Taffnee Faimon
UNK Learning Commons and Writing Center assistant director, 308.865.8728
A battle of poems will take place during the Learning Commons Poetry Slam Tuesday, April 5, at the Tru Cafe in Kearney.
The poetry slam, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the cafe, which is located at 2100 Central Ave. For competitors, registration begins at 7 p.m., and there is a $5 entry fee.
The poetry slam is open to students, faculty, staff, community members and out-of-county slam poets. There will be three rounds, with three original poems, one per round. Prizes will be awarded to the top three poets.
The poetry slam is being hosted by the University of Nebraska at Kearney Learning Commons & Writing Center in collaboration with Sigma Tau Delta English honor society.
“The writing center consultants of the UNK Learning Commons have had a competitive event on their wish list for some time, so we are happy to be launching the first ever Learning Commons Poetry Slam,” said Taffnee Faimon, UNK Learning Commons and Writing Center assistant director.
According to Faimon, a poetry slam is a competitive event in which poets perform their work, and are judged on their content and performance. Slam poems are typically a story-to-idea connection with some combination of voice, humor, rhythm, exaggeration and/or wordplay.
The poetry slam will be judged by Dr. Joseph Oravecz, UNK dean for students; Cherry Stevens, UNK Academic Success office associate; and Dr. Robert Luscher, UNK English professor.
“In selecting judges, we sought a mix of faculty, staff and administration,” Faimon said. “We feel fortunate to have a representative from each. I am very much looking forward to the slam. It is truly a unique event somewhat like a Pringles chip–once you partake, you can’t stop.”
Prizes will be gift items from the following: Comfort Inn, Barista’s, Culvers, Eileen’s Cookies, Sequel Bookstore, Antelope Bookstore, Outrageous Cakes and TCBY.
