Founder of the Poetry Slam Movement to visit Sideshow

MARC KELLY SMITH is the founder of the international Slam Poetry movement that began at Chicago’s Green Mill Tavern in 1987. He's the guy who's spread an appreciation for stories and performance poetry throughout the world, to over 1000 cities in the US, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Todd and Kiaralinda brought him to Florida to host Open Books at Whimzey in the spring of 2013, and he was the emcee for the first Song Fest in 2014. I had the opportunity to spend an evening with him after Open Books, and he's been one of my favorite people ever since. There are times I catch myself smiling at memories of that evening with him and Todd, Kiaralinda and Heather. All five of us squished in the car, laughing and just enjoying each other.

 

If you've ever watched that viral YouTube video where a young man recites a moving poem about a life altering event, you've experienced the influence of Marc Kelly Smith. (Hint: there are hundreds of those types of videos.)

Smith is part of this year's Palm Beach Poetry Festival and will stop in Safety Harbor before heading back home to Chicago. We get him for one night, Tuesday, January 26. He'll teach a workshop at Sideshow, 737 Main Street, Safety Harbor, at 6:00 p.m. which will be followed by a performance at 7:30. Both the workshop and performance are free. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase and proceeds benefit SHAMc. Donations are not required, but are gratefully accepted.


Join us! You don't need to be a poet to attend, but you'll probably feel like you are one by the time it's over.