Review: Poet Slams Slam Finals

Prominent spoken word artist CJ Leon wrote this frank review
There is something seriously wrong with the slam scene in Vancouver when even its flagship Slam Finals event, which filled the Rio Theatre to capacity last night, fails to inspire even its most enthusiastic patrons. It didn’t help that while one slam-masters’ name was chanted seven times throughout the evening, none of the performing poets’ names were even in the program! While I appreciate the work of organizers, I go for the art and the artists. Fuck the Vancouver Slam for continuing to go out of its way to anonymize the artists who make it what it is. Bad form! You gave us a 14-page program and didn't even mention the artists, let alone give us their bios and links. Fuck you and your egomania! The lighting of the venue was horrible: no spotlight, and I was told the cadaverous hue of the performers was caused by event organizers who wanted the headache-inducing bluish “cleaning lights” on so poets could read their poems. Boo! And since when do slam poets read? Gimme a fucking break! I didn’t pay $15 to sit in Walmart lighting.

Read the full review here...