Vancouver Poetry House

Art Overhead in Partnership with Downtown Van
2024-07-31 08:00 - 2024-09-30 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Robson Square
Downtown Van in collaboration with the Vancouver Poetry House, is thrilled to launch the summer installation of the “Art Overhead” series!

Downtown Van is kicking of their Art Overhead installation series this year by celebrating Pride month with colourful translucent letters forming an excerpt from SJ Valiquette’s poem “Pride,” which will be casting beautiful shadows on the Robson Square Plaza during the summer months. The installation will be up from July 31st to September 30th, 2024.
Photography Tips

Make sure to visit between 10 AM – 2 PM as the sun will be at its highest point and the reflection of the poem will be in its best form.
If taking a photo from below, the words will be mirrored. Flip the image to get the correct view.

Read the full poem here.

Vancouver Poetry House AGM
2024-08-17 15:00 - 18:00 | Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 West 64th Avenue, Vancouver, Canada
The Vancouver Poetry House Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, August 17, 3pm, at the Historic Joy Kogawa House (1450 West 64th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6P 2N4). A virtual option is available using Zoom
Let us Know You’re attending: Please Register to Attend AGM Below
Everyone is welcome to the AGM but only members will be able to vote.
New members must wait for 30 days before they can vote so you must have become a member on or before July 19th. Renewing members can vote right away. If a member allows their membership to lapse for more than 30 days then they need to wait for 30 days before they can vote.
Forget to Renew? Become a Member or Renew Here
Making a motion at the AGM:
As in past years, we will be using an anonymous virtual ballot system.
Submitting a motion:
To submit a motion in advance email the motion to: admin@vancouverpoetryhouse.com by July 25th 2024.
The AGM may be recorded (in video and audio) solely to create accurate minutes. We will destroy the recording when the minutes are complete.

Venue Accessibility:
This is a masked meeting. Face masks will be provided if you forget to bring yours
This is also hybrid event.
The Historic Joy Kogawa House has 5 steps, if you would prefer to attend in person and have accessibility needs please email: admin@vancouverpoetryhouse.com
Current Board Members
Catherine Lewis
Michelle Ibalio
Parv Sachdeva
Amanda Eagleson
Lucy Yang
Below is a link to the VPH bylaws and policy that describe board composition and AGM guidelines.
VPH By-Laws and Policy Manual

Mentors on the Mic at Word Vancouver
2024-09-28 14:00 - 15:30 | UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC, V5S0G4, Canada
Vancouver Poetry House is excited to sponsor this event as part of Word Vancouver this year!
Poets need teachers, and opportunities to grow. Sometimes mentors are found in a classroom, in a workshop, on stage, in the community. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to give us a chance, or teach us that one important lesson that sets us on our path. This panel invites some of Vancouver’s most engaged Spoken Word Poets who have mentored, taught, and significantly impacted many poets across the country. Moderated by Johnny D Trinh, this panel – including CR Avery, Johnny MacRae, Kiran Kaur, Leslie Stark, and Brandon Wint – promises to be an engaging and powerful gathering that will be filled with diverse poetic performances, and discussion.
When: Saturday, September 28 – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Where: HSBC Hall in UBC Robson Square (located at the bottom of the staircase on the classroom level)
Cost: FREE

MRG Live presents Shane Koyczan at Vogue Theatre
2024-12-05 19:00 - 22:00 | Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
MRG Live presents Shane Koyczan at Vogue Theatre*
Thursday, December 5th
Doors @ 7:00 PM / Show @ 8:00 PM
$29.50 – $34.50 (+fees)
Tickets available here
There are some artists who happen to be in the right place at the right time: that moment when the door is still slightly open and there’s just enough space to sneak through.
Then there are those artists who find themselves standing in front of a closed door, but instead of waiting for it to open they kick it in to go through. In the rise of Spoken Word’s popularity, that open door cannot be discussed without saying the name Shane Koyczan.
In 2010, the world caught a glimpse of Koyczan’s prodigious talent with his presentation at the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. This stand-out performance helped shine a light on this street poet from Vancouver’s downtown east side.
Shane had been an artist, inches away from living on the street, who even in those troubled times was putting out work like To This Day, a video that’s garnered 24 million views and is used worldwide in classrooms as a teaching tool, as well in speech and forensic competitions. His second book, Stickboy, was adapted into an opera by Vancouver Opera. His voice has been sought after by luminaries like George Miller, who worked with Shane on Mad Max: Fury Road. Koyczan also created the piece, Shoulders, which he toured with David Suzuki as part of The Blue Dot Tour, a movement to enshrine environmental rights in the constitution.
A collaborator with artists such as Ani DiFranco, Dan Mangan, Tanya Tagaq, and others, Koyczan has elevated the art form of Spoken Word from its humble beginnings in afterhour cafes to stages both grand and distant. Shane brings an authenticity to his work that connects with audiences, as evidenced by his fiercely honest TED Talk, which highlights the kind of humanity he brings to each performance.
Not just a poet moving on from one subject to the next, Shane weavves his pieces together in a spellbinding narrative that show audiences themes that stretch over our lives. Koyczan continues to trek through the difficult parts of our existence with humour in heart, and a notepad in hand; he scribbles down the whispers inside us and uses laughter as a poultice to press against our wounds.
In 2017 Shane invited us deep into family trauma with the documentary “Shut Up And Say Something”, an emotional trip through his past as he comes to terms with his estranged father. The film went on to win Most Popular Documentary at Vancouver International Film Festival, moving audiences with its bravery and vulnerability.
After a number of critical successes in the book world, Shane chose to depart from convention and carve out his own path as an independent artist. Koyczan launched his own publishing house, Stickboy Press, whose first collection was brought to life by a crowd funding campaign in which 1,688 backers pledged $91,154 to make A Bruise On Light, a Guinness record holder as the most money raised through crowdfunding for a book of poetry.
Shane followed this success by publishing two graphic novels, Silence Is A Song I Know All The Words To and Turn On A Light. It feels safe to say that there seems no territory beyond the reach of Koyczan’s pen or of his heart. An artist whose work has transgressed genres and given breath to a new generation of voices, Shane Koyczan wears the mantle of human and dares others to discover what that means.
A self-motivating machine, Shane also recently released a new collection of poems called The Basement In My Attic, and worked with Theytus Books to publish Inconvenient Skin, a journey into Canada’s own troubled history with residential schools and the treatment of indigenous people.
It feels safe to say that there seems no territory beyond the reach of Koyczan’s pen or of his heart. An artist whose work has transgressed genres and given breath to a new generation of voices, Shane Koyczan wears the mantle of human and dares others to discover what that means
ACCESSIBILITY INFO
Patrons requiring accessible seating should purchase the accessible seating marked on the seat map. Please reach out to accessibility@themrggroup.com for any special arrangements needed at the venue or if you require companion seating.

*Vancouver Poetry House is a promotional partner for this event. Any inquiries about the event should be directed to MRG Live.

Series Registration for 2025 Canadian Individual Poetry Slam
2025-02-01 00:00 - 2025-02-28 23:59 | British Columbia
Register your slam series to submit a representative to compete in the 2025 Canadian Individual Poetry Slam! Registration is open exclusively to series until February 28, 2025.
CIPS 2025 takes place in Vancouver and online from April 16th to 19th. All CIPS events will take place at Chill X Studio (2270 Manitoba St) in Vancouver’s Mt. Pleasant neighbourhood. To register your series: complete this form

If you are an individual poet hoping to compete in CIPS, but your local series qualifier won’t be held until after this date, we recommend that you to register as a Storm Poet to ensure your spot in CIPS is guaranteed. Storm Poet registration will open at 12:00 noon (PST) on March 1, 2025 and will be on a first come, first served basis.
ABOUT SERIES REGISTRATION
The cost to register a series rep is $75. As soon as possible following registration, you will receive an email from the CIPS Tournament Director to confirm that registration has been received, as well as information about how to complete payment.
Your series does NOT need to have selected its representative in order to be registered. Completing the registration process will ensure a spot is held for them. If your series rep is not yet known, we ask that you return to update the form once you have their information.
CIPS FORMAT:
CIPS will return to the original format in 2025:

All participants will perform in two, 2-round preliminary bouts on April 16th and April 17th.
The 10 highest-ranked poets after preliminaries will compete in CIPS Finals on April 19th.
Preliminary bouts will feature up to 12 poets, with random judges giving scores between 0 and 10. Bouts on April 16th will feature 2-minute and 3-minute poems. Bouts on April 17th will feature of 4-minute and 1-minute poems. CIPS Finals on April 19th will feature three rounds of 3-minute poems, with “cut from below” elimination reducing the field between each round.

Full competition information is available here. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the CIPS Tournament Director, Matt Miller, at cips@vancouverpoetryhouse.com.

Poetry Jam #1
2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 West 64th Avenue, Vancouver, Canada
Feb 18, 2025 – UPDATE: Due to Covid exposure at Historic Joy Kogawa House, this event will be ONLINE ONLY.

ABOUT POETRY JAM
“It takes a community to build an artist, whether we resist against it, or are nurtured by it.”
For all poets and folks interested in spoken word poetry. Poetry Jam offers an opportunity for folks to write, edit, rehearse, discuss, and share spoken word poetry. Led by Vancouver Poetry House Artistic Director, and Historic Joy Kogawa House Interim Executive Director, Johnny D Trinh, this series aims to remove the pressure of performance at a slam or open mic, and amplify the space and time needed to explore, be weird, and practice the craft together. Come as a witness to see the action happening, or sign up at the door to share your work and get feedback!
Up to 17 people can attend in person. Spots available for around 5-6 people who want to sign up to share and receive feedback on their poems. Sign up happens at the event.
Date: Thurs, Feb 20th, 2025
Time: Doors: 6:30 | Jam: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Online Only
Cost: $10 suggested (No one turned away for lack of funds)
To join: Register on ZEFFY.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTE:

Unfortunately, Historic Joy Kogawa House is not currently wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for some individuals with mobility-related access needs. Here are some specifications for your consideration:

A low-slope ramp allows access to the front yard
There are 5 steps leading to the front door, each 121.5 cm in width and 8 cm in height
The front door and dining room entry are 85 cm wide
The bathroom entry is 70 cm wide, with 17 cm clearance on each side of the toilet
The house has a range of chairs with arms and without arms
Assistance animals are welcome

Additionally, please note that while this event will not be mask-mandatory, in-person attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks for the safety and comfort of their fellow attendees.
If you have specific questions or concerns about accessibility at Historic Joy Kogawa House, please connect with them using their contact form.
If you have questions or concerns about matters pertaining to the accessibility and inclusivity of Vancouver Poetry House events, please contact the Inclusion Coordinator, Sonya Littlejohn, at inclusion@vancouverpoetryhouