![Come celebrate the power of spoken word poetry]()
Following a great fall of poetry readings, Inspired Word Café (IWC) is excited to continue the season with more poetry and readings with special guests, the launch of a printed anthology, and the annual New Leaves Festival—a three-day weekend packed full of events including the ever-popular Pony Cabaret!
“It is inspiring to see that people want to share their work with a welcoming and encouraging group of people at our monthly open mics,” says Cole Mash, IWC Executive Director. “Fostering an inclusive and responsive community is crucial at times like these globally.”
The first open mic and open slam of the year is scheduled for Thursday, January 16 at BNA Burger. The open mic welcomes the performance of music, poetry, stand-up comedy, a sketch, and is open to first-timers and experienced artists alike. The open slam invites people to come prepared with three original poems in any style to compete in rounds to win cash prizes.
This event will also be the launch of the IWC Anthology & Poetry Prize—a printed curated collection of poetry that reflects the diverse voices and experiences of our local poets. The top three poems will receive prize money, sponsored by the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art. Copies of the anthology are $10 each with all proceeds supporting IWC programming.
Read MoreKelowna's Inspired Word Cafe is hosting a holiday-themed open night to celebrate the launch of Okanagan College professor Norah Bowman's new poetry book, on Nov. 28.
The night of poetry, prose and Prosecco (or your drink of choice) at BNA Burger will begin with an open mic, where people are encouraged to dress up in festive outfits and share their writing, poetry, art and feelings about the holiday season.
Then, graduate student and artist Alana Firedancer will offer a poetry performance.
The evening will culminate with a book reading and interview with author, professor and artist Norah Bowman, PhD.
Read MoreInspired Word Café (IWC) is getting ready to launch its fifteenth season with a series of open mic and open slam events.
The open mic is for anyone to perform music, poetry, stand-up comedy, a sketch, or any genre you can think of to share in our positive space. The open slam invites people to come prepared with three original poems in any style to compete in rounds to win cash prizes.
IWC is also doing a call for spoken word poetry from the Okanagan for an anthology to be printed for their 15th season.
“Sharing on stage is just one part of being a poet or writer and so we wanted to create more opportunities for our local community through publication,” says Erin Scott, IWC Board President.
Read MoreThe much-anticipated Inspired Word Café (IWC) Team Slam event is coming up on March 28th at BNA Brewing. Team Heroes and Team Villains will compete with their poetry to see who will reign victorious. A slam is a competitive event where poets perform original works to a lively and engaged audience.
The event is designed to foster high calibre performances, new work by local poets, and an interactive and rowdy night of fun for the audience. “Unlike other poetry events, a slam is interactive, with the audience playing a key role as the judges for the competition,” explains Ken Shaw, IWC collective member and one of the hosts of this year’s contest.
Read MoreIn addition to running the open mic series, which offers a space for writers to share their poetry, writing, music, and more, Inspired Word Café (IWC) collective members also run writing workshops for anyone to share their work and receive in-person and direct feedback.
“Attendees are asked to bring 10 printed copies of a piece of writing, not to exceed two pages, to be reviewed by an inclusive and positive group of fellow writers,” explains IWC collective member and workshop facilitator, Ryan Ennis.
Read MoreNow in its fourteenth season, the Inspired Word Café (IWC) is pleased to plan more events giving local literary artists more opportunities to share their writing.
Read MoreInspired Word Cafe is seeking applications for an Administrative Assistant. This position provides a wide range of administrative duties which supports the Executive Director and will run from August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024.
Read MoreThe storied, epic battle of Science Fiction vs. Fantasy will be decided at IWC’s Team Poetry Slam on March 23rd. Join us at the BNA Tasting Room from 7:00pm – 9:00 pm to enjoy live music from local band Twin Towns, and to find out who will reign victorious.
Read MoreLast week a sold-out audience enjoyed an evening of drag and musical entertainment at the Pony Cabaret held in the Mary Irwin Theatre in the Rotary Centre for the Arts.
Read MoreTop-class entertainment, queer culture, music and food combine for a good cause as Pony Cabaret returns to Kelowna.
Read MoreInspired Word Café announces the first annual Fireweed Eco-Fest! The festival takes place over three days, September 23-25, 2022 and features an array of events from spoken word, comedy, music, and more!
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