Spoken word is not a particularly well-known or much thought-about art form. In past times and different places, poetry recitation was a revered occupation. Today, in our so-called modern American way, the role of the poet and speaker has been all but dropped from our society. A small group of dedicated Greeners is trying to change that. The Evergreen Old Growth Poetry Collective meets every Tuesday at 5:00 PM in the library building to write and share poetry and organize spoken word events for the community.
Their most recent event was a combination of poetry open mic and performance by national recognized slam poet, Stephen Meads.
Slam poetry is competitive poetry performance in which poets read or recite original material for scores from judges.
The January 20 open mic featuring Stephen Meads was held, because of campus closure, at an organizer’s house on the west side. About nine people performed followed by Meads’ 30-minute set of original poetry. A seasoned performer, the Portland-based Meads used the intimate setting of about fifteen to his advantage in tackling a wide assortment of poetic material.
The Old Growth Poetry Collective meets Tuesdays at 5:00 PM in LIB 2310 next to the Writing Center. Each meeting starts with a writing prompt and ends with open performances by members.
Stephen Meads performing at Tourettes Without Regrets: