“End the Hunger” Huge Success!!!
September 18, 2005 - One thing is for sure: Slam Nahuatl is the hottest buzz in town after last night. The night started off with B. Yung performing to a packed Gallery 5 audience (standing room only). For those familiar with such venues as the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe, it confirmed that Richmond does in fact have a market for Spoken Word Poetry, a strong market. B. Yung warmed up the crowd with amazing pieces including "I'm a Queen." If you haven't seen this, definitely check it out on YouTube.
Then came the slam hosted by Slam Nahuatl's new host, Erich, and what an amazing slam it turned out to be. The night included some new poets to the slam scene: Rebekah, Fundamental, DJ Williams, the Alchemist and Soul Calypso; and also including some veterans: Rasul "The Knowbody" Elder, Daniel and El (all returning members of the slam team).
The first round was an amazing show. Daniel, Rasul and El continued where they left off, performing at an elevated level after coming back from nationals. However, there were some nice surprises. The Alchemist was definitely one of them. The Alchemist slammed for his first time, but you could never tell. His piece, "7 drums," was one of the strongest theatrical pieces of the night. He started off the piece by pounding on the stage and then brought some very inspiring verse:
"The first step is to free yourself
Are the very first words I will tell my children
With 7 words fulfilling my role as a father
Freeing them from mental slavery..."
Are the very first words I will tell my children
With 7 words fulfilling my role as a father
Freeing them from mental slavery..."
The crowd went into an uproar when he stepped off stage and it only got better from that point.
Another nice surprise was Soul Calypso, Slam Nahuatl's open mic host. Soul did a humorous piece about the contradictions often found in relationships and came in 6th place, barely behind DJ Williams.
At the end of the night, Daniel was victorious, finishing with a nearly perfect 29.9. El came in second with a 28.2, followed by Rasul with a 28.1 and the Alchemist with a 26.2. So with Chances R Good no longer in town, it seems as if the Alchemist has stepped up to ensure Slam Nahuatl will have another great run at the trophy! But the season is young and all the poets are still in the game to make the team, so come out to Slam II on October 16th and enjoy yet another great show! More importantly, help a family in need by helping Slam Nahuatl raise one year's worth of groceries.
What a beautiful image it will be in March for our championship slam: a family in need on stage with everyone applauding...tears falling from their eyes knowing that they won't have to worry about food for the next year. This is why we spit...no other reason.
“End the Hunger” Nahuatl Poetry Slam Series will happen on the third Thursday of every month at Gallery5. The next slam will take place on October 16th. 7PM $5
Thursday, September 18, 2008
