iWPS 2005 Competing Poets

Venue Representatives

Nicolé Modaine: St. Louis, MO: Bio & contact info coming soon.
Akua: Urbana - NY, NY: Akua (ah-kwee-uh) is a poet with a creative spirit growing into a literary talent. Akua started writing poetry seven years ago while attending college and has yet to put the pen down. She won the Arizona All-Star Slam in Sedona, AZ and became a member of the 2004 Mesa Arizona Slam Team. She has performed anywhere anyone will listen to her giving her insight on such topics as women's issues, love and self-appreciation. "Silent Anger" is Akua's first CD project and she can't wait to start on her next CD. For more information, visit www.akuadapoet.com.
Carlos Andrés Gómez: Providence, RI: Carlos Andrés Gómez is an activist, writer, teacher, and poet originally from New York City. A multi-time slam champion, Carlos has led two teams to the National Poetry Slam including the 2003 Nuyorican National Slam Team that placed 2nd out of 63 teams. As a member of the Excelano Project, Carlos is dedicated to using his art and expression as a means of raising political consciousness and stimulating social transformation.

For more info: www.ExcelanoProject.com / To contact: excelanopoet@yahoo.com
Chris August: DC Slam - Washington, DC: Chris August spends the bulk of his time attempting to operate under the fallacious notion that he's somebody. When doing this, he often cites as evidence the two DC/Baltimore national poetry slam teams he's been a member of, the fact that he is the co-host of Baltimore's only certified slam venue, the chapbook, cd and dvd he has compiled (the last two of which were with the luminous GranmaDave Schein), and the numerous performances he's given and slams he's won along the east coast and the southeast and southwest. Then this delusion is ripped to shreds when he is reminded of the fact that he doesn't have a website, regularly maintained livejournal account or cool stage name, and that he's basically a normal guy who enjoys pajama bottoms, bare feet and the idea of Carol Channing one day ahcieving world domination while living in fear of his student loan company finally making good on their promise to break his thumbs. All in all, he's a nice enough guy. You'll probably like him. Your mom does.
Corrina Bain: Poet's Asylum - Worcester, MA: Corrina Bain was born on september 18th, 1983. She began performing poetry when she was 15, and has been on 3 national poetry slam teams, most recently representing Providence, RI. She recently completed a full length musical collaboration with Thom Inhaler of http://inhalerproductions.com. Once, when a soda was too sweet for Sage Francis, he gave it to her to finish.

Corrina Bain can be reached at androidhime @ yahoo.com.
Christa Bell: Seattle, WA: Christa Bell is a writer, poet, spoken word artist, and cultural activist from Seattle, Washington who received her BA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University, has studied in Europe and lived in east Africa. She writes, performs and curates arts events throughout the Northwest, where she is also a competitive performance poet and founder of the Healing Is A Political Act (HIAPA) Creative Recovery Workshop Series.

She was a member of the 2004 Seattle Poetry Slam National Team and the author of two self-published and highly acclaimed chapbooks of prose and performance poetry entitled, "Revival" and "Arise My Beautiful One, Come With Me", both of which explore the inner lives of Black women as relates to romantic archetypes, sexual freedom and self-worship. She is also the creatrix and producer of a live spoken word poetry CD entitled Word Medicine 2004: The Live Recorded Poetry of Christa Bell.

She is currently working on both a memoir and a novel.

Watch www.christabellonline.com for Word Medicine, the Tour coming in the spring of 2005!
Innocence Bello: Worddancing - Newark, DE: Innocence Bello is rad. bigtime. she likes puppies and cabbage. seperately. she collects stamps and wants the world to know , the snowy egret is her favorite.

if you look closely, you will notice she is black. when Innocence is not screaming at the top of her lungs, she's teaching the youth of america, by way of 9th grade english class. she has a serious sweet tooth and could be hired for a mere slice of pie. While addicted to love, she is allergic to girls, even though she's super queer. Innocence likes boys too but claims they run too fast. she has 2 sisters she adores with all her heart. if you ever meet her, give her a hug. she's cool like that.
Roger Bonair-Agard: Louder Arts - NY, NY: Roger weaves living, breathing tapestries out of politics and the notion of home; a native of Trinidad and Tobago, Roger has lived in Brooklyn for seventeen years and his work reflects the struggles of a man in voluntary exile in a conflicted 21st-century America.

A professional performance poet since 1997, Roger has performed and facilitated writing and performance workshops at colleges, universities and high schools around the world, including such outposts as University of Alaska, University of West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and in Literary Festivals in Germany, Jamaica, South Africa, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival in New Jersey. He has appeared on HBO's Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry Jam and The MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour as well as Air America, Pacifica Radio's Beneath the Surface and other national radio programs. He authored a successful one-man show, and chaos congealed (1998) and the one-man poetry concert MASQUERADE: poems of calypso and home (2004).

He is co-author of Burning Down the House (Soft Skull Press, 2000), and author of tarnish and masquerade, scheduled for publication by Third World Press in fall of 2005.

Roger is a Cave Canem fellow, studying with such luminaries as Yusef Komunyakaa, Marilyn Nelson, and Cornelius Eady. In 1998, he was named the Nuyorican Poets Café Fresh Poet of the Year. In 1999, he earned the title of National Individual Slam Champion while leading the New York City louderARTS team to the final four of the National Poetry Slam, a feat he repeated in 2000.

