The Vancouver poetry house presents feature poet, Paradigm.
A native of the Universe, Joann Cathleen Roberts — known as simply “Jo” or by her recent stage alias “Paradigm”– grew up in the Chicago area. A poet/MC, musician, and producer; she discovered a love for playing instruments, such as drums, bass, and guitar at the age of 10 and by 13 was writing her own poetry and songs.
Jo’s focus is the promotion of reflection, growth, healing, and awareness through art. She is known for her laid back, mellow stage presence that is complimented by powerful words and has had featured shows from Japan and Las Vegas, to Chicago, New York City, and Atlanta. Jo has also performed poetry on stage with Reggae artist Pato Banton and has opened for Dr. Cornel West at Everett College in Washington. Her work has been featured on many LGBTQ websites, blog talk radio stations, and promoted by many organizations such as Butch Voices, The Quare Square Collective, and The Spitfire Poetry Group. She is the Savannah Slam champion for years 2013 and 2014, and continues to release a number of albums and poetry books since first taking her art on the road in 2012.
If not gracing the stage Jo is either traveling, hosting poetry workshops, tutoring and teaching Math to middle school students, dwelling in nature, stargazing, and/or volunteering with various clubs and organizations. Her passions include both astronomy and physics, metaphysics, human (r)evolution, and having a positive impact on the world via artistic expression and art therapy. Jo studied Philosophy and Aviation Flight in college, and is a licensed private pilot.
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