The Calgary spoken Word festival is kicking off once again this year and the queer contingent is in full force. Starting April 2nd, Funnier than #$@! And Hotter than Hell is featuring an incredible line up at the Auburn Saloon.
Performers include Regie Cabico, an accomplished queer writer, is the artistic director of Sol & Soul, an arts and activist organization. He will be followed by the Xtra West writer Billeh Nickerson who is the author of The Asthmatic Glassblower, Let Me Kiss it Better: Elixirs for the Not So Straight and Narrow and the forthcoming collection McPoems. He will be joined by poet/comedian Evalyn Parry who is a successful spoken word artist and writer that has co-authored and performed in five plays. There’s also Cory Mac, a Calgarian humorist, and Ali Riley. The Night will be deftly handled by Shone Tell, as Master of Ceremonies.
April 3rd: Smart Men and Hot Words
This event will introduce a different voice from men than we are accustomed to hearing in the mainstream. This event has created an opportunity for men to hear men writing about being men in a changing shifting culture - the pitfalls and admitted benefits, the funny and embarrassing moments. Tagged as the “Chip and Dales of Poetry” this event will feature a number of slam poets, acclaimed authors, and naturists.
April 4th: Big Bang Music and Poetry
This event kicks off a night of live music and blistering words held at the beautiful Chinese Cultural Centre. It features Lilly Allen, one of the grandmothers of spoken word in Canada, who has spent countless hours working and teaching within the community. Then there is John Juno, who Sheri D of the Calgary Spoken Word Festival jokes “Has been out longer than (the interviewer) has been alive.” He was one of the first to participate in the Andy Warhol factory, performs strictly from memory, and has been critically acclaimed as “one of the best current living poets.”
Presenting the musical element will be Ras Michaels, considered a reggae priest and a veteran of the first Bob Marley Band. He will be performing with Sons of Negus a ten piece reggae ensemble.
April 5th: Story Circle Woman’s Song
Beginning at 11am, this event creates an opportunity for a celebration of alternative women’s voices. It is a collaboration between Sexual Health Access Calgary, and will call on the talents of many well known poets and artists.
Later that evening, at 6pm, the festival will host its closing gala at the Hotel Arts, featuring a Calgary Nyabnghi drumming circle. All participants and are welcome to bring drums to join in, or will be available to rent from Ten World Drums. This is a rare opportunity as this style of drumming has only two teachers left in the world.
The festival will continue in Banff from April 15th to April 17th with numerous other guests and performers. On the 15th, there will be an opportunity for those outside of Banff to tune into the action on the festival’s web site for Wired to the World.
Tickets for the festival are available individually at Pages and Mega Tunes. A large majority of the events are priced at $10 per ticket with the Big Bang Gala at $25.
Participants can opt to purchase an $80 all inclusive pass. Passes available on the web site through pay pal, or call the office at (403) 686-4292.
This is a fantastic opportunity to listen to some eclectic alternative voices. Be inspired and moved right here at home.