Website: www.geocities.com/rogerbonair/
Michael Brown: Cantab - Boston, MA: Michael Brown, Professor of Communications at Mount Ida College, has three books of poetry, "Falling Wallendas" (Chicago: Tia Chucha, 1994), "Susquehanna" (Princeton: Ragged Sky, 2003), and "The Man Who Makes Amusement Rides" (Newtown, CT: Hanover Press, 2003). He has performed poetry, taught classes, and lectured in various world venues over the last 43 years. His current project is Dr. Brown's Traveling Poetry Show, winner of the "Best Poetry Troupe" at the 2004 Cambridge Poetry Awards. Brown was individual finalist for the first Boston team in 1991. He organized the 1992 nationals, and was on the championship team in 1993. In 1995 he was on the 3rd place team. In the last five years he has won slams in Amsterdam, Provincetown, and the slammasters slam at the nationals in Chicago. At the Cambridge Poetry Awards in 2004 he was voted Best Male Slam poet and Poet of the Year. His poem, "The Handyman at Tanglewood" won best short poem, and "The Man Who Makes Amusement Rides" won best book. In March he will join Regie Gibson and Elizabeth Thomas in teaching a performance and writing workshop on Nantucket, and in April he will run a workshop for the Block Island Poetry Project. His website is http://michael.brown.name.
Andy Buck: Austin, TX: Andy Buck lives in Austin, TX, where he hopes to achieve something of note one day. He's been a member of the last three Austin teams to compete at NPS, including the 2003 3rd-place team. He has appeared on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, Inside the Actor's Studio, and Iron Chef. (Only one of those is true.) You can find samples of his work at www.austinslam.com and www.slamchannel.com. This year, look for him in the feature-length documentary, "SlamPlanet: War of the Words," produced by Mythos Studios. You can also check out a short film called "The Spin Cycle," which features him in a wheelchair and en flagrante delecto. He's a graduate of The University of Texas, where he got degrees in English and Communication. When combined, these two degrees form a bigger, super degree known as "Unemployable." This is Andy's first trip to both iWPS and Massachusetts. Let's hope all the legends are true.
Aaron Cuffee: ABQSlams - Albuquerque, NM: Cuffee has been performing poetry since he was twelve years old. He was a founding member and captain of the 2001 and 2002 Santa Fe Youth Nationals Slam Team. He was a member of the 2004 UNM College Unions National Slam Team. He was a member of the 2004 Albuquerque City Slam Team. In August he won the right to represent New Mexico in Miami, FL for the Slam Bush National Rhyme Contest, and most recently he became the 2005 Albuquerque City Individual Champion. He has self-published two books "The Product is You" and "Raven Exiled Among the Falcons." In April of 2005 he will be coaching the inaugural Eldorado High Youth Slam Team at Brave New Voices in San Francisco. If you feel so inclined you can contact Cuffee at kamelpoet@yahoo.com. Cuffee smells of deodorant(most of the time), likes water, and is engaged to marry Jasmine Sena.
Da Minista: Charlotte, NC: DaMinista, a.k.a. Tavis P Brunson, is a poet, spoken word artist, host, author and songwriter. He's been writing for more than 15 years.

He is a member of the 2004 Columbia Poetry Slam Team who advanced to the semi-finals at NPS '04, placing 11th overall. DaMinista has also competed in a number of individual slams in Columbia and Charlotte where he has met with considerable success. In May 2004, he competed against 39 other poets at the Spring '04 Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) in Black Mountain, NC and placed 1st place. He competed again in the Fall '04 LEAF competition and placed 7th out of 26 poets. He has the honor of representing Charlotte, NC at the 2005 Individual World Poetry Slam in Worcester, MA.

He is featured in the 2004 Columbia Slam Team's compilation chap book, "If These Walls Could Talk" and their compilation CD "Metaphorically Speaking." In January 2004 he produced his 1st chap book, "Though the Looking Glass-Reflections of a Poet." He is also featured in the 5th issue of the THRIFT Poetic Arts Journal released in January 2005. In August 2004, he released his first CD single, "God, I Love You" with Loyal Sons Productions. His debut full length CD, "From the Master's Table" is due for release in 2005.

He also enjoys hosting open mics in the Columbia area. He also thinks that Chris August gives great hugs!!! :)

You can contact him at DaMinista1914 @ yahoo.com and also join his Yahoo! Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DaMinista/ .
Kahn Davison: Detroit, MI: Kahn Davison is from Detroit and is the author of the spiritual "My Inspirations Come From" and the political "Wake up, Look, and Listen" and the romantic "The Art of Making Love." Davison is the president of Static Publishing and Reallife Visual Photo and the sponsor "Words on Black Consciousness children's poetry contest" and the "Black Unity children's Essay contest."

He is the formerly art columnist for The Gazette News, and Arts and Entertainment editor for the Michigan Citizen. He is currently and music reporter for the Michigan Metro Times.

He's one half of the poetry group Khaos and co-star to the award winning play Mahogany Drams. His work has been featured in The Alabama Poetry Society, The Entoitist, and The Litchfield Review. He has shared the stage with Taalam Acey, The Last Poets, Black Bottom Collective, Mike E, Kem, and Dwele

Kahn Davison is a member of the NAACP, National Association of Black Journalist, and The Detroit Writers Guild.

