MORGANTOWN ASSOCIATION OF POETS (M.A.P.)
Mission Statement
Morgantown Association of Poets (M.A.P.) is an informal organization of artists who promote the poetry scene in Morgantown, West Virginia. M.A.P. is an umbrella organization which coordinates various poetry readings, shows, meetings, and activities associated with written and spoken word. Our goal is to reach the community, create artistic partnerships, and to have a core foundation for different poetic and artistic ventures. M.A.P. currently sponsors and organizes a monthly poetry and art event in Morgantown called Tha.Speakeasy. Add M.A.P. to your friends' list on MySpace.Tha.Speakeasy with Tamara Woods at 123 Pleasant Street
Tha.Speakeasy, hosted by Tamara Woods, is a poetry slam, music, and arts event, which celebrates original work of local artists.
Tha.Speakeasy is usually held near the end of each month beginning at 10 p.m. at 123 Pleasant Street, downtown Morgantown, West Virginia.
The next Speakeasy will be 10 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2006.
Sign up for all artists is required in advance, for planning purposes. To participate, you must make a verbal or written commitment to sharing your art.
To sign up, email Tamara at [email protected] or find Tha Speakeasy website at http://www.myspace.com/tha_speakeasy .
Tha.Speakeasy is a community-wide event that brings together poets, hip hop artists, musicians, writers, painters, sculptors, photographers, filmmakers, and other artists. Prizes are given for the winners of the poetry slam, usually in the form of gift certificates and coupons from local businesses such as Black Bear, Pizza Hut, Zen Clay Cafe, and Hospice Care Thrift Shop.
In accordance with National Slam Poetry Rules, the slam consists of three rounds of poetry. Winners of each round advance to the next round, until a final winner is declared. Poems can be of any style or genre, but must be original work. The length of each poem must be three minutes or under. Poets may not use any kinds of costumes or props, so the focus remains on the poems themselves. Poems are judged by three judges taken from the audience. The decisions of the judges are arbitrary, but final.
There is also the Motown Poets, which is the Yahoo Group that Morgantown poets can join to find out more about local readings, shows and etc...Click to join motownpoetry