Phlexx Records put on a hell of a show down at Suede Bar last week: 24 Poets, four heats, one final. With some seriously sick prizes up for grabs.
With the honour and challenge of posing as a judge for the night at Friday’s big showdown, I was dead excited to attend. And horrifically nervous about the prospect of comparing and contrasting the divergent talents of a group of diverse wordsmiths, united in the oral tradition of spoken word. Hosted by the highly talented Another Poet, the showcase of pure skill was as astounding as it was inspiring.
The array of talent that I saw grace the stage during the week was mildly mind-boggling, and I was so tied up in Notts over all the other delights the poetry festival had to offer, much to my remorse, I only made it to one of the heats.
The scores were exceptionally close, and involved more than a little deliberation on behalf of the judges. But, in the end, the well deserved winners were:
Snapping up first place, Ty Healy, whose lyrical dexterity and incredible performance skills will now be captured for all to see in a poetry video recording with Boss Playa productions.
In a ridiculously close race, second place was grabbed by the hugely talented Milla Tebbs who’s quietly smouldering power will be recorded with Phlexx Studios.
Coming in third, the hypnotic goddess who flows in time to the rhythms of nature, Days Eye. This warrior woman and defender of the planet will be captured in a photo shoot with OneAM Photography.
Last, but by no means least, Rhythmical Mike, the Derby-based bastard son of Mike Skinner, John Cooper Clarke and Joe Strummer, placed fourth to take away a goody bag from FatNek Clothing.
For the record, I’m more of a lover than a judger, and in true sycophantic, liberal style, I’d just like to say to everyone with the balls to get up on that stage, grab the mic and risk making a tit of yourself; my sincerest congratulations, you're all winners to me.
A special mention to the evening’s two accomplished runner ups: the true romantic that is Christopher Lanyon and the hilariously surreal Teddy Hempstead.
Due to the incredible success of the slam, and by popular demand, the organisers are creating a monthly night of poetry in the broadest sense of the term served up with a slice of Suede’s legendary pizza. See ya there, word-players.
Phlexx Poetry Slam was at Suede Bar for the Nottingham Poetry Festival 2017.
Phlexx Poetry event
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