We currently have twenty slots availiable. The processing fee* is $20. (pay when you sign up and solidify your slot) We'll record two of your best poems. (NO POEMS OVER 4 MINUTES, PLEASE.) Slamarillo will put one on Slamarillo CD and give you the other recorded poem for your personal use.
SIGN UP TODAY!!!!

*Processing fee of $20 includes the recording process, the finished slamarillo CD & a cd with your second poem.

Slamarillo's 2009 Grand Slam

Slamarillo’s 2008 -2009 Grand Slam

Check your standings! Points are adding up.
TOP 10 GO TO GRAND SLAM

Grand Slam format:

Round 1
Top 10 poets perform a NEW POEM
(New Poem the a poem has never been slammed)

Round 2
Top 10 poets perform a second poem

Round 1&2 are added up and the top 5 poets go to finals

Final
Top 5 poets battle for Grand Slam Champion

THE NATIONAL POETRY SLAM IS BEING HELD IN FLORIDA THIS YEAR!

Invest In Your Slam!

Slams at the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum
$2 for Poets and General Audience alike

Slams at the Amarillo Repertory Theater
$5 for General Audience
$3 for Open Mic & Slam Poets

Month of Nov SlamS

Hey Poets and Poetry Lovers

We have a busy month.

This Thursday Nov 6 is Slamarillo’s PPHM Slam
$2 Cover Poets and Audience

This Friday Nov 7 North West Public Library
Free

This Monday Nov 10 @ the Amarillo Repertory Theater
$5 cover $3 Open Mic and Slam Poets

Slamarillo Standings (as of October 13, 2008)

Point Standings
Ira - 24pts
Daniel -23pts
Thomas - 20pts
Ethan - 19pts
Raul - 15pts
Jenna - 13pts
Devin - 11pts
Christen - 9pts
Jessica - 7pts
Lindsay - 5pts
Brandi - 6pts
Garret - 6pts
Rhea - 5pts
Josh - 5pts
Brad - 4pts
Halie - 4pts
Ray - 4pts
Allana - 4pts
Sunny - 4pts
Greg - 2pts
James - 2pts
TVHeadJimmy - 2pts
Mamma - 2pts
Monica - 2pts
GIP - 2pts
Joseph - 1pts

_________________
Slam Volenteers

Name / date /Points
Ira / 5/20 Fundraiser / 2pts
Ethan / 5/20 Fundraiser / 2pts
Ira / 5/24 Fundraiser / 2pts
Ira / 8/13 Data Retrieval / 2pts
Ethan / 8/13 Workshop / 2pts
Christen / 8/13 Workshop / 2pts
Jenna / 8/13 Workshop / 2pts
Rhea / 8/13 Workshop / 2pts

_________________

PPHM Slam (w/Maze) 24-April

Name / Place /Points
Raul / 1st /5pts
Brad / 2nd /4pts
Daniel / 3nd /3pts
Ira / 4th /2pts
Devin / 5th /1pt
Ethan / Sac /1pt
Gregory / MC /1pt

ART Slam (w/Maze) 26-April

Name / Place /Points
Lindsay / 1st /5pts
Ira / 2nd /4pts
Jenna / 3nd /3pts
Daniel / 4th /2pts
Mamma / 5th /1pt
Rhea / played /1pt
Christen / played /1pt
Halie / played /1pt
Ray / played /1pt
Jessica / played /1pt
Devin / played /1pt
Thomas / played / 1pt
GIP / Sac1 /1pt
Monica / Sac2 /1pt
Gregory / MC / 1pt
Raul / TC/S /1pt

ART Slam (turned Feature) May (unknown day)

Name / played /Points
Ira / played /2pts
Jenna / played /2pts
Raul / played /2pts
Ethan / played /2pts
James / played /2pts
Halie / played /2pts
Ray / played /2pts
Devin / played /2pts
Thomas / played / 2pts
TvHeadJimmy / played / 2pts

ART Slam 6-June

Name / Played / Points
Jessica / 1st / 5
Daniel / 2nd / 4
Thomas / 3rd / 3
Rhea / 4th / 2
Ira / 5th / 1
Devin / played / 1
Ethan / played / 1
Hailie / played / 1
Jenna / MC / 1