Website: www.kahndavison.com.
Corbet Dean: EssenzaSlam - Mesa, AZ: Corbet Dean hopes to remain a complete mystery to you, so you will be inclined to visit his website at www.livepoets.com/corbetdean.htm for more information! However, if you currently have no computer to hijack, please understand that Corbet is the five-time Grand Slam Champion of the EssenzaSlam in Mesa, AZ. In 2002, Mr. Dean finished second at the National Poetry Slam in Minneapolis, MN. In many subsequent national poetry events, Corbet has consistantly demonstrated his ability to function as a top poetry performer. More importantly, he rocks out to King's X, Sevendust, Sarah McLachlan and the Cowboy Junkies on a regular basis. Go Suns!
Lea Deschenes: Poet's Asylum - Worcester, MA: Lea C. Deschenes once found a five-leaf clover during a solar eclipse. Since then, she's been on national poetry slam teams, published internationally, written three full-length poetry manuscripts and nine chapbooks, won a 2004 Jacob Knight Award and will be starting her MFA in Poetry in July. She may be part muppet. Do not feed her pixie sticks. She owns a used pacemaker. She was acquitted. More info at www.quantumredhead.com.
Damien Flores: Hands Across Cultures Teen Center - Albuquerque, NM: Damien Flores hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was the 2004 Albuquerque Youth Slam Champion as well as the 2004 New Mexico State Youth Slam Champion. He also was the captain of the 2004 Albuquerque Youth Slam Team which also took first place at the 2003 and 2004 state slams and won the youth regional championship; the team also competed at Brave New Voices: 2004 National Youth Poetry Slam in Los Angeles, California. Damien was alternate for Team Albuquerque at the 2004 National Poetry Slam in St. Louis. He is also the winner of the 2005 Espanola Valley Slam Off and the Taos Taza Slam.
Taaj Freeman: The Eclectic Truth Poetry Slam - Baton Rouge, LA: Taaj Freeman is a 25 year old poet from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is happily unemployed and a first time slammer in the national PSI community. Her hobbies are writing, photography, thrift store shopping, and shooting pool.
Glenwood: BamaSlam - Baton Rouge, LA: Bio & contact info coming soon.
Michael Guinn: Fort Worth, TX: Michael is a native Texan, whose prolific poetry performance moves the masses with power and passion, quietly establishing him as one of the premier Spoken Word Poets in the nation. Michael currently ranks 13th (NPS '04) and has consistently ranked in the top 20 each of his first two years of competing nationally. Michael has finished 3rd in competitions like the New Word Series in Berkeley Ca, organized by Charles Elik, and the historical 25,000 Step To The Mic Spoken Word Competition in Stockton Ca. He was 4th at the 2004 Austin International Poetry Festival and at the Blue Bonnet Poetry Slams hosted by Marc Smith. Michael made history by becoming the First man to be crowned 2004 Fort Worth Grand Slam Champion and Fort Worths first Texas Regional Slam Co-Champion.

Michael has performed as an lead actor in the 2003 Martin Luther King Theatre Project "Keeping The Dream Alive" and most recently in the 2004 MLK Production "And The Dream Goes On" in Sacramento Ca. Michael has also done work for television and radio, and he is one of the co-founders of Spoken Images (An Emmy Nominated Spoken Word Troupe).

Some of Michael's other poetic achievements include:
Published author of 10 chapbooks of poetry, as two Dynamic Spoken Word CDs. He's also edited, organized and published an anthology of poetry about the 911 tragedy called FREEDOM, among numerous other literary achievements. You can also see Michael in the Sexy Men of Slam 2005 Calendar.

Website: www.michaelguinn.com.
John M. Harris Jr: Winston Salem, NC: John M. Harris Jr. Born to Iris and John Harris in High-Point, NC on March 26th 1980. Raised In Winston-Salem, NC from the age of four. Being the 7th child of gifted teachers, John developed into a gifted student, acelling in Mathematics, English and various arts from musical to visual. As a very non outwardly expressive child he began keeping a journal and writing poetry at the age of ten. In high school he was made aware of the relationship between poetry of the rhythmic variety and hip-hop oriented music, and it was not long before he started fashioning his poetry to music. The result is worthy of adding the title MC to the poet. Harris continued writing verse into and through college at Appalachian State University, where he recieved a B.A. in History and another in Philosophy & Religion. Upon graduation he decided to bid farewell to the life of academia and tradition to pursue artistic expression. Something within tells him that the present age of communication and information is the most profound time for the outspoken to be alive, to be communicable and socialy relevant. This is why he chose the name Renaissance, "the world is simply ours to change, but thats impossible if we do not learn to listen to each other."
Geof Hewitt: Vermont Slams - Burlington, VT: Hewitt has been writing poems since the 1950's; in 1967, Lillabulero published his chapbook, Waking Up Still Pickled, and it's been a meteoric journey ever since. Doubleday-Anchor released Hewitt's groundbreaking poetry anthology, Quickly Aging Here, in 1969. Since then, three book-length collections of Hewitt's own poems have appeared, Stone Soup (Ithaca House, 1974), Just Worlds (Ithaca House, 1989), and Only What's Imagined (Kumquat Press, 2000), all available at better bookstores, from Amazon.com, or directly from the author.

Hewitt rents himself out to schools, consulting with teachers and leading writing and slam workshops for students. For an idea of his approach to teaching, read his books from Heinemann Publishing, A Portfolio Primer and Today You Are My Favorite Poet: Writing Poems with Teenagers.

His latest book, Hewitt's Guide to Slam Poetry and Poetry Slam, has just been released by Discover Writing Press. A breezy, comprehensive "how to" manual for teachers and wannabe slammers, it includes a fascinating DVD of several young performance poets and one old one, Hewitt himself.

Contact: ghewitt@doe.state.vt.us
Christopher Johnson: Providence Black Repertory Co. - Providence, RI: Bio & contact info coming soon.
L.O.G.I.C.: Ann Arbor, MI: Logic is the two time IWPS representative for Ann Arbor, the second oldest slam in the known universe. He likes to read, watch Adult Swim, and refer to himself in the 3rd Person. He once won the Medel of Valor for surviving St. Louis, and continues to send care packages of Haiku's and Limmericks to poets standed there. His poetic style can be described as "written rage" folded for easy storage. He looks at poetry as free therapy, and is amazed that people can appreciate packaged pain put to page. Originally f om Maryland, transported to Michigan for grad school, Logic loves the Ace Duece poetry scene for giving him an outlet to vent, and thus saving many lives. So far his favorite slam moment is being a backup dancer with Nick Fox for a Celena Glenn piece..(we did the waltz)

Email - hzsolo@hotmail.com

Website - www.a2slam.com (home venue)
Dan Leamen: Omaha, NE: Dan is an English major with an emphasis in creative writing. IWPS will mark his one year of competing in slams on any level. Recently Morpo pressed released Dan's first chapbook, Grapfruit Warrior. It's cover is red. Dan is a consumer of orange pop although he doesn't drink as much as he use to. There is no particualr reason for why he doesn't drink as much orange pop as he used to. At 5'10", he has never been over six feet tall and dreams some day that he will have a growth spurt giving him the height to play basketball and to reach things that are high up on shelves. For now, his poetry plays basketball for him and some say that it can reach the highest things on the highest shelves...Dan sincerly denies any truth to this.

Contact @ dlbfunk@hotmail.com
David Morgan: Farrago Slam - London, UK: Born in Berlin, grew up in and around Seattle. For the last twenty years David Morgan has been based in London, England and travelled all over the northern hemisphere as a street musician and performance poet. He was the first street musican to tour East Germany and Poland in the year before the Berlin wall came down. He has won numerous slam poetry competitions, including the London Slam Championship, the UK Champions Slam and was voted the UK's best slam performer of 2004 by the 4,000 members of the Farrago Slam Poetry mailing list. David is also a novelist and playwright. His plays have had productions and readings in Seattle, London, New York and Dublin. David is a member of the Writers Guild of Great Britain and is currently serving on the Executive Council.

"David Morgan's feel for myth and revolutionary politics, his poetic ear, and his dramatic performance, are pitch-perfect. O Desolation, Desolation, what more could you possibly want?"
- Richard Deakin, producer of LIPS, the London International Poetry and Song Festival, and author of Angels Still Falling, Kerouac bio-play.

"I used to disapprove of slam poetry until I heard David Morgan, now I'm a convert"
- Olwen Wymark, playwright/screenwriter (Find Me, Best Friends, The Committee, The Twenty-Second Day)

"The Freddie Flintoff of performance poetry."
Geoff Rowley, TV writer (Minder, Birds of a Feather, Goodnight Sweetheart)
Marcell Murphy: Houston, TX: Marcell has been the Slammaster of the Houston Slam Team in 2002 in its very first team. Since then he has been going to the National Poetry Slam every year as an alternate on the 2003 team and a member in 2004. He has competed in Slams through out the US and finished 8th at the IWPS last year. He is currently working on his first CD and his second book.
Darrell "Supreme" Payne: Delray, FL: Darrell "Supreme" Payne, a native of South Florida, has an undeniable passion for 'spoken word'. His passion allows him the creativity to uplift and empower the masses. He is a self-proclaimed motivator whose purpose on stage is to deliver faith to the walking dead.

Darrell doesn't believe in the word impossible "take it out of your dictionary". On or off stage he challenges audiences not to settle for less; not to accept the ordinary. "The lord has endowed us all with gifts. In order to find our true destiny it is imperative that we tap into ourselves to discover our purpose in life. At that point we can be a blessing to others, If not we will perish with our blessings inside of us".

With spoken word Darrell inspires minds and ignites passion so that dreams will be pursued. Darrell has performed for the '2003 Ms Black USA pageant', 'Russell Simmons 2003 Source Awards Youth Foundation' (which aired on BET), he is the winner of the '2004 South Florida Laureate Contest', he has also performed in 2004 for the '31st Global Health Council (Aids Conference) in Washington D.C.' and has recently aired on The Black Family Channels' show "Spoken" where he recited his signature piece "I Make Noise". Darrell has also competed in the National Poetry Slam (2003 & 2004) as a member of the Miami Master's slam team and he is the founder of "SPEAK SOUL Productions" which is an organization designed to encourage community involvement.
Big Poppa E: ¡PuroSlam! - San Antonio, TX: As well-known for his bizarrely teased haircut as his hit single "The Wussy Boy Manifesto," Big Poppa E was one of the infamous one-hit wonders of the new wave era. Growing out of the synth-heavy and ruthlessly stylish new romantic movement, Big Poppa E was a little too robotic and arrived a little too late to be a true new romantic, but his sleek dance-pop was forever indebted to the short-lived movement. Big Poppa E benefitted considerably from MTV's heavy rotation of the "Wussy Boy" video in the summer of 1982, but he was unable to capitalize on his sudden success and disappeared nearly as quickly as he had rocketed up the charts. He has not been seen in publc since 1987 when he was arrested for public intoxication and vulgarity in Paris.

You can find him here: eirik @ brokenword.org.
Rialistic: ¡PuroSlam! - San Antonio, TX: RIA was a funny woman-child of inderminate age and sexuality who created a sarcastic enthusiam for the popular culture of the '50s and '60s". Her career culminated in the 1985 movie "Ria's Big Adventure" and the 1986 saturday morning children's show "Ria's Playhouse." It all ended on July 26, 1991, when she was caught masturbating to the film "Nancy Nurse" in a porno theatre in Sarasota, FL. CBS cancelled her show, but contrary to what was originally reported, her "Star" was not "unceremoniously removed" from Hollywood Blvd. She paid a $50 fine and produced a public service ad for Partnership for a Drug Free America. Ria is now a performance poet in San Antonio.
GranmaDave Schein: SLAMicide - Baltimore, MD: New Orleans native and Baltimore resident, "Granma" Dave Schein, was introduced to the DCSlam scene in 2000 and he hasn't been the same since. After travelling to Providence to support the DC team at NPS-Y2K, he spearheaded the rejuvenation of the Baltimore Poetry Slam, SLAMicide, which he continues to co-host. He was a member of the 2002 Baltimore/ Washington NPS team, and has co-coached two BWI teams since then. He is the self-published author of several collections of poetry and has been featured in several anthologies over the last few years. In addition to his hobbies of writing and video games, he is working toward a math degree. He plans to teach high school math and English. This is his first appearance at IWPS.
Veronica Smith: Orlando, FL: Veronica Smith (aka Mama A.free.ka) is a brilliant spark in today's poetic revolution. Her voice is said to possess the ancestors of all people in which she invokes as a reminder of the proverb, "I am, because you are." Veronica started writing poetry as a sophomore in high school for her boyfriend. The boyfriend is now gone, but her gift for creating change through her poetry has flourished into a movement. Veronica had the great opportunity to tour with Solillaquists of Sound in the summer of 2004 in Chicago, Illinois and was a part of the 2004 Winter Park Say Anything Poetry Slam team. She has won the Broken Speech 2k4 Invitational and the 2k5 Individual World Poetry Slam Broken Speech Championship. Now, as a member of the independent label Nonsense Records, she hopes to create vocal uprisings in the ears of her listeners and spread love worldwide. Viva La Revolution!
Adam Stone: Lizard Lounge - Cambridge, MA: Adam Stone is the last in a very short line of Cape Cod's Spoken Word Poet Laureates. Since stumbling into slam in 1998, he has been a member of six national slam teams representing four different venues, as well as being a member of Poetry is Gay, a team of four gay male poets who got their time clocks cleaned by The Amazon Slam at the first ever Queer Team Slam at The Ecko Lounge in Boston, MA. He has twice served as Cantab Slam Champion, most recently in fall 2004, and was the winner of the 2001 Provincetown Poetry Slam.

He's pleased to be representing The Lizard Lounge Slam which has been won almost exclusively by gay male redheads since June 2004.

He's currently taking a break from his glamorous career of waiting tables in order to finish the final draft of his first novel, Rebel Without a Closet: How I Became an Emotionless Robot, before his publisher kills him.
Daniel Vaughn: Milwaukee, WI: Writer, poet, spoken word artist, performer and host Daniel Allen Vaughn, aka Dan Vaughn, has performed as a part of the Milwaukee poetry community and the national scene. Dan has featured and hosted many poetry and non-traditional poetry events, taking poetry to new places and new heights. Dan also facilitates workshops for creative writing that combines the power of writing with self-esteem building. Dan was a member of the 2002, 2003, and 2004 Milwaukee National Poetry Slam teams, as well as the Milwaukee Slam team for the Midwest Slam League that went undefeated for 2004. Dan is the 2004 Milwaukee Grand Slam Champion and recently placed second in the Toronto International Poetry Slam, 2004. Dan currently hosts a weekly Sunday Open Mic, Still Water's Poetry, at Club Mecca and a new weekly Monday show, Organic Soul Mondays at Panache, a venue in which he is a co-owner. His first book of Poetry and CD, I Dream, were released in Nov. 2001. His second, Soul Searching has been receiving rave reviews. Dan also is working on a collection of short stories, Growing Up Mississippi, and a novel, Can You See What I Hear.
Verisz: Detroit Meetery Eatery - Detroit, MI: Jamaal "Versiz" May is a professional recording artist, poet, and producer. He is Detroit's 2004 Grand Slam Champion and winner of the Essence of Motown Writer's Conference Slam. He is also the writer behind the column "What I don't know Can Fill a Warehouse" on www.detroitpoetry.com.

Versiz has had the honor of taking the stage as a warm up for KRS-One, Blair (2002 National Championship Team), Mike Ellison (2002 National Championship Team, Def Poetry Jam), Umar Bin Hassan (of the legendary Last Poets), Elzih (from Slum Village), Taalam Acey, Funk Brother Joe Haden (Standing in the Shadows of Motown), Rev. Al Sharpton, MC Serch, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and numerous local legends.

Metro Times journalist Eve Doster commented that, "[Versiz'] poetry is heavy hearted and sincere. He's a pro".

The Michigan Daily has described him as, "Detroit's most talented slam poet".

Journalist Terrell Wyche of Open Air says, "He is an exciting, entertaining performer who seems to take you on the emotional journey with him. Versiz is blessed with enthusiasm and sincerity."

Chicago poet Morris Stegosaurus came to Detroit in the fall of 2004 and later commented on his website that Versiz "...was really good; a strong performer."
Scott Woods: Columbus, OH: Scott Woods is author and editor of over nine volumes of poetry and prose (Can You Hear Me Now? and Freedom to Speak: The 2002 National Poetry Slam most recently), has published articles, reviews and other prose work in a variety of publications, and his work has been featured multiple times on National Public Radio. He is currently a member of the Executive Council of Poetry Slam Inc., which oversees the annual National Poetry Slam, and MCs a weekly open mic series in Columbus, Ohio.

Website: www.blackair.org.
Joaquín Zihuatanejo: Dallas, TX: Joaquín Zihuatanejo is a father, a husband, a poet,a spoken word artist, and an award-winning teacher. He was born and raised in the barrio of East Dallas where his grandfather, Silas C. Medina, showed him what the novelist, Rudolfo Anaya, describes as the Path of Light. Through his poetry he strives to capture the duality of his culture, the Chicano culture. His is a mestizo culture that is steeped in duality, and in his poetry he depicts the essence of barrio life, writing about subjects as varied as his grandfather's garden to the experiences of a youth that was plagued by gang violence His is a heritage that is steeped in sacrifice and haunted by borders. He writes of borders both actual and metaphorical that plague a people seen as immigrants in their own homeland. Joaquín is a member of the 2004 Dallas Poetry Slam Team and current Grand Slam Spoken Word Poetry Champion of Dallas. Joaquín and Dallas Slam placed third out of seventy competing teams from North America at the 2004 National Poetry Slam competition in St. Louis. He has published two collections of poetry, and has just completed his first spoken word CD. Joaquín has opened up for award winning poet and novelists Maya Angelou and E. Lynn Harris at their recent recitals at universities in the North Texas area. Joaquín currently lives in Denton, Texas, with his wife Aída, his two daughters, Aiyana and Dakota, and their two guinea pigs, Pancho and Cisco.

Contact Joaquín at zihuatanejos @ wmconnect.com

Unaffiliated Slammers

Ayodele Alli: - Flint, MI: Inspired by words Ayodele Alli didn't start writing till almost a year ago. He says growing up in Nigeria was an amazing experience for him. "Coming to America to further my education, spoken word poetry is what I least expected to partake in".

Yet the art of poetry is what fuels his drive and enables him to keep redefining already made definitions. Only 17, he started writing at 16 and since then has amassed accolades such as the April 2004 Flint Public Library Slam champion just to name a few. Always a mobile poet he has performed notably at the Lunch Studio in Flint, Northwood University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Flint, Brown Bean Cafe and the Key Club in Detroit, Pontiac, and numerous other venues. Ayodele draws inspiration from his home country of Nigeria and the environment around him.

Never limiting himself his chameleon like personality enables him to write on a variety of topics ranging from politics to social topics. His ability to inspire audiences and deliver poetry in a magnificent manner is very admirable. Yet poetry isn't Ayodele's only talent. Currently a sophomore in college he is active in Student government, International Student's Organization, Students for Black achievement, and is the President and founder of the Michigan Poetry Society. He is also an active athlete and especially loves playing soccer.
Bluz: - Charlotte, NC: When he is not on a tyrannical rampage to take over the world, or when he is not out reeking havoc with a $32 budget, six paper clips, mini-me's scooter and something that kind of looks like peanut butter he is writing poetry. A Bluz reflects life through words and emotions as best he can. The picture isn't always pretty but it always real. A member of the 2004 CharlotteSlam team Bluz has been paving his way through the world of slam poetry hoping to seek fame and a vast fortune that would help further is plan for world domination. But he has mostly found that poets are beautiful people and that he could only hope to be half the writer they are. So instead of a bio...he just want to say thank you...for being an inspiration to my heart and my words.
Gabrielle Bouliane: - Buffalo, NY: Gabrielle Bouliane says that Slam changed her life, and means it. Nine years and twenty-five cities later, she is no longer "the girlfriend of the guy in the band," but now takes the mic herself, with pieces filled with sass, sarcasm, sensuality and sensitivity. Formerly from Seattle, this double-handful of live girl has recently relocated to her hometown of Buffalo, NY, where the nights are cold and so is the beer, but the people are warm enough to make up for it. She is the 5-time host of the National Poetry Slam's Erotica showcase, the Video Project Manager for Poetry Slam, Inc., and the owner & founder of livepoets.com. She likes run-on sentences, spicy food, and cute boys with sideburns and/or soulpatches. She'll be the one in the bunny ears.
Liam Coughlin: - Newark, DE: A young Delaware poet, Liam Coughlin has featured performed and competed with style and success in the small circle of states around him, as well as boston, and las vegas. He likes cheese, it's tasty.
Future: - Flint, MI: Future is the 2004 Redemption Poetry Slam Champion - Detroit Region, a nationwide poetry slam contest sponsored by FX Movies, and is a recent showcased artist for the BET Pantene Total You Tour in Detroit and Washington, D.C. He shared the stage during the BET Pantene tour with the talents of poet Nikki Giovanni, hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte, Black Entertainment Television anchor Jacque Reid, Grammy-winner gospel recording artist Yolanda Adams and comedienne Myra J.

Future has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, awards and championships including winning the Erotic Poetry Slam at The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor as well as being a member of two collegiate slam teams that won the Michigan Intrastate College Team Slam competition. He also won the coveted Green Mill Poetry Slam hosted by Marc Smith in Uptown Chicago. Future has traveled and performed in a great deal of cities and venues including: Detroit, Richmond, VA., Nashville, TN., New Orleans, LA., Miami, FL, Houston, TX, Washington, DC., Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Joe Gouveia: - Cape Cod, MA: Joe Gouveia is a carpenter and poet who builds & writes on Cape Cod, where he is the former Slam master. In 1999, thru the Slams, he was named Spoken Word Poet Laureate of Cape Cod. He is also member of the Highway Poets Motorcycle Club, with whom he rides and performs, this year at Laconia Bike Week. JoeGo (as the bikers call him) is also the founder of the Cape Cod Poets Theatre and the North Ground Poets, and publisher of the Cape Poet literary journal. In 2000 he was Performance Poet-In-Residence at Cape Cod Community College, and in 2001 named Massachusetts Poet of the Year at the Cambridge Poetry Awards. He has shared the stage with poets Marge Piercy and Amiri Baraka.

Joe is currently working on his first CD of poetry put to music, titled A Cup'a Joe, and his first full length book, America, Where Are You? (with an introduction by Amiri Baraka). Both are due out this April.
Jerri Hardesty: - Brierfield, AL: Jerri Hardesty lives in the woods of Alabama with her husband, Kirk, and too many animals. Through her publishing company, New Dawn Unlimited, they publish the quarterly, "Alternative Harmonies" Literary and Arts Magazine, the "NDU Presents..." Chapbook and Anthology Series, and the "NDU Poet's Access" Chapbook Series. NDU also sponsors the Montevallo, AL and Birmingham, AL Poetry Slams (aka Bamaslam) and operates poetry websites, such as NewDawnUnlimited.com, PoetrySlam.net, and AlabamaPoetry.com.
Burt Jenkins: - Uhland, TX: Black author & poet. Writing as Gods instrument with over 400 Spiritual and Inspirational writings, which will soon become several books to enhance spiritual awareness and inspire individuals to reach their goals. Burt is new to the Poetry Slam arena. He possess multiple voices for your entertainment and is looking forward to sharing his messages with everyone!

