‘These poets are incredible’ …’If semis are this amazing-FINALS are going to be INSANE’ …’These are some of the best ever Quest poets’….

These are all some of the comments from last night’s incredible night of youth poetry. Over 200 people came out to support the youth and to say the least…..the NEXT generation ‘came with it.’ The judges (Mike Lipset, D’Allen White, Saymoukda Vongsay, Bruce Axelrod, and Farrington) had their hands full.
Finals will be held in May 2011 – the exact date and venue to be announced soon. If ever the energy of this series had dipped – gone are the days. There was shouting, roaring laughter, foot stomping, and cheering all night long. We anticipate a sold out house for finals. MNSWA announced changes in the series this year …and from the looks of it ….things are hotter than ever.
MNSWA was in the HOUSE! along with VM hosts (Brit Brat and Laurine + DJ Mixwell) keeping the night driving. Thanks to all who made it out for this magic evening.

Congratulations to these 20 Finalists: (in no particular order)

Michelle Erdman, Zak Warsame, Kayla Stewart, Hassani Harris,

Herbert Abrams, Talia Tepinsky, Antoine Duke, Kevin Yang

John Larkins-Williams, Donte L-Collins, Emily Nuckols, Johanna Olsen

Madelyn Roseen, Aiden Morzenti, bDarius Gray, Alese Robinson, Jonathan David Allie

Matt Carlyon, Damien Mcbrier, Emily Christiansen
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These 20 poets have made a commitment to work together in a training intensive, building circles, fundraising, and performances. Fulfilling this commitment qualifies them to continue forward to qualify for the May 7th finals. Finals will have 2 rounds. In round 1 all poets will read one poem. Round two will advance the top Twelve poets. The 6 highest scoring poets will represent the MN team at the national Brave New Voices conference July 20-23rd.

In the MNSWA tradition of rotating judges each year and building on the previous year’s relationships with strong mentors – we are excited to welcome 2011 coaches Farrington Starnes and Abdi Phenomenal. Their work with MNSWA over the past 2 years and with nurturing development and mentorship in the somali community has been impressive and continuous from MNSWA’s first workshop ignited with Bedlam over 3 years ago working specifically & poetically with the Cedar Riverside Somali community. Sha Cage and E.G. Bailey will assist in the leadership and development component of the program this year.
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Next up is the SAY WORD! one day Youth Poetry Fest: May 7
Teams/groups/crews of poets from across the Twin Cities come together in a half day marathon of poetry, music, workshops, and performances. Held on Saturday May 7th from 12:00-5pm at the Minneapolis Central (dwntn) Library. Music provided by the band 2013. Youth groups ages 13-19 can participate. Four original (clean) poems are needed from each team. This is a FREE event / fun for the whole family. Winners walk away with the 2011 title + prizes.

Did we hear someone say …YOUTH POETRY IS on FIRE!

MNSWA-Keeping Poetry, Literacy, and youth literacy ALIVE in MN!

Please Join Voices Merging & the MN Spoken Word Association for the
2011 Quest For The Voice
Youth Poetry Slam Semi-Finals!
*An evening of some of the Hottest Youth Poetry on the Scene*

Monday, March 21st 6:30pm

Announcements begin at 6:00pm
(Poets must arrive by 5:30 • Poets check in cut off by 5:50)
Moos Tower Room 2-620
500 Washington Ave SE, Mpls
(Enter at the intersection of Union St SE & Washington Ave SE & go down)
Students $3/Adults $5
Hosted by Voices Merging’s own Laurine Chang & Brit Brat
(the evening typically runs 3 hours)

The MN Spoken Word Association produces this inspiring series now in its 6th year. Youth poets as semi-finalists will represent the state of MN in the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Festival in San Francisco, CA this July!

*Expect Laughter, Tears, Heavy Applause, and Celebration*
“This program is one of the most beautiful programs for youth across the country. To hear young people tell their stories (some for the first time), is truly life-changing.” M.P.

For more info, email sha.mnswa@gmail.com

2011: Partners: Golden’s Deli, Canvas Teen Center, Perpich Performing Arts School, Washburn High, Cahoots Coffee Shop, South High, Oak Park Community Center, 42nd Avenue Station

BECAUSE THE NEXT GENERATION CAN SPEAK FOR ITSELF!

‘Empowering Youth and Community Through Leadership, Literacy, and Spoken Word’ MN Spoken Word Association

WHAT’s up NEXT: A State-wide One Day Youth Poetry Festival titled SAY WORD! in MAY

Hello all. The Quest slam at Central High School has been moved to nearby Cahoots Coffee Shop.

NEW SITE + SLAM:
Cahoots Coffee Shop (in St. Paul)
1562 Selby Selby Avenue, St. Paul, MN
651-644-6778
When: 4:30pm start. Arrive by 4 to sign up
When: Friday March 18th

CANCEL:
Central High School (in St. Paul)
275 Lexington Parkway N. St. Paul, MN
When: 4:30pm. start. Arrive by 4 to sign up
When: Friday March 18th

Quest for the Voice 2011 Season!!!.

Spread the word if you have not already to area youth!
The series culminates in a final slam that qualifies 6 youth (who can make the leadership/training schedule commitment) to travel to San Francisco July 20-23 & represent MN for the Brave New Voices national youth poetry conference. www.bravenewvoices.com

Quest for the Voice Preliminary Slams
Youth 13-19 can compete. Most preliminaries are one round only. Semi Finals and Finals are 2 rounds so come with two dynamic/original poems, under 3 minutes. Any style/any topic. All prelims will have judges and score-keeping. The top 5-7 poems from each slam (based on sign up percentage) will advance to semi finals. Finals will be held at the U of M in late May. More info: www.mnspokenword.wordpress.com

Edison High School
Northeast Minneapolis
700 22nd Avenue Northeast
Minneapolis, MN 55418-3696
March 9th (wed), 3:10-5:10 : Rm 225

Hosted by The Poetry Club and Whitney Hough

(open to all + area youth) Free

Canvass Teen Center
St. Paul
1610 West Hubbard Ave. St. Paul
March 10th (thurs) -6-8pm

Free • Hosted by Kirstie Kimball

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Washburn High School
South Minneapolis
201 West 49th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55419-5588
March 10th (thurs)- 7-9pm (open to all + area youth)
Free • Hosted by Crystal Spring

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Perpich Performing Arts
Golden Valley
March Date/ During School
Free

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St. Paul Conservatory
Partnering with Golden Deli @ Golden’s
Located on the first floor of the historic Northwestern Building
275 East 4th Street Suite 102
Saint Paul, MN 55101
Downtown St. Paul
March 15 (Tues), 6-7:30pm
(open to all + area youth)
Free

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Oak Park Neighborhood Community Center
North Minneapolis
1701 Oak Park Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411-3997
March 17th (thur). 6pm
(open to all + area youth)
Free

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South High School
South Minneapolis
March Date/ During School
Free
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Bedlam Outloud
Brian Coyle Community Center
Riverside / West Bank 420 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454.  Cross Streets: Between 5th St S and Cedar Ave S
March 12th, (sat) 2:30pm
Hosted by Bedlam Outloud’s Farrington & Abdi

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