ART Slam 14-July

Name / Played / Points
Thomas / 1st / 5pts
Brandi / 2nd / 4pts
Ira / 3th / 3pts
Allana / 4th / 2pts
Ethan / featured / 1pts
Joseph / featured / 1pts
Devin / featured / 1pts
Christen / featured / 1pts

ART Slam 11-August

Name / Played / Points
Raul / 1st / 5
Jenna / 2nd / 4
Thomas / 3rd / 3
Josh / 4th / 2
Allana / 5th / 1
Ira / played / 1

PPHM Slam 12-August

Name / Played / Points
Daniel / 1st / 5
Devin / 2nd / 4
Sunny / 3rd / 3
Brandi / 4th / 2
Ira / 5th / 1
Ethan / sac / 1
Raul / MC / 1

ART Slam 8-September

Name / Played / Points
Ethan / 1st / 5
Daniel / 2nd / 4
Ira / 3rd / 3
Christen / Sac / 1
Jenna / SCTC / 1

PPHM Slam 19-September
Garret / 1st / 5
Ethan / 2nd / 4
Josh / 3rd / 3
Thomas / 4th / 2
Ray / 5th / 1

ART Slam 13-October (NIGHT OF THE LIVING POET)
Daniel / 1st / 5
Christen / Tie 2nd / 4
Thomas / Tie 2nd / 4
Jenna / 4th / 2
Garret / 5th / 1
Jessica / played / 1
Ira / played / 1
GIP / played / 1
Momma / played / 1
Alanna / played / 1
Devin / played / 1
Sunny / played / 1
Monica / SC / 1
Raul / MC / 1

Slamarillo Facebook

Night of The Living Poet, News, & Standings

Is a poetry slam open to everyone. You must have at least 3 original poems to compete. You may read off paper or notebook or etc, just be sure not to make it a prop which will be explained more down below. Normally there are no costumes allowed, but seeing as its a Halloween theme, this rule will be an exception for THIS SLAM ONLY. No props (be careful you don't mess with accessories on your costume or holding props that go with it. No musical accompaniment. A prop can be your hat or glasses if you take them off or mess with them during your performance. And kind of article of clothing or accessory that you use to emphasize or talk about in a poem, i.e., if you say she bought me a watch and touch your watch or point to it, that could be challenged by other poets as a prop. You have a 3 minute time limit. You have a 10 second grace period, so after 3 minutes and 10 seconds, you will get points deducted from your score. 3:10-3:20 -.5, 3:20-3:30 -1, and so on and so forth. time does not start when your poem starts, TIME STARTS WHEN YOU MAKE INTERACTION WITH THE AUDIENCE. This could be gestures, or talking about your poem. After the 1st round, only the top 5 poets will move on to round 2. After round 2, the top 3 cumulative scores will go into round 3. In round 3, its a clean slate. The poet with the highest score for the round wins the slam.

This slam will count for points towards to Grand Slam. Also just to let you know, there will a show at The Nat on October 23rd. Derrick Brown, Buddy Wakefield, Anis Mojgani, and Andrea Gibson. And a slam at the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum the 6th of November. Please help spread the word about all three shows.

Here are the current point standings. If you ever want a quick reference, the first column in the SLAMarillo myspace top friend list will be the top ten scoring poets, in descending order.

Point Standings
Ira - 23pts
Ethan - 19pts
Daniel -18pts
Thomas - 16pts
Raul - 14pts
Jenna - 13pts
Devin - 10pts
Jessica - 6pts
Lindsay - 5pts
Brandi - 6pts
Rhea - 5pts
Christen - 5pts
Garret - 5pts
Josh - 5pts
Brad - 4pts
Halie - 4pts
Ray - 4pts
Allana - 3pts
Sunny - 3pts
Greg - 2pts
James - 2pts
TVHeadJimmy - 2pts
Mamma - 1pts
GIP - 1pts
Joseph - 1pts
Monica - 1pts

Website, too?

hey,

Slamarillo is working on
http://slamarillo.webs.com/
it's free, so it is a little limited but who cares...
(fyi... we are not getting rid of the blog)
there will be links both ways. (bi-links)

ideas, suggestions... always welcome.

peace and love

Raul

Upcoming Slam: Monday, October 13th!

