poetry ( noun ) – literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm

Citizens of Spokane will be thrilled to find out that poetry slams are hosted within the walls of their favorite hotspots. Poets get three minutes to read their work to an audience and are then scored by judges. Boots Bakery and Lounge hosts BootSlam, where judges are commonly members from the audience.

Mark Anderson, Poet Laureate of Spokane, works at Boots Bakery and Lounge. He has had an active interest in poetry his whole life, but really became committed to it ten years ago. Anderson has had several works published and plans to have more published in the future. At poetry slams, poets read their original work.

“ Majority of [the writing process] is just sitting down and accepting that what

you write might not be good,” said Anderson.“Letting yourself have the freedom to fail at times is important.”

For people not interested in competing, a non-competitive poetry slam called 3 Minute Mic is hosted at Auntie’s bookstore. Non-competitive poetry slams are also known as open mics. Here, poets can enjoy reading their work without fear of judgement.

“Fear is the most crippling thing, and the liberation that comes on the other side of sharing is completely worth it,” said Catherine McCully, Events Assistant at Auntie’s Bookstore. “All poetry and all art is valid and oftentimes poetry readings are filled with accepting people who are just excited to hear new voices. Do it once, and you’ll realize why people come back again and again.”

Audiences at poetry readings tend to get excited about hearing first-time readers. Those who aren’t quite ready to take the

stage are always welcome to be in the audience and enjoy listening to the poetry.

New readers are very common at Broken Mic, an open mic hosted at Neato Burrito. As the poet approaches the mic, the audience will applaud and cheer. It’s a very supportive environment for first time readers.

Mark Anderson was the host of Broken Mic seven years ago when it began. He is also good friends with current host, Fitz Fitzpatrick.

“ Because of our longevity, we have a certain cultish atmosphere that several readers have compared to [that of] the Rocky Horror Picture Show,” said Fitzpatrick. “The audience participation is a grand ol’ time.”

Broken Mic also has feature poets, who are paid to read their published work. Often times, their publications will be for sale at the end of Broken Mic.

Feature poets are not exclusive to Broken Mic. 3 Minute Mic also has a

segment called Remember the Word. For about fifteen minutes, a member of the community will read the publications of a dead poet.

“It’s a way of remembering the words of a poet and promoting the work of outstanding individuals in our community,” said McCully.

These three locations are a great start for people who are new to the poetry scene. Students at SFCC can also sign up to read at Student Open Mic later this month.

“ All poetry really requires is paying attention either to the world around you or the voice inside you ,” said Fitzpatrick.

Broken Mic

Wednesdays Sign up at 6p Vegan friendly

Neato Burrito (All Ages)
Starts at 6:30p Bar

-Boots Lounge and Bakery (All Ages)

Bootslam

1st Sundays Admission $5 Sign up at 7p Vegan Friendly

3 Minute Mic

1st Fridays Starts at 8:00p

Student Open Mic

Feb 21

Prize $50 Starts at 7:30p Bar

-Auntie’s Bookstore (All Ages)

-SFCC SUB Rec Center

11a-1p Every third Wednesday