Youth Slam Poetry Contest coming to L.A.

I know, I know what you are thinking. You, in your Homo cerebrum, are thinking that Monkey could never enjoy Slam poetry. That Monkey is far too intellectual to enjoy a Glenlivet and cig while the kids rhyme, twist words and shout their pontifications to the cheering hoards. Well, you are wrong, as usual.

I love Glenlivet.

Monkey just happens to also adore slam poetry. It’s the rhythm of the damned thing. The raw expression, the baring of souls. Slam poetry at times may be cathartic, but Monkey feels that it is also brave. Many of my intellectual brothers and sisters feel that poetry is dead. Housed in mausoleum walls. The youth isn’t interested. Monkey is quite pleased to say, they’re wrong.

Poetry has metamorphosed, quite the way Chris Brown did after beating the ever-loving tar out of his girlfriend Rihanna. Nevermind, bad example.

Monkey posits that slam poetry is modern Keats. Modern Sylvia Plath. Monkey realizes that not all slam poetry achieves this level of greatness, but feels that sometimes, once in a while, brilliance can be found amongst slam poets. The following young lady, Monkey thinks, is such a gem.

So, my brethren of the primate sort, encourage your kids to participate in the Youth Slam Poetry contest that is coming to L.A. or to participate in many of the workshops all sponsored by the ever fabulous Youth Speaks Inc.. Or just go and watch and listen. Brave New Voices, the contest and program, is slated for July 19-24. Find info and tickets here. Celebrities will be attending, yada, yada, yada…monkey doesn’t give a banana about celebrities, but you might, so Rosario Dawson, Hill Harper, etc. What Monkey does care about is that there will be over 600 participants in the event this year. It is an ever, incredible opportunity to support our youth…and if you are an intellectual, like Monkey, an ever incredible opportunity to peel away your copy of Finnegan’s Wake from your blood-stained eyeballs and experience real life. Bring your scotch, chap, no one will notice.

Here is a video, medley, collage of last years event:

Ta, ta. Craving a Mocha Frappuccino…