Urban Griots Spoken Word Awards

Friday, April 3, 2009
8:00 p.m.
Varsity Theater
1308 4th Street S.E.
Minneapolis

It’s about time! This apple may be mini, but when it comes to the arts, Minneapolis and the surrounding areas are second to very little. When it comes to spoken word in particular, the Twin Cities area is one of the most prolific, creative and innovative community in the country  (if not the world). And so it has been for at least a decade. So when I found out that the Twin Cities spoken word community are having their very own award show, the first thing that came to mind was simple: it’s about time!

The performance poetry community in the Twin Cities is a big umbrella with multiple feathers. It represents two national poetry slam teams, bands, and numerous collective. Though it seems fragmented, with different groups doing their own thing in their own corner.  No more. The god-parents of TC spoken word, e.g. bailey and Sha Cage, over at the Minnesota Spoken Word Association have organized what is easily one of the most anticipated event of the year.  In addition to the over 20 award categories, the evening will feature performances by who-is-who in the area’s diverse spoken word and slam poetry community. There is going to be dancers, DJ, and all the finest performance poets you have heard or heard about in the last decade. This is definitely an evening not to be missed.

WHEN / WHERE:
Friday, April 3, 2009. Doors at 8pm. Event at 9pm. The Varsity Theater.
1308 Fourth St. S.E., Minneapolis.

COST:
$3 Before 9:30pm, $5 After 9:30pm
Advance Tickets Available at www.varsitytheater.org | 612-604-0222

RESERVATIONS:
Group Reservations are being taken now for reserved seating via email at mnswa.mail@gmail.com

ABOUT THE EVENING AND ARTISTS:
Master of Ceremony: Tiyo Siyolo
Music By: DJ Mixwell
Awards: Over 20 categories of awards, ranging from New Artist of the Year to launching MN’s 1st Spoken Word Hall of Fame.

Performances By: J. Otis Powell, Truthmaze, Bao Phi, Edupoetic Enterbrainment (Frank Sentwali, Tiyo, Queen Drea), Hyder Ali, IBé, Palabristas, Ed Bok Lee, Poetic Assassins, MPLS and St. Paul Slam Teams, Marie Chante, Guante, Chantz, Tish Jones, Lady Lit, October, Karma, Niyah Bengai, Chantz, and other surprise guests.