The Vancouver Poetry Slam presents feature poet, Dana I.D Matthews.

Dana, a Haitian born poet & MC, was adopted and raised in Canada. Now an independent Vancouver based artist, Dana has a voice that naturally commands the attention of anyone in the room. His diverse lyricism springs from his unique upbringing & extensive spoken word poetry background. Dana’s first memories of writing were in form of French short stories, as he was raised bi-lingual. He first got into Hip-Hop music after being introduced to it at 13 years of age.

As previously mentioned, Dana has an extensive background in spoken word poetry. In 2009, the London Poetry Slam became Dana’s creative outlet. Dana was part of the London’s Poetry Slam team at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word (CFSW) Ottawa (2010), and was Its team captain the very next year in Toronto (2011); was Grand Slam Champion in London (2011); and traveled as London’s representative to the inaugural 2010 Canadian Individual Poetry Slam (CIPS) in Vancouver.

Dana is integral to the Vancouver and Kwantlen Poetry Slams, since moving in 2012. A 2012 Vancouver Poetry Slam team finalist, and independent finalist at CIPS 2013, Dana represented Kwantlen’s first team, both as KPU’s Grand Slam Champion and captain at CFSW Victoria 2014.

Lately, he represented KPU’s 3rd team, again as KPU’s Grand Slam Champion at CFSW Winnipeg 2016.
During the Winter Season (from September–March), the slam format consists of two rounds of 3-minute poems.

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.