Standings as of September 8th, 2008.

Congratulations to Mr. Ethan for winning the slam tonight!

Point Standings
Ira - 23pts
Daniel -18pts
Ethan - 15pts
Raul - 14pts
Thomas - 14pts
Jenna - 13pts
Devin - 10pts
Jessica - 6pts
Lindsay - 5pts
Brandi - 6pts
Rhea - 5pts
Christen - 5pts
Brad - 4pts
Halie - 4pts
Allana - 3pts
Sunny - 3pts
Ray - 3pts
Greg - 2pts
Josh - 2pts
James - 2pts
TVHeadJimmy - 2pts
Mamma - 1pts
GIP - 1pts
Joseph - 1pts
Monica - 1pts

_________________
Slam Volenteers

Name / date /Points
Ira / 5/20 Fundraiser / 2pts
Ethan / 5/20 Fundraiser / 2pts
Ira / 5/24 Fundraiser / 2pts
Ira / 8/13 Data Retrieval / 2pts
Ethan / 8/13 Workshop / 2pts
Christen / 8/13 Workshop / 2pts
Jenna / 8/13 Workshop / 2pts
Rhea / 8/13 Workshop / 2pts

_________________

PPHM Slam (w/Maze) 24-April

Name / Place /Points
Raul / 1st /5pts
Brad / 2nd /4pts
Daniel / 3nd /3pts
Ira / 4th /2pts
Devin / 5th /1pt
Ethan / Sac /1pt
Gregory / MC /1pt

ART Slam (w/Maze) 26-April

Name / Place /Points
Lindsay / 1st /5pts
Ira / 2nd /4pts
Jenna / 3nd /3pts
Daniel / 4th /2pts
Mamma / 5th /1pt
Rhea / played /1pt
Christen / played /1pt
Halie / played /1pt
Ray / played /1pt
Jessica / played /1pt
Devin / played /1pt
Thomas / played / 1pt
GIP / Sac1 /1pt
Monica / Sac2 /1pt
Gregory / MC / 1pt
Raul / TC/S /1pt

ART Slam (turned Feature) May (unknown day)

Name / played /Points
Ira / played /2pts
Jenna / played /2pts
Raul / played /2pts
Ethan / played /2pts
James / played /2pts
Halie / played /2pts
Ray / played /2pts
Devin / played /2pts
Thomas / played / 2pts
TvHeadJimmy / played / 2pts

ART Slam 6-June

Name / Played / Points
Jessica / 1st / 5
Daniel / 2nd / 4
Thomas / 3rd / 3
Rhea / 4th / 2
Ira / 5th / 1
Devin / played / 1
Ethan / played / 1
Hailie / played / 1
Jenna / MC / 1

ART Slam 14-July

Name / Played / Points
Thomas / 1st / 5pts
Brandi / 2nd / 4pts
Ira / 3th / 3pts
Allana / 4th / 2pts
Ethan / featured / 1pts
Joseph / featured / 1pts
Devin / featured / 1pts
Christen / featured / 1pts

ART Slam 11-August

Name / Played / Points
Raul / 1st / 5
Jenna / 2nd / 4
Thomas / 3rd / 3
Josh / 4th / 2
Allana / 5th / 1
Ira / played / 1

PPHM Slam 12-August

Name / Played / Points
Daniel / 1st / 5
Devin / 2nd / 4
Sunny / 3rd / 3
Brandi / 4th / 2
Ira / 5th / 1
Ethan / sac / 1
Raul / MC / 1

ART Slam 8-September

Name / Played / Points
Ethan / 1st / 5
Daniel / 2nd / 4
Ira / 3rd / 3
Christen / Sac / 1
Jenna / SCTC / 1

NPS 2008... how we did...

just so you know...

we got 2nd place the first night.
and
we got 4th place the second night.

and so you know... the second night 1st place and 4th place were only separated within 2 points.
we were only 0.7 away from 2nd place.

nice.

NPS 2008

Nationals was amazingly fun this year. The team got there early so we could relax, meet poets and check out our venues.

Everything was walkable and the weather sometimes was humid. I was stoked that Janie and I were not the only ones who had the rule of... "when out of town, eat at places you don't have at home" so we ate and ate...

Afghani

Mediterranean

African

Latino: burritos the size of my...

Homemade icecream

Pizzas such as: Macaroni and cheese, lasagna, cheesy potatoes, stake and potatoes, cheese burger, pesto and mushroom…

Cheese

Irish potatoes

a lot of mixed drinks

and that was only the first day... jk

Standings (As of 2008-08-13)

Point Standings
Ira - 20pts
Daniel -14pts
Raul - 14pts
Thomas - 14pts
Jenna - 12pts
Devin - 10pts
Ethan - 10pts
Jessica - 6pts
Lindsay - 5pts
Brandi - 6pts
Rhea - 5pts
Brad - 4pts
Halie - 4pts
Christen - 4pts
Allana - 3pts
Sunny - 3pts
Ray - 3pts
Greg - 2pts
Josh - 2pts
James - 2pts
TVHeadJimmy - 2pts
Mamma - 1pts
GIP - 1pts
Joseph - 1pts
Monica - 1pts

_________________
Slam Volenteers

Name / date /Points
Ira / 5/20 Fundraiser / 2pts
Ethan / 5/20 Fundraiser / 2pts
Ira / 5/24 Fundraiser / 2pts
Ira / 8/13 Data Retrieval / 2pts
Ethan / 8/13 Workshop / 2pts
Christen / 8/13 Workshop / 2pts
Jenna / 8/13 Workshop / 2pts
Rhea / 8/13 Workshop / 2pts

_________________

PPHM Slam (w/Maze) 24-April

Name / Place /Points
Raul / 1st /5pts
Brad / 2nd /4pts
Daniel / 3nd /3pts
Ira / 4th /2pts
Devin / 5th /1pt
Ethan / Sac /1pt
Gregory / MC /1pt

ART Slam (w/Maze) 26-April

Name / Place /Points
Lindsay / 1st /5pts
Ira / 2nd /4pts
Jenna / 3nd /3pts
Daniel / 4th /2pts
Mamma / 5th /1pt
Rhea / played /1pt
Christen / played /1pt
Halie / played /1pt
Ray / played /1pt
Jessica / played /1pt
Devin / played /1pt
Thomas / played / 1pt
GIP / Sac1 /1pt
Monica / Sac2 /1pt
Gregory / MC / 1pt
Raul / TC/S /1pt

ART Slam (turned Feature) May (unknown day)

Name / played /Points
Ira / played /2pts
Jenna / played /2pts
Raul / played /2pts
Ethan / played /2pts
James / played /2pts
Halie / played /2pts
Ray / played /2pts
Devin / played /2pts
Thomas / played / 2pts
TvHeadJimmy / played / 2pts

ART Slam 6-June

Name / Played / Points
Jessica / 1st / 5
Daniel / 2nd / 4
Thomas / 3rd / 3
Rhea / 4th / 2
Ira / 5th / 1
Devin / played / 1
Ethan / played / 1
Hailie / played / 1
Jenna / MC / 1

ART Slam 14-July

Name / Played / Points
Thomas / 1st / 5pts
Brandi / 2nd / 4pts
Ira / 3th / 3pts
Allana / 4th / 2pts
Ethan / featured / 1pts
Joseph / featured / 1pts
Devin / featured / 1pts
Christen / featured / 1pts

ART Slam 11-August

Name / Played / Points
Raul / 1st / 5
Jenna / 2nd / 4
Thomas / 3rd / 3
Josh / 4th / 2
Allana / 5th / 1
Ira / played / 1

PPHM Slam 12-August

Name / Played / Points
Daniel / 1st / 5
Devin / 2nd / 4
Sunny / 3rd / 3
Brandi / 4th / 2
Ira / 5th / 1
Ethan / sac / 1
Raul / MC / 1