I can’t believe it, but I’m just days away from my last reading for this small but mighty tour! To end this fine journey, I’ll be sharing the stage with these beautiful folks at The Steady Cafe in Toronto! We take the stage from 7pm – 9pm – NO COVER, BABY.
Ashely Elizabeth-Best
Photo credit: Ashely’s Facebook page.
I met Ashley at IFOA’s Battle of the Bards earlier this year where she read some of her stunning poetry. Her debut book Slow States of Collapse published by ECW Press is off the press and making a loud crash into the literary landscape! “…It’s a book built around day-to-day conflicts — poems about love, family, grief, power, and longing…” Come on down to The Steady and hear for yourself, the stunning poetry of Miss Best!
Spencer Butt
Photo credit: Spencer’s Facebook page.
What’s fabulous is that I’ve never actually met Spencer! But we’ve been connected through a friend, and thanks to Facebook, we were able to communicate. Spencer said yes when I asked if he’d like to read with me – gosh, #grateful! So, I’ve heard great things about Spencer – about his wild performance poetry! I can’t wait to see and hear it! His book Slouching the Dream is published by Non Publishing. “…A writer, performer and comic book nerd trying to make connections with people through his writing because he has a hard time talking about things, Spencer Butt likes to see people laugh at his many misfortunes and various neuroses…”
James Lindsay
Photo credit: James’ Facebook page.
James Linsday, part poet, part bookseller, part record label co-owner (to name a few of the hats he wears!), just finished up a stint as Writer-in-Residence for Open Book Ontario. His book Our Inland Sea, published by Wolsak and Wynn. Check out this review by Poetry in Motion! James and I shared the stage at yet another Battle of the Bards – and I promised him we’d share a stage again – so here we go!
Pat Robitaille
Photo credit: Jer Harman.
Singer/songwriter Pat Robitaille will bring years of musical genius to our ears as a special treat on this final tour stop. Recently moved back to Toronto, Pat is working on his newest album – a solo collection – connected directly to our heartstrings. Two songs are released on Soundcloud…have a listen! Moments of Joy and Blood is Fair are posted for our listening pleasure.
And as if this loaded group of artists isn’t outstanding enough for you (!), stick around after our show for Essence Brown Hip-Hop: Essence Brown is DJs Teej Mahal, Hoiking, and Sims — three Toronto boys spinning classic hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall mixed wit summa dat new shit. Our sweaty, eponymous monthly dance parties take place every last Friday of the month at the Steady. ($5.00 cover for the dance party.)
Mama loves to shake her thang – and wouldn’t ya know, she’s gonna do just that after she shakes it up on stage with her poetry!
We offer you poetry, music, and dancing – that’s a triple threat, y’all.
Please share this event – and if you can, come to The Steady and show us how you love poetry, music and dancing!
VANESSA SHIELDS, writer 