Mesa National Slamoff
Friday, April 29th, 2005 (04-29-2005) -
Mesa National Slamoff
Competing at the Mesa National Slamoff was truly a unique experience. With a full audience, press, and film coverage, the pressure was thick. All things considered, though, it went off without a hitch.
It was held at a venue called the Del Sol Reception Hall in Mesa, which was more than adequate for the event capacity. A narrow entry hall led to a large main room, where the stage and audience seating had been arranged. A door near the stage led to a greenroom for the performers while offstage. Adjoining was a large chamber containing the bar and dance floor.
I arrived at 7:45pm expecting the event to begin at 8:00pm sharp. We finally got started around 8:30pm, which allowed more time for guests to arrive. I was filled with nervous energy.
I performed “Waiting” in the first round, which I had written at work the day of the competition. It seemed well-received, though it can be difficult to gauge from a performer’s perspective. I will be interested to see for myself on the DVD once it’s released.
In round two, I performed a rewritten version of “Flowers and Demons”, which turned out very well. Even so, I was cut in the final round. I’ve found that most crowds don’t have much appreciation for serious work, at least not when compared to good comedy. People love to laugh. In the future, to make my style work, I will need to depend on pure performance.
At some point during the third round, I interviewed with the press. They asked basic questions, such as how long I’ve been slamming, what it’s all about, etc. I don’t remember what agency the reporter worked for. I’ll have to keep an eye out for details later.
I’ve been regularly competing in the local performance poetry community since September 2004 - going on eight months now. It’s motivated me to write more and explore my talent by experimenting with other styles and forms. This event, the culmination of all I’ve seen and done so far within the poetry community, was simply beautiful, and I’m glad to have been a part of it.
I usually adapt and learn quickly, and I feel that I have - but there’s simply so much to this. It takes more than just simple know-how; success requires hard work and practice; real dedication. In weeks and months ahead I will apply myself to this art. Mark my words: I will be a serious contender next year.
Mesa National Slamoff
Competing at the Mesa National Slamoff was truly a unique experience. With a full audience, press, and film coverage, the pressure was thick. All things considered, though, it went off without a hitch.
It was held at a venue called the Del Sol Reception Hall in Mesa, which was more than adequate for the event capacity. A narrow entry hall led to a large main room, where the stage and audience seating had been arranged. A door near the stage led to a greenroom for the performers while offstage. Adjoining was a large chamber containing the bar and dance floor.
I arrived at 7:45pm expecting the event to begin at 8:00pm sharp. We finally got started around 8:30pm, which allowed more time for guests to arrive. I was filled with nervous energy.
I performed “Waiting” in the first round, which I had written at work the day of the competition. It seemed well-received, though it can be difficult to gauge from a performer’s perspective. I will be interested to see for myself on the DVD once it’s released.
In round two, I performed a rewritten version of “Flowers and Demons”, which turned out very well. Even so, I was cut in the final round. I’ve found that most crowds don’t have much appreciation for serious work, at least not when compared to good comedy. People love to laugh. In the future, to make my style work, I will need to depend on pure performance.
At some point during the third round, I interviewed with the press. They asked basic questions, such as how long I’ve been slamming, what it’s all about, etc. I don’t remember what agency the reporter worked for. I’ll have to keep an eye out for details later.
I’ve been regularly competing in the local performance poetry community since September 2004 - going on eight months now. It’s motivated me to write more and explore my talent by experimenting with other styles and forms. This event, the culmination of all I’ve seen and done so far within the poetry community, was simply beautiful, and I’m glad to have been a part of it.
I usually adapt and learn quickly, and I feel that I have - but there’s simply so much to this. It takes more than just simple know-how; success requires hard work and practice; real dedication. In weeks and months ahead I will apply myself to this art. Mark my words: I will be a serious contender next year.