by Sam Pierstorff
Where do poets from Visalia, Fresno, Richmond, Sacramento, Oakland, Berkeley, and LA go to slam their spoken word poetry monthly? MODESTO! Which monthly poetry slam in California gives out the best prize and attracts some of the best poets in the state? MODESTO! This is who we are: a hub for the arts! Modesto is the next great city of art in America and that is evident monthly at the Modesto Artists Movement’s monthly Poetry Slam (on Rye) on the 4th Wednesdays monthly. Poets get 3 minutes to read one original poem. At the conclusion of their piece, audience judges hold up score cards and the highest scoring poets move on to a second round and ultimately a $250 prize. Each month we are also blessed with a featured performance by a renowned, touring slam poet. Hosted by The Saint, the monthly poetry slam at the Queen Bean is a must-see slam that is becoming a feeder and trailer for the ILL LIST Poetry Slam at the State. Next Monthly Poetry Slam: 3/25, 7:30pm.
In addition to performances, one of our goals at MAM is also to focus on cultivating the next generation of writers and poets through interactive and educational writing workshops. Write Night is a free creative writing class taught on the 2nd Wednesday at Queen Bean: 3/11, 6-9pm. This month will feature a special “Shaiku” workshop in order to get ready for our big April Haiku Battle. “Shaiku” is the fine art of talking sh*t in the form of a 17-syllable haiku. Writing can be cathartic and this month we will offload some heavy feelings through tiny, powerful poems. Writing is cathartic, and this month we’re channeling heavy feelings into tiny, powerful poems.
Come for the slam. Stay for the movement and help us continue building the next great city of art in America: Modesto.
Check out @queenbeancoffeehouse for info on raves, festivals, Music & Mimosas, and even a Baby Rave on March 17.
