Inspired Word Café Season 15 continues with readings, anthology launch and festival
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.
“We were thrilled to see all the submissions for the poetry prize. We have so much talent in the valley, so this book is such a great way for us to share work by amazing local writers,” says Michael V. Smith, IWC collective member and judge for the contest. “It was a hard choice weeding them down for the book, and thrilling to choose the winners!”
Doors open at 6:30 pm with sign up happening promptly at 6:30 pm with our hosts. We have 5 open mic spots and 5 open slam spots. BNA Burger offers a minor-friendly environment, with both food and drink served during our events. The space is wheelchair accessible and offers single-user, gender-neutral washrooms.
The season continues with a series of open mic and reading events on select Thursdays from now until May, featuring special guests Jo Güstin, Levi Bent, Jake Kennedy and Valeria Rojas Flores. The annual New Leaves Festival is planned for the weekend of March 6 to 8, and will celebrate the amazing local art in Kelowna, focussing on local artists and celebrating Inspired Word Cafe’s 15th Season. The festival will also feature the annual Pony Cabaret.
For a full schedule of events, visit www.inspiredwordcafe.com/events.
IWC programming is supported by the City of Kelowna, British Columbia Arts Council, the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada, Valley First (a division of First West Credit Union), the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies at UBC Okanagan, Central Okanagan Foundation, and BNA Brewing Co.
Media Contact: Britt MacKenzie-Dale, britt@inspiredwordcafe.com
About IWC
Inspired Word Café Society (IWC) is a community arts-organization that provides accessible, low-cost literary and performance art programming (including events, education, and mentorship) for local writers, performers, and word lovers from many walks of life, including youth and other equity-deserving groups across the Okanagan.
We believe that participation in the literary and performing arts is not only a right for everyone, both as consumers and to creators, but is also a vital part of the creative and emotional well-being of our local community.
Find out more at www.InspiredWordCafe.com.