http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/ NPS 2006 en-us Sun, 13 Aug 2006 06:49:02 GMT 1440 CPG-Nuke Dragonfly NPS 2006 News http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/images/logo.gif http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/ http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=28 What a night! A great bout with amazing pre-show entertainment. The Palmer Events Center was chock full of people. And the results were a great show. Your friendly neighborhood webmaster, David, here, and I bet you want the results. Well, we aim to please. All points below are cumulative after 3 rounds. In 5th place: Miami with a 83.1. In 4th place: DC-Baltimore with a 84.1. In 3rd place: NYC/LouderARTS with a 85.7. In 2nd place: Austin/Southflavas with a 86.4. And in a whopping 1st place: Denver with a 87.4. Big congratulations to all the Team Finalists. You folks were awesome, and it was a pleasure to be in the crowd with the people cheering you on. It's been a great experience sharing this space with you all for the past 4 months. I've enjoyed being your webmaster and being the recipient of all your feedback and questions. I've been inspired and uplifted, not just through talking with you online, but by seeing you perform your words live. I hope we all meet a little further on down the road. This is David Hendler (webmaster@nps2006.com), signing off. Now the seats are all empty Let the roadies take the stage Pack it up and tear it down.... Sun, 13 Aug 2006 06:49:02 GMT http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=27 Big congratulations to Anis Mojgani (Seattle, WA) for pulling in the 2006 NPS Individual Championship! Oh right... and did we mention that he's won this now 2 years in a row? And tonight, at the Palmer Events Eventer, these 5 teams compete for the Team Championship: DC-Baltimore Denver CO Miami FL Austin NeoSoul/Southflavas NYC/LouderARTS Get your tickets at gettix.net. Sat, 12 Aug 2006 14:35:01 GMT http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=26 It all comes down to this: bragging rights for 1 year. Until we come back here to Austin and do it all again '07-style. David here with your final day's events. We don't know about you, but we're pooped. We can maybe fit in some griping, some games, and then we'll be in the mood for, oh, say a Team Finals and then a party. Lucky for us, that's exactly what's on tap. It's Saturday, the 12th of August: What's happening? 10am-noon, Slam Family Meeting at the Hyatt: Here's the one meeting a year that the PSI family gets together to hash out policy, direction and vote for the direction of Slam. Presented by PSI, hosted by your President, Scott Woods. noon-4pm, Slam Family Day at the Hyatt: No poems here, just fun, games, & a chance to relax. Challenge some folks at Scrabble, socialize, play at the Grammar Rodeo & take your shot at the Spelling Bee. Come test your knowledge of words, both how to spell them and how they work together. Events may include Who vs. Whom, stationary/ stationery, and Spot the Error. Professor Taylor Mali will facilitate. 7-10pm, Team Finals at the Palmer Events Center: The grand pubah of slam competitions. Top 5 ranked teams from this year's Nationals fight for the trophy. Just remember: the points are not the point. The point is poetry. 11pm-4am, Slam Prom. See flyers for location for the biggest, baddest slam party ever. Ever. Sat, 12 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=25 ... And then there were 25. Here is the bout listings for Team Semis. Please note that showcases before the Team Semis begin at 6:30. Tickets are at the door of the venue and are $10. Team Semi-Finals Ruta Maya Ego's Hideout Antone's 501 Studios Albuquerque Atlanta/Java Monkey Brooklyn Austin/Ego's Baton Rouge Charlotte Austin/Southflavas Dallas/Clearview Columbia Hollywood D.C.-Baltimore Berkeley Ft. Worth Denver Miami Hawaii Chicago NYC/LouderARTS Omaha San Jose NYC-Urbana Houston NYC/Nuyorican Providence Seattle And here is the lineup for Indie Finals at the Paramount Theatre. Get your tickets. Indie Finals  Anis Mogjani, Seattle  Jon Goode, Atlanta  Erin Jackson, Worcester  Alvin Lau, Chicago  Jamie Kilstein, NYC/Urbana  Lee Knight Jr., Palo Alto  Amy Weaver, Dallas/Pugsley's  Iyeoka Okoawa, Boston/Lizard Lounge  Falu, NYC/Nuyorican  Travis Watkins, Houston Fri, 11 Aug 2006 14:36:25 GMT http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=24 Scores for Round 2 have been posted. As soon as the draws for Team Semis are announced, I shall put them here. Fri, 11 Aug 2006 06:56:33 GMT http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=23 So there it is. You've cat-called, you've muscled, you left it all on the stage and dragged yourself back to the hotel, and now you still have 2 more days at the biggest show on earth. David here with the day's events. Now that (most of) the dust has settled, let's check out those workshops. And then tonight we have the top 25 teams duking it out to be the best of the best. And then Indie Finals at the historic Paramount Theatre. Cue up the "Top Gun", "Chariots of Fire", and "Star Wars" music! All at once! It's gonna be like that. It's Friday, the 11th of August: What's happening? 9-9:45am, Yoga with Charles Ellik at the Hyatt: If you haven't partied all night (or maybe if you have and are still awake), please drop by! The class will be all-levels, very relaxing, but not "easy." Expect to sweat! The class is best described as "Hatha Flow," but will be adjusted for conditions and ability of students present. 10am-noon, Slammasters' Meeting at the Hyatt: Calling all Slammasters -- here's the annual August huddle for the body of organizers that make slam happen far and wide. Come ready to discuss, listen, and vote. Hosted by PSI's Executive Council, President Scott Woods (Columbus, OH) in the chair. 10-11:30am, Poetry Performance/Revision Workshop at the Hyatt: Bring one memorized performance-ready poem for critique. Please supply ten typewritten copies of your poem. This workshop will be fast paced and no-nonsense. Emphasis on improving performance and writing skills through a group critique dynamic and skills for effectively giving and taking critique in the group setting will also be emphasized by workshop leaders Danny Solis (Albuquerque, NM) and Ray McNiece (Cleveland, OH). Limited to 8 participants. noon-1:30pm, Queer Open Mic at Alamo Downtown: You can call it the GLBTIQ reading, but it's faster and sexier to call it what it is -- the queer open mic, with readers of all genders and orientations welcome. (Bonus points given if you've found a new way to offend the current government.) Bring your poems that celebrate, excoriate, tarnish, admonish and lullaby the truth about this nelly, butch, genderqueer, femme, leather daddy and none-of-the-above nation. Bring the stuff you've been aching to whisper into other Queer ears. And get all the queer applause you can handle. Hosted by Jason Edwards (Austin, TX) and Daphne Gottlieb (San Francisco, CA) noon-1:30pm, Women's Showcase at the Hideout Theatre: NPS 2006 is proud to highlight the variety of women's voices, performance and writing styles, and subject matter that has graced slam stages. Ready for a mind-blowing lineup of slam notables a feature performance? Here comes Christa Bell, Gabrielle Bouliane, Andrea Gibson, Karyna McGlynn, Lynne Procope, Sonya Renee, Dawn Saylor, and Susan Somers-Willett. Hosted by Deb Marsh (Ann Arbor, MI) noon-12:45pm, Teaching in the Schools (K-12) Workshop at the Hideout Classroom: Michael Salinger and Sara Holbrook (Cleveland, OH) lead this workshop on how to present yourself and your work to school administrators and to put a program together that leaves everyone satisfied. Pitfalls and rewards of working in schools, teacher vocabulary, curriculum integration, pricing and practical tips. Real life advice from a couple of slam poets who speak to over ten thousand students a year. 12:45-1:30pm, Youth Writing Workshop (18 and under) at the Hideout Classroom: A hands-on writing workshop for younger voices facilitated by NYC / Urban Word's Celena Glenn and Michael Cirelli (author of Hip Hop and the Classics). 