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Home » Resources » COTA » Articles » Poetry in Motion

Poetry in Motion

Written by: Ardella Williams
Graduating Class: 2010
Concentration: Undecided

Fall 2006

Sha Reeves gets the crowd excited for the next poet to take the stage.

   I had seen many tempting flyers across campus inviting me to experience the U-Club Poetry Slam. It is a bi-weekly event that occurs every other Thursday at 8 pm. I decided to check it out and see what it was all about, so I went to the Union, paid my $3 entry fee, and took my seat.

   The lights were dimmed low, music was playing, each table had a floating candle centerpiece, and the stage was set. As more people began to take their seats I saw the looks of excitement and anticipation on their faces. Ayodele Alli, an active member within the slam, spoke into the microphone: "Hello everyone! If you are interested in slamming or performing within the open microphone, please come to the front two center tables to sign up. Everyone is welcome, so be prepared for a great show." After a few minutes a few poets approached the table and signed up.

   Sha Reeves, the MC, introduced herself and got the crowd excited. "Hey everyone, glad to see you all here and I hope you all are ready for some powerful and sexy poetry. We have a great lineup tonight and a special performance from The Ann Arbor High School Youth Slam team. I hope you all enjoy yourselves. Let's get started," she said. That night there were about five poets that performed during the Open Mic. A few of the poems featured were about love and Proposition 2. Each poet presented a unique style and fire as she recited her poem.

Lauren Whitehead speaks a poem and is accompanied with sign language.

The Open Mic is for anyone that would like to perform his or her poem. Some poets use this as an opportunity to see what the audience thinks of a piece they're working on, or as a chance to prepare themselves for the slam. Some poets perform with the accompaniment of instruments like the guitar to make for a more commanding performance. After each poet spits, the audience is very loving and excited, becoming more exhilarated for the next poet to perform.

After Open Mic was finished, it was time for the Slam, a small competition amongst the poets performing that night. This time ten poets performed within the slam. Some poets spoke about relationship and family problems, love, and Prop 2. Each poet's poem was an intense experience. It is a time when many poets spit fire into the air with powerful pieces. Each poet has a time limit of three minutes for his or her poem. If he or she goes over the time limit, points are deducted from his or her total score. Five judges score each poet on a dry erase board from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest score. However, since this is a relaxed and inviting environment, most judges don't score less than around 7. The audience and poets come with much energy and opinions. For each score presented, the audience either boos or cheers for the score given. It's an intense, energetic, and warm environment.

After Langston Kerman performed his poem the crowd was thrilled by his work.

The slam is a time for "pros" and "virgins" to spit on the stage. No matter who you are or how long you have been writing or performing, if it is your first time on the U-Club stage you are considered a "virgin." Also, there is a tip jar that goes around the audience. The tip jar goes to the winner of the slam to take home. Not only does the winner receive money, but they also have the opportunity to compete for a space to enter within the National Grand Slam. After the slam there is a featured artist. A few artists that have performed are poet Future; creator and editor of Found Magazine, Davy Rothbart; and the Ann Arbor Youth Slam team.

After the slam was finished, I stayed to chat with some of the poets who performed. People were congratulating one another and introducing themselves. The energy level just continued to grow. I learned that the Poetry Slam has been here at the University for about nine years. It has been a huge networking experience for all those that participate within it. Currently, Daniella Huggins serves as head advisor of the Poetry Slam. That night I left the Union feeling creative and alive. I had just witnessed several wonderful individuals pouring their hearts out on the stage. It was exhilarating. Everyone is welcome to attend and perform in the slam. Just send an email to poetryslam@umich.edu for more information

Catch the next Slam!
Every other Thursday at 8pm, Union U-Club

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