This ain't Motown...this is Flotown! A dot in the northwest corner of Alabama where Elvis dropped his first beat. The birthplace of W.C. Handy, father of the blues. Just read the liner notes of any 60's to 70's R & B, soul, or Rock-n-Roll. It was most likely recorded here in Florence, Alabama.The main drag of Court street is lined with multiple art galleries and cafes. Florence is home to the University of North Alabama, where more than 7,000 are enrolled with a large population of international students. The arts and culture are thriving in this area, with open mike nights and live music nearly everyday of the week.Rhythm is a way of life here. You can feel it in the old recordings of Etta James' "Tell Mama", where the legend of Jazz and Blues was backed up by our own local rhythm section. It can be seen in the movement of pens, brush strokes, woven fibers, and photographs of internationally regarded songwriters, artists, and fashion designers who call Florence their home. All of this is undoubtedly tied to the force of Tennessee River currents that strike the shore of this historic southern town.But for nearly a decade, something has been missing from this creative community: Poetry.So we, the Florence Poetry Slam, decided to change that. Brace yourself every third Friday of the month for a literary onslaught upon the senses. Get ready for poetry coming at you in 3-D.Sign up begins @ 7:30pm. The open mike follows @ 8. Then the big show starts with a slam competition and featured
poet in between rounds.Slam Master, JT BullockHere are a few photos from the Last Slam at Rivertown
Florence Poetry Slam 10/19/07
