TOAST – Open Mic Poetry at Phog Lounge

Hello time traveller!!
This article is 4795 days old.
The information listed below is likely outdated and has been preserved for archival purposes.

Poetry by definition is the art of rhythmical composition, written or spoken, for exciting pleasure by beautiful, imaginative, or elevated thoughts.

Being my first experience with an open mic night I wasn’t sure what to expect. As a lover of the written word, I must say the atmosphere I found myself in pleasantly surprised me. It was a very quiet evening in Phog due to mid-terms at the university and a chilly reminder that winter isn’t quite done with us yet. The intimate surroundings proved perfect however as people familiar and unfamiliar with each other found a welcoming environment in which to bring their passion to the public. As I watched from my seat in the front row as these brave souls filed up one by one to the stage and read from their notepads, I couldn’t help but admire them for being willing to bring something dear to them and expose it for not only criticism but also for adoration.

It is evident tonight that Windsor holds more than a handful of talented writers of all ages. Josh Kolm, Beth Ann Hobbert and Kate Hargreaves, just to name a few. “You’ve Been Screwed” by Beth Ann was beautifully written, witty and even a tad bit venomous. Something you don’t quite expect from someone who enjoys DQ cakes and has a self-proclaimed “adorable voice.”  Kate read a piece that was in part both English and French and although she doesn’t speak French very well, it wasn’t evident at all when she read her outstanding poem that was not only brilliant but had the room in stitches.

Josh Kolm is the man in charge, a writer himself, who enjoys the works of many Canadian poets such as Robert Earl Stewart. He does TOAST because it’s fun and he hopes that it will eventually branch out into much more than a one-night gig. Funding is a possible option from the Arts Council to bring in published writers from all over Canada to join in the open mic events. Fundraising for BookFest, book tours, and workshops are just a few avenues for the future. For those of you interested in taking part in the next open mic night stayed tuned for postings in May, all types of writing is welcome.