http://www.nuyorican.org/
A New York City establishment. Didn't figure the name until I saw the physical sign hanging over the entrance: It's supposed to sound like "New Yorkian?"
Way crowded on a Friday night.
It was an elimination round for an ultimate slam poetry contest; I'm hazy on the details. 3 contestants had 3 rounds to win over 5 amateur (as in pulled from volunteers in the crowd) judges. Snapping of fingers by the audience may or may not influence the outcome. Same for booing of judges when scores seemed unfair.
I've never been good at listening to lyrics. Slam poetry is even harder for me. The atmosphere was lively. A wise-cracking emcee had plenty of punchlines. She even tried to get us to dance. At one point she asked for the house lights to be turned waaaay down so that she could croon some baby-making music. It turned out to be the Reading Rainbow theme.
Aja-Monet, youngest Nuyorican Grandslam Champion, was there as a guest. Girl sitting in front of our row let out a loud burp when Monet was about 2 lines in. Flustered her. She had to start over. Twas amusing. Talented woman is doing her MFA at Art Institute of Chicago now, I believe.
A taste:
No comments:
Post a Comment