The Downtown Eastside is blessed with a wealth
of great poets; poets who speak their truth with soul and fiery conviction. To pay tribute to, and to profile the great poets of the community, the festival features a day-long Celebration of Poetry where we honour the poets around us. And, we remember two extraordinary poets who have sadly left us: the much loved friend of the festival and extraordinarily talented slam poet Zaccheus Jackson; and the Downtown Eastside’s, and the City’s, most remarkable and passionate poet and social activist, Bud Osborn.
Workshop
SLAM POETRY Workshop
Saturday November 1, 10am – 12pm
Carnegie 3rd floor Classroom, 401 Main
Free
In anticipation of Carnegie’s 2nd Poetry Slam! Pamela Bentley and Sho Wiley, both creative writing teachers and long-time slam poets, lead a workshop where they’ll share advice and techniques. Bring two of your favourite poems or write one in the workshop; you’ll get an opportunity to try out your slam poetry ideas and with one-on-one mentoring you’ll be ready to step up and go for it! This workshop is useful for anyone who wants to improve how they present their poetry in public. Sho says, “Poetry is meant to be heard, poetry for the people!” and who knows that better than the poets of Carnegie!
Poetry
CARNEGIE’S 2nd POETRY SLAM!
Saturday November 1, 1pm – 2:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Free
In celebration of the Carnegie newsletter and its long history of encouraging writers and poets in the Downtown Eastside, and in honour of our much loved friend Zaccheus Jackson (2013 Vancouver Slam Poetry Champion), we present Carnegie’s 2nd Poetry Slam! Have you slammed a poem before? You’ll have three minutes to say your poem. Memorize it, improvise it, rant or sing it out. Then five random audience members chosen to judge will give you a score. The rules still have to be decided on, so be prepared for surprises. Featured host and MC is Jillian Christmas. Be part of the audience – laugh, cheer, cry, clap – or step up and slam it, you know you want to! To quote intrepid newsletter editor Paul Taylor “Don’t let your greatness daunt you!”
Poetry On The Street
POETREE with Magdelanye
Saturday November 1, 1:30pm-3pm
Carnegie Community Centre, sidewalk under the tent, 401 Main
Free
Join Magdelanye for an interactive poetry memorial; a living shrine of words in memorium to Bud Osborn. Write your own poem; contribute to a group poem; bring your own poem; collaboratively write a poem together. It all depends on you – the people passing by. Facilitated by Magdelanye, poet and pilgrim, long-time DTES community activist and ambassador for the Camino World Peace Project.
Music & Poetry
A CELEBRATION OF BUD OSBORN
Saturday November 1, 3pm – 5pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Free
A tribute and celebration of Bud Osborn – our inspiring, passionate, fiercely committed, poet, activist and friend. Join us for an afternoon of music and poetry with saxophonist Graham Ord, bassist Paul Blaney, guitarist Tony Wilson, musician and friend James Ash, and other guests who shared many hours of creative synergy with Bud. We will also be showing photos and videos. Come and read a poem of Bud’s and share your memories. Copies of some of Bud’s poetry will be available at the event.
Poetry
DTES POETS OPEN MIC
Saturday November 1, 7pm – 9:45pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Free
Downtown Eastside poets and writers meet on the first Saturday of every month to read original poetry, plays, prose and worksin- progress. The evening is free, it’s friendly, and it’s packed with local talent, both on the microphone and in the audience. The personal stories can be quite raw and powerful. Featured guest for the evening is long-time Open Mic volunteer and poet Antonette Rea, a “delightful transgender, intersex poet and activist” living in the Downtown Eastside who says her poetry is “…the most valuable thing. That is my soul, that was my heart.” Sign up for a ten-minute spot at the Open Mic. Hosted by Diane Wood.