12:45-1:30pm, Record Poems/Events on Digital Audio Workshop at the Hidout Upstairs Theatre: Recording your spoken word events can be the most rewarding or confusing experiences of a poet's career. Understanding basic technology and some industry standard do's and don't can make the best of your live recorded CD. Learn the fundamentals as well as the advanced techniques that your local sound guy may not tell you. Workshop led by Chad Anderson (NY, NY) 1:30-3pm, Head-to-Head Haiku at Alamo Downtown: Created by Chicago poet Dan Ferri, Head to Head Haiku has become one of the pillars of the NPS experience . 11th annual Haiku Head to Head Competition. Bring at least 30 Haiku ready to battle for the 06 National Title. Free food by Austin Slam favorite, Zen. Hosted by Taz Yamaguchi. 1:30-3pm, Youth Slam at the Hideout Theatre: Here's a slam stage for the next generation, open to all poets under the age of 21. Facilitators Michael Cirelli and Celena Glenn from NYC / Urban Word organized the 2006 Brave New Voices Festival. 1:30-2:15pm, 30 Publishing Tips for Slam Poets Workshop at the Hideout Upstairs Theatre: This workshop will guide you seamlessly from the world of performing your poetry into the world of publishing it with 30 practical (and controversial!) tips for slam poets hoping to write for the larger literary community "beyond slam." Come prepared to take notes! Led by Karyna McGlynn (Ann Arbor, MI) 2:15-3pm, Surviving in the Small Press World Panel at the Hideout Upstairs Theatre: How do you get your book published? What do publishers look for? How can you tell if a publisher would like your work? With Meliza Banales, Daphne Gottlieb, Steve Marsh, Jeffrey McDaniel, Adam Rubenstein and Susan Somers-Willet. 3-4:30pm, Group Piece Open Mic at Alamo Downtown: The NPS family has made the collaborative performance of poetry something new under the sun. Here's our annual throwdown where teams get together and rock their group work. Get on the list for a poem and if there's time we'll go down the list again. Hosted by Robbie Q. Telfer and Aaron Enskat. 3-4:30pm, Kids' Show at the Hideout Theatre: An interactive poetry show for all ages including poems by many classic authors and some originals by the presenters in a show crafted specifically for kids from toddler to elementary school. Danny Solis (Albuquerque, NM), Buddy Ray McNiece (Cleveland, OH), and Matthew John Conley (Austin, TX) will lead these poetry shenanigans! 3-3:45pm, Living in the Gray Area Workshop at the Hideout Classroom: The Rules of Slam: Bending vs. Breaking Facilitators: Taylor Mali & Erik Daniel. In its nine years of existence, the official slam rule book has evolved and grown so as to close loopholes, add clarification, and specify penalties. In the process, new loopholes have been created. There will always be gray areas. Which ones are currently ripe for exploration/exploitation? When will the No Repeat Rule kick in? Join Erik Daniel (Ann Arbor, MI), assistant tournament director and current "rule meister," and Taylor Mali (NY, NY), the "Guru of the Gray Area" and author of the original rule book, for a comprehensive discussion of new rules, old rules, and those that may exist but don't yet. 3-4:30pm, Grief and Rememberance Open Mic at the Hideout Upstairs Theatre: In this reading we honor grief and loss, remembering loved ones who have experienced tragedy or passed on. Hosted by Tony Brown (Worcester, MA), Kat Sanford (San Francisco, CA), and Ms. Spelt. (Vancouver, BC) 3:45-4:30, Slam Strategy Panel at the Hideout Classroom: A panel of experts in the ever-changing world of slam will present their philosophies on slam strategy. These will be followed by a Q&A. Panel moderated by Taylor Mali. Participants include Karen Finneyfrock, Nazelah Jamison, Rachel McKibbens, and Rives. 7-9pm, Team Semi Finals, see Events-Bouts for details. 9-11pm, Individual Finals at the historic Paramount Theatre. See Event-Bouts for details. 