The Vancouver Poetry House presents feature poet, Charles Ekabhumi Ellik.

Charles Ekabhumi Ellik is a poet, artist, husband, student and teacher of Classical Tantric Hatha Yoga. He teaches Yoga Asana at Yoga Tree’s Telegraph studio, where he designed the “Dancing Peacock Feathers” mural. A former Options Broker, he quit finance to produce poetry events full-time in 1999, when his team of poets won the National Poetry Slam. Co-founder of the Berzerkeley Poetry Slam, poets he coached have since won numerous national and regional titles. In 2007, he became the national Head 2 Head Haiku champion, and in 2009 he chaired the Home City Committee of the Individual World Poetry Slam. He has performed and taught in numerous high schools, theaters, universities, bars, and living rooms across North America and Britain. In 2010 he retired from producing poetry events to focus on producing sacred art and teaching Yoga. His poems and artworks have appeared in several publications, most recently Tantra Illuminated by Christopher Wallis (2011). When not writing, painting, or practicing Yoga, he can be found in his garden learning directly from Nature.

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