Women of the world preliminary bouts went on last night at three Columbus venues. We camped out at La Fogata. The first bout was stunning as most of the poets were unfamiliar to me. I was impressed by the work of Lauren Zuniga, Sara Brinkman, Theresa Davis and Lucky 7.
In bout two Gina and Vernell were battling it out with some amazing poets, including defending champion Rachel McKibbons. Vernell came out flying in the first round and ranked first. Gina was in sixth. Really liked the work of Andi Kauth, who did one of the few love poems of the evening. The big theme of the night was domestic violence being bad.
The emcee was Phoenix from Cleveland, and she was riding the judges when she thought the scores were low. Guess that's how they do it up there. You know I prefer a low scoring slam to high, but that's the difference of slam.
Vernell was up first in round two, the one minute poem. She's asking me for advice on whether or not to do a serious or funny poem. I could not read the judges. They seemed to be wanting the serious work, but not too serious. Not sure if they had a sense of humor. So she does the serious poem and by the time it's over Vernell's off the stage and the judges do not know what to do.
Looking at my scribbles it looks like Andi Kauth won the second round. Respect to a poet named Inky, who started her round one poem and lost it in the middle. Despite several times to attempt to get it back, she was unable to complete it. I could relate. In round two, she nailed it. Went up to her and said that's how you get back on.
The second night of the prelims is tonight. This will decide who gets on the stage of the Lincoln Theater on Saturday. The battles continue.
2 comments:
I was at Kickstart all night last night and loved seeing so many women I had never seen before.
Where are you headed tonight?
Thinking about camping out at Zanzibar. Where will you be?
Not sure if Em's going to be able to make it. She's wiped out after working all week.
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