Burt is also the co-owner of "Soul Inspirit" whose mission is: "Giving Humanity Hope, Dreams, and Wings". Burt may also be reached at www.soulinspirit.com or soulinspirit@yahoo.com
Jus Caus: - Greenville, SC: Jus Caus resides in the foothills of the Carolinas. Born on a farm; raised in the bible belt; his catharsis on his artistic path didn't begin until an eighteen month incarceration at the age of 16. After his stint with "the man" he traveled the land seeking to fill up the empty hole in his soul, called life. At no fault of his own he learned that nothing "out there" could feel him up "in here" (he points to chest) and with that knowledge his path began.

Before he ever performed his poetry he believed he was the best. After performing his poetry for the first time he still believed he was the best. For quite sometime after performing for his first time he believed he was the "still" best. He no longer believes he is "still" the best. Nowadays, he tends to read more than he writes and listens more than he speaks. He has performed at the 2003/4 National Poetry Slam; qualified for the 2004 IWPS; has recorded numerous poems/songs; written three books; his first was MEET ME UNDER THE RAINBOW WITH A RIFLE; been on HBO's DEF POETRY; and performed over 200 shows in the past 30 months (where he occasionally is a Micorphone Checka). He enjoys reading poetry to his Mama; rolling his own cigarettes; cutting his fingernails; shocking himself (literarily); lastly and l most of all least, making fun of his tiny winnie. For more info on just how small... www.juscaus.com
Rachel Kann: - Los Angeles, CA: Rachel Kann...
...won the LA WEEKLY Award in 2004
...is proud to be the poet in DaKah (70 piece hip hop orchestra)
...just returned from a 3 month (jnter)national tour that took her from LA to NYC to Vancouver and back again
...has performed in venues from California Plaza to Disney Concert Hall to Royce Hall to The Palace of Fine Arts to Nuyorican Poets Café, with artists like Rahzel (The Roots), Mike Watt, Tre (Pharcyde), and more
...has published 4 book and produced 3 cds.
...has had her poetry appear in various book anthologies like "So Luminous the Wildflowers" (Tebot Bach Press) and compilation CDs like "Tack Fu Presents: The 85 Decibel Monks" (Rosemary Records)
...makes an appearance on the upcoming enduser cd "Comparing Paths" and on the 2 latest DaKah cds.
...produces poetry/hip hop/music/performance painting extravaganza, "co-lab:ORATION" at The Temple Bar in Santa Monica, CA
...is the winner of various invitational slams, including the 2003 "Different Type of Groove" $1000 slam and the 2003 Urban Graffiti 4 $1000 Invitational Slam
...was a member of the 2003 Los Feliz Slam Team, the 2002 and 2001 Long Beach Slam Team (west coast regional champs) and the 2000 Hollywood Slam Team

"Dryly Funny ...Radiant"
LA Times

"Exceptional"
LA Weekly

"Veteran poetry slammer Rachel Kann has a knack for punching lines into our guts as our pierced narrator of sorts... she's like a one-woman Greek chorus"
Backstage

www.inspirachel.com
Ali Langston: - Talahassee, FL: When it comes to poetry, some consider him to be "The World's Greatest"; but Ali Langston is merely a poet trying to live his dreams, and hopefully change a few lives in his path.

He developed a love for writing at an early age, but it wasn't until he was away at college were he joined a group of poets, later to be known as Black on Black Rhyme, when his gift truly began to flourish. He helped to bring what started of as, friends performing poetry around town, to become one of the nations most respect poetry organizations to date. He has amazed crowds of all races, and nationalities, as he relentlessly strives not be categorized into one genre of poetry. His debut album "Signature Pieces" took the poetry world by storm, and while to hear him on disc was one thing, to see him perform live is an experience to behold.

Ali has performed in cities all across the country. So, whether its his hometown or yours, crowds can be assured that whenever this humble poet approaches a microphone every effort will be made to live up to his stage name "The World's Greatest".
Alvin Lau: - Chicago, IL: In four years of actively competing in poetry slams, Alvin Lau has won back to back national youth championships, been an individual finalist at both the National Poetry Slam and Individual World Poetry Slam championships, and gotten a publishing offer from Chicago State University.

He is currently a student at Columbia College in Chicago, studying poetry. He lives in a two-bedroom apartment by himself because his ex-roommate bailed, so now his cat has her own bedroom. In Fall 2005 he plans on moving into his car and doing a cross-country poetry tour by himself or with anyone who doesn't mind listening to a whole lot of Phantom of the Opera.
MAD: - Saint Albans, NY: The poet named MAD doesn't have anger management issues. His name is an acronym that means "Many Attitudes of Dennis." MAD, a 2005 Nuyorican Poets Café Grand Slam Finalist, has been described by many, as one of the most versatile spoken word artists around; his three independently released CDs attest to this, as he goes from serious, to funny, to erotic, to gospel, to haiku in one fell swoop. MAD, who's been performing poetry professionally for a little over a year now, is also a finalist for the 2005 Brooklyn, NY and New Jersey national slam teams. In 2004, MAD was a Def Poetry Jam Urban Radio Champion, Baltimore/D.C. national slam team finalist and featured at The World Famous Apollo Theater.

Greatest Accomplishment: Voted "Dad of the Year" three years straight and counting.
Biggest Fear: Eating Raisin Bran in roach infested homes.

email: sayhellotothemadguy@yahoo.com
website: www.geocities.com/sayhellotothemadguy
Maze Forever: - Charlotte, NC: ...said to be one of the most poetically blessed eargasm givers of his time, Maze Forever has proven himself worthy of not only the title of Marine but that of a poet, as well. A member of Charlotte's 2004 5th ranked National Poetry slam team, he also is ranked as one of the top ten poets in the southeastern region. Besides being blessed with a talented tongue, he likes long walks in the park, the smell of rain on a Sunday afternoon, and late night re-runs of Married with Children. His turns off include mean people, Waffle House barflies and every soda machine that has ever eaten his money...
Rachel McKibbens: Brooklyn Slam - Brooklyn, NY: Rachel McKibbens has competed at the National Poetry Slam for four consecutive years and placed fourth at the 2004 Individual World Poetry Slam championships. She is the SlamMaster of the louderMONDAYS series SLAM THIS! and teaches poetry through the Healing Arts program at Bellevue Hospital. Later this year, she will be featured in the spoken word documentary 'Slam Planet: War of the Words.'
NAM: - Lexington, Ky: Spoken Word, Earnstyle, Hip-Hop, Song, Oral Acoustics, Live Band Collaboration, and Story telling. Performed with known acts as: The Last Poets, Lost Boys, Fertile Ground, etc... Has been Featured, Won and/or participated in Poetry Slams, Television Shows, and many other events in cities such as Detroit, my momma's couch, Cincinnati, Lexington, Tampa, St. Louis, neighbor street corners, Atlanta, Louisville, Miami, Decatur, Lexington, St. Petersburg etc...

Known as: Harsh Reality, Daddy, Son, Brother, Uncle, Spouse, Friend, Enemy etc...

Current Projects: Live performances with WordSquad, Water, FirstSouls, a Member of the Lexington Slam Team, Host and Produces "The Flow Show" Our own Spoken Word Televised Weekly" in my house. Host a weekly Open Mic featuring University and Community Performers, CD and Book "Poets Got to Eat Too!" 1 & the prequel and some.

Born in St. Petersburg Florida, Lived in a lot of places, currently residing in Lexington, Kentucky.

You can contact NAM at poetsgottoeattoo@yahoo.com
Dawn Saylor: - Brooklyn, NY: Born the daughter of itinerant Christian ministers, Dawn Saylor grew up under revival tents. One of the original spoken words poets to appear on HBO's "Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry," her powerful work has been described as "cutting like a broken bottle with the soul of a butterfly." Saylor is an eloquent spokesperson for the human heart in all its fragile beauty and resilience.

She has captained three poetry slam teams (from Kalamazoo, MI) all the way to the National Poetry Slam championships and is generally considered to be one of the masters of the "group piece," or multi-voiced poem. Taking cues from Janis Joplin, Sandra Cisneros, and Liesel Mueller, she weaves the vivid patterns of her tremendous mythology into pure magic. Dawn has lived all over the Northeast, and currently resides in New York, has a passion for purple, and an undeniable yearning to be An International Woman of Mystery.

Website: www.dawnsaylor.com
Buddy Wakefield: - Seattle, WA: BUDDY WAKEFIELD is the 2004 Individual World Poetry Slam Champion thanks to the support of anthropologist and producer Norman Lear. In the Fall of 1984 Anchor Bay Entertainment released a movie called Children of the Corn while Buddy lived in front of the corn fields near Niagara Falls, NY. This traumatic event (coupled with extensive exposure to Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie) may or may not have led to Buddy being a sensitive puss who plays marbles in the trees, listens by talking, and keeps fingers on pulse. HI MOM!
Stefanie Weber: - Pittsfield, MA: Words influence her rhythms just as much as rhythms put her into the words. Stefanie Weber, a tap dance artist, choreographer and poet, finds slamming an enthusiasm of sound, risk, and irritation. Just as in tap dancing when she gets into the groove or chorus of words it begins to undulate into a space which brings her muse further forward.

At a young age, Weber was a secret writer, incognito, keeping her talents to herself. Until one day in elementary school, she was awarded with placement onto a gifted writer's program. At 10 years old, Weber was stunned because she didn't know that what she did with her imagination was called writing.

In her mid twenties, Weber moved to a tent in the woods, providing the optimal writing environment where she began to take her art seriously.

Since then, she has created numerous poems, stories, spoken word pieces, cds, and books. She has been involved with slamming since 1999, and took a hiatus for a moment as the slamming scene in the Berkshires dissolved, Weber is glad to return to the circuit.

You can reach her at - Stefaniespace @ aol.com
Zork: - White Plains, NY: Zork is probably best known for standing on chairs. It just so happens that when upon a chair he belches out PopTart, Pez, & Push Up poems. He is known for gratuitously dropping names... like that he is the only poet ever to have his book [appropriately called "I am NOT a poet"] blurbed by Davy Jones, Dobie Gray, Wild Cherry & even Ron Jeremy. Of course, what do they know about poetry!? So he will also drop the names of Hal Sirowitz, Roger Bonair Agard, & Gary Mex Glazner for writing book blurbs. Zork has Featured at most of the hottest poetry venues in the country including the Boston's Cantab, Worcester, MA's Java Hut, Providence AS220, Ann Arbor's Slam [Steve Marsh] and Chicago's legendary Green Mill where slam started. All of this doesn't mean Zork doesn't suck...he might very well.... But he is certainly good at two things... binging on blurbs and standing on chairs. Come and decide for yourself... You may even get fed a Pez or a PopTart [whoever said poetry doesn't have its perks].

For more info on what Zork is up to check out http://www.stolensnapshots.com

Website: www.iamnotapoet.com, Email:zorkslam @ iamnotapoet.com

iWPS 2005 Competing Poets

Venue Representatives

Unaffiliated Slammers

Last Minute Slammers (but first in our hearts)