The 2009 Hawaii Slam Finals were held last night in Honolulu. Historically, Hawaii has dominated in the national slam competitions. So, when they have finals, you see get to the best of the best. Among this year's performers was Portland based slam poet Anis Mojgani. Mojgami has a long list of national and world championship titles behind his name and was among the artists featured in HBO's Def Poetry in 2007. I would have extended my stay just to see him. Actually, I planned to, but Delta put out an embargo on Buddy Passes for the weekend and thwarted my plans. Anyway, Mojgami is pretty spectacular. See more on youtube or myspace or livejournal.
YouthPride will hosting a fundraiser and silent auction tonight from 6-10 p.m. at the Bill Lowe Gallery in Atlanta to support the Evolve Program.
The Evolve Program was founded in memory of Keith Cheung and works to address suicide prevention education, training, early intervention and counseling services for LGBTQ youth. Tonight will be a hell of a party and definitely a scene for the Atlanta gay community. I couldn't think of a better cause to come out for. I don't have a full list of the artists whose works are being auctioned, but I do know that a few of my own prints will be up for grabs, along with one of my brother's ballin' batiks. (seriously, his batiks are like tick tick. that's word play, Lemon.) The event is free, but, naturally, donations will be welcomed.
My new friend Zac Stafford has a new blog called Four Shiny Pieces. A former fellow Room & Boarder, Zac is also a poet. Check out the poem he wrote based off of a photo that I took...