Vancouver poetry house presents feature poet, Ahmed Knowmadic. Award winning poet Ahmed ‘Knowmadic’ Ali is a Somali-born Canadian. He is a full-time poet, writer, actor, comedian, speaker and youth worker. In 2011, Ahmed became the first Somali spoken word champion at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word. In 2012, he was given the RISE award for community involvement in the arts and culture and, in 2013, the Artist in Residence at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute in Seattle, Washington. Ahmed was also named a “Difference Maker” by the Edmonton Journal for his contribution to poetry in Edmonton. In 2014, ACGC recognized the young poet as Alberta’s Top 30 under 30. He is also one of the founders and organizers of the Breath in Poetry Collective. His work has been published in Alt. Theater Journal, Rubicon Publishing, The Great Black North and online publications.

As always, there will be an open mic and two-round poetry slam, (3 min) where poets accumulate points to qualify for the Van Slam team.

Cafe Deux Soleils and the Van Slam strive to be a trans friendly place and a hate speech free zone. Help us with that. We also acknowledge that this event takes place on unceded First Nations Territory.

Also, be kind to our VOLUNTEER door staff. They have to follow BC Liquor Board Rules and once we are sold out we can’t let anyone in unless someone leaves. You cannot save seats for people in line. Let them know if you are leaving. Also no ATM at the door, it’s cash ONLY.

Get there early if you want a seat or want to slam. Before 7pm.