11pm-2am, Karaoke with Shappy at Ego's: They say that Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World but tonight is all about KARAOKE, baby! This oft-neglected NPS mainstay is back with a vengeance! Come blow off your slammy steam by singing along with your swinging host, SHAPPY (who is the only slammer in history who simultaneously hosted Karaoke while competing in Indie Semis!) There will be Bohemian Rhapsody in the Love Shack, Baby (one more time)! Immediately following the Indie Finals. Fri, 11 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=22 Scores for Round 1 have been posted. Thu, 10 Aug 2006 13:27:04 GMT http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=21 And the hits just keep on coming. David here and we can't believe this party is just getting started. After a hot hot night of opening bouts, we do it all over again tonight as you 73 teams elbow, claw, and let's admit it, bite, your way to the top 25 teams for the Team Semi Finals. But before tonight's battles, we've got tons of workshops and open mics. You might want to bring some water. With all these opportunities to slam a poem, you don't want to dry out in the Texas heat. Plus we have some raucous competitions after 11pm, when we stop taking scores and start taking names. It's Thursday, August 10th: What's happening? 9-9:45am, Yoga with Charles Eilik at the Hyatt: If you haven't partied all night (or maybe if you have and are still awake), please drop by! The class will be all-levels, very relaxing, but not "easy." Expect to sweat! The class is best described as "Hatha Flow," but will be adjusted for conditions and ability of students present. 10-11:30am, Podcasting Workshop at Antone's: What is podcasting? In this interactive workshop, PSI's official podcaster, Don McIver (Albuquerque, NM) will go over the basics of how to create your own podcast and how to make sure people are listening. Other topics will include recording directly into your computer, uploading your podcast, and reaching subscribers, and copyright issues 10:45-11:30am, How to Tour/Market Yourself Panel at the Hyatt: In today's world, learning how to tour affordably and effectively and how to create a buzz for your poetic endeavors can be just as valuable a skill as working on rhyme schemes and linebreaks. Learn the ropes and get tips from three performers who have taken their shows on the road: Christa Bell (Seattle, WA), Sage Francis (Providence, RI), Big Poppa E (Austin, TX), and Beau Sia (Los Angeles, CA). 10:45-11:30am, Stage Combat/Capoeira Workshop at the Hyatt: Want to break down the imaginary walls in performance and look at movement in a new way? Come to this workshop focusing on movement and stage combat techniques. We will be taping and if you would like an mpeg copy of the workshop, an email list will be made available to you. Our main focus is for you to have fun learning something new that may help your creativity down the line. Come ready to sweat. Hosted by FSC Action and Capoeira Da Rua (Austin, TX) noon-1:30pm, 4th, 5th, or 6th Wheel Slam at Antone's: Year after year, one of the most amazing shows at NPS. Alternates and coaches, this is your stage and your chance to get busy. Hosted by the irrepressible Dawn Saylor noon-12:45, Jewish/12 Tribes Open Mic at the Hideout: A reading for all of the Chosen People and their meshpukah (family), blood and otherwise. No worries about your poem not being "Jewish enough" or a goyim (non jew) with a Jewish themed poem. All are welcome here." Hosted by Paulie Lipman (Denver, CO) and Tara Seth (Austin, TX) noon-1:30pm, Slam and the Academy Panel at the Hideout Upstairs: Despite a bias against slam poetry's study in the academy, increasing numbers of slam poets are finding homes as students and teachers in university creative writing programs. In this panel, poets active in both slam and the academy gather to discuss the pros and cons of practicing in academic programs—the special challenges of balancing performative and textual craft, what obstacles and opportunities one encounters—as well as offer more specific advice for those considering enrolling in a program—how to choose the right program, how to approach MFA applications, and how to select a writing sample. Panel moderated by Susan Somers-Willett. Panelists include: Daphne Gottlieb, Marty McConnell, Jeff McDaniel, and Karyna McGlynn. 12:45-1:30pm, Legends Showcase at the Hideout: Please join us for an invitational showcase featuring a lineup of voices that have made Slam great. Most of the performers on this list have been rocking the NPS mic for ten years or more. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience them all at once. Thursday confirmed performers at press time include Jason Carney, Charles Eilik, Sage Francis, Sara Holbrook, Bill McMillan, Ray McNiece, Michael Salinger, and Hilary Thomas. 1:30-3pm, Women's Open Mic at Antone's: This sign-up list is exclusively for women and this show, hosted by Seattlites Karen Finneyfrock and Christa Bell, will be one you'll be talking about months from now. Get there early. 1:30-3pm, Asian Open Mic at the Hideout: Vibrant, intense, and vital, this annual open mic always amazes. Hosted by Beau Sia. 2:15-3pm, Mic Dynamics Workshop at the Hideout Upstairs Theatre: Slam takes the performance of poetry from a whisper to a scream, often in the same sentence. Want to learn how to ensure that the content of your poem isn’t getting wiped out by feedback, popping p’s, or strained ears? Get down with two legendary slam artists Rives (NY, NY) and Wammo (Austin, TX), to pick up some more tricks of the trade. 3-4:30pm, Nerd Slam at Antone's: Celebrating its FIFTH YEAR as a poetry shire for all of slam's poetry Hobbits. This is where all the the geeks gather to read their Star Wars sonnets, love poems to Veronica Mars and eulogies for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However, to read at the Nerd Slam you must first win in a brutal TRIVIA-OFF! Two Nerds enter-one Nerd reads! There are awesome prizes for all who dare enter the Thunderdome! Shappy (NY, NY) and Ernie Cline (Pittsburgh, PA) will serve as your protocol droids and promise lots of SPECIAL GUESTS & SURPRISES! 3-4:30, Latino/Indigenous Open Mic at the Hideout Theatre: Lyric and passion at its very finest. This showcase always provides some of the most unforgettable moments of the National Poetry Slam. Hosted by Danny Solis (Albuquerque, NM) and Adriana Ramirez (Austin, TX). 3-4:30pm, Writing Workshop with LouderARTS: Death of Nice at the Hideout Classroom: The successful poem MUST surprise. Beginning and seasoned writers alike tend to fall into patterns in their poetry -- the same content, the same form, the same sound -- and while those repetitions can provide us a sense of "voice" and stability, they can also box us in and box out the new, fresh, stunning idea or turn or image or experiment or shape that makes the poem transcend the ordinary, everyday, "nice" poem. In this workshop, we will explore the weird, the unexpected, the dangerous, and above all the thing that makes you say "I can't put THAT in the poem!" Because often, THAT is your poem. Workshop led by Marty McConnell and Roger Bonair-Agard. 7pm-11pm, Bouts Round 2. See Events-Bouts for details. 11pm-2am, Hip Hop Headquarters at Antone's: NPS 06 is taking the annual Hip Hop HQ late night event and super sizing it. Three nights of late night hip hop sessions featuring an open mic, local crews and DJ's, and guest hosts. Come through each night as each show will be unique and full of surprises. Thursday, August 10: Hosted by Sage Francis and Grand Buffet (Strange Famous Records) with special guest artists Vehicular. 11pm-2am, Slam Decathalon at Ruta Maya: Anyone who has attended the annual Slammasters’ Weekend for the past couple of years knows of the madness that is the Decathalon slam. Three teams picked kickball style compete in ten challenging events. Some of them even have to do with poetry. Expect a few of the classics to reappear (such as the Sock Puppet Slam round and the competitive eating round), plus a barrel of new surprises. Hosted by Phil West. Plus, this is the site of the second annual SPRING BREAK party, hosted by the kids from Normal. 11pm-2am, Slammasters' Slam at Ego's: Hosted by Nick Fox, this annual rumble amongst the organizers, emcees, and workhorses that make the slam machine run is another staple of NPS week. If you’re a Slammaster, get on the mic and represent your venue. If you’re not a Slammaster, get in the audience and cheer your SM to victory. Or heckle. That works too. 2am-? You tell me. Thu, 10 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=20 Information: Venue InfoIndies and Finals Ticket Info Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:16:46 GMT http://www.austinslam.com/nps06/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=19 We're still clearing our heads after last night's shindig. All we can say is, we'll never look at coconuts in quite the same way. And did you catch that screening of Slam Planet? We love that movie! David here. It's the first official day of Nationals. This is why we do what we do. It's show time. And after you get your groove on, we've got plenty of ways to chill. That's what we do, we mix and then we chill. Awh, yeah. Look for the first standings to post right here when the lights dim. It's Wednesday, the 9th of August: What's happening? 9:30-11:30am, Registration at the Hyatt: Didn't get it done yesterday or just hopped off the plane? Come get your ducks in a row and your NPS paperwork filled out so you're ready for the tournament. noon-1pm, Opening Ceremonies at City Hall: Help us kick off NPS 2006 in style at City Hall with Austin Mayor Will Wynn and many special guests including Uprise! productions and DJ Nicknack. Plus a showcase of legendary NPS performers hosted by Mike Henry and Phil West. Plus there's free lunch with your poet or volunteer badge. 2-3:30, African American Open Mic at Antone's: One of the most highly anticipated events at the National Poetry Slams. This reading showcases the incredible diversity of our family with a sign-up list exclusively for poets of the Pan-African diaspora. Hosted by Lynne Procope (Brooklyn, NY) & Sonya Renee (Baltimore, MD). 2-3:30pm, Pull the Next One Up: Rookie Open Mic at the Hideout: Hey teams: This your first time to Nats? Come introduce yourself to the world at this mic specifically designed for debut appearances! If your team is new or you have new members, this is your stage! Hosted by Scott Woods (Columbus, OH) 3-4:15pm, Last Chance Mandatory Orientation at Antone's: MANDATORY ORIENTATION FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS IN NPS 2006 including: each individual team member, coach, slammaster, volunteer, mc and bout manager. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! In order to participate in this year's NPS 2006, each person must participate in one of the two MANDATORY ORIENTATION MEETINGS. Run by Deb Marsh (Ann Arbor, MI) and Erik Daniel (Ann Arbor, Mi). 4:15-5pm, Legends Showcase at Antone's: Please join us for an invitational showcase featuring a lineup of voices that have made Slam great. Most of the performers on this list have been rocking the NPS mic for ten years or more. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience them all at once with host, Jason Carney. Wednesday confirmed performers at press time include Matthew John Conley, Jason Edwards, GNO, Daphne Gottlieb, Taylor Mali, Deb Marsh, Jeffrey McDaniel, Clebo Rainey, Beau Sia, and Danny Solis. 7pm-11pm, Bouts! See Events-Bouts for details: Holy cats, this is it! The first round of bouts is upon us. 11pm-2am, Hip-Hop Headquarters at Antone's: NPS06 is taking the annual Hip Hop HQ late night event and super sizing it. Three nights of late night hip hop sessions featuring an open mic, local crews and DJ's, and guest hosts. Come through each night as each show will be unique and full of surprises. Wednesday, August 9: Hosted by Michael Cirelli, Celena Glenn, and Beau Sia with special guest artists B-Boy City and NOOK (Off tha Block Records). 11pm-2am, Erotic Showcase at Ruta Maya: Expect a hot night on the mic as poet after poet takes the stage and gets their naughty on. Your slammistresses for the evening, Gabrielle Boullaine (Buffalo, NY) and Mahogany Browne (NYC) have a special bag of tricks planned for this year including a panel of expert judges. DJ Scott Woods will keep the soundtrack kickin’ and your sponsor for the evening, Austin’s Forbidden Fruit (512 Neches St, Austin, 78701 - (512) 478-8358) will be in the house with prizes and surprises. 11pm-2am, I ROCK, The Live Music Open Mic at Ego's with Wammo: Always wanted the chance to get on stage and kick a poem backed by a killer band? Or maybe you’re a musician yourself and would like to sit in and kick out the jams? Get in on this show hosted by Amy Steinberg (Minneapolis, MN) and you’ll have the chance to front the band and pick what musical style you’d like to work with. The bandleader for the evening will be Austin’s musical madman Wammo, plus a rotating musical cast. Including you. Wed, 09 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT