Gypsy Slam

Thursday evening, September 11, Victorian Square, downtown Lexington

To enter, click here.

In 2005 the Invitational Gypsy Slam began to make a name for itself nationally as a premier all-woman invitational event and has since featured Patricia Smith and Christ Bell as celebrity judges. The Gypsy Slam showcases women spoken word artists from all walks of life and levels of experience, from poetry circuit veterans to first-time slammers, in an elimination-round competition for a top prize of $500. Poets travel from all over the state and country to join us for a display of slam unparalleled in our region. Opening acts have included performances from the belly dancers of Mecca Dance Studio and the world-renowned Urban Bush Women. We also offer a brief open-mic session, open to both genders.

This year, we present Samantha Thornhill as our featured poet and celebrity judge. Our out-of-town poets will hail from places such as Milwaukee, Denver, Atlanta, Columbus, and Tampa.

Local women slam poets interested in the competition should contact Bianca Spriggs at biancalynne@yahoo.com for rules and regulations. Those interested in competing will be contacted on a first-come first-serve basis BEFORE September 11.

Schedule:

- 6 pm: opening act

- 6:30 pm: open mic (advance sign-up required)

- 7 pm: Samantha performs

- 7:35 pm: break to select judges; poets draw for placement in the first round

- 7:45 pm: Sacrificial poet

- 7:50 pm: Round 1

- 9 pm: Round 2

- 9:30 pm: Round 3

- 10pm: Meet and greet, book signings

Trethewey Reading

Friday, September 12, 4:30 pm. W.T. Young Library, University of Kentucky.

The Kentucky Women Writers Conference and the University of Kentucky Libraries are proud to present a premier reading by the 2007 Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey

Malín Alegría at the Village Branch

Saturday, September 13, 1:30 pm, Lexington Public Library Village-Branch, 2185 Versailles Road

Reading by youth novelist Malín Alegría, author of Sofi Mendoza's Guide to Getting Lost in Mexico

Oates and Benedict Reading

Friday, September 12, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, University of Kentucky

Featuring Joyce Carol Oates and Laura Benedict

The Hardwick/Jones Reading is modeled after the influential relationship between literary giants and Lexington natives Elizabeth Hardwick and Gayl Jones. A way to take a fresh look at the significant roles of influence, mentoring, and friendship in a writer's life, this premier event brings a renowned established writer into conversation with the emerging writer of her choice. Joyce Carol Oates and Laura Benedict will share the stage for a celebratory reading and conversation with the audience- followed by a book signing.

Kim Osorio: Straight from the Source

Saturday, September 13, 7:30 pm, Coleman Theatre, Transylvania University

A Sonia Sanchez Event.

The Sonia Series, initiated to honor Miss Sanchez's indelible spirit, brings a major thinker in multicultural and human rights issues to Lexington, to travel our city's neighborhoods performing a series of intimate lectures, and small group sessions. The distinguished guest's visit culminates in a keynote address, free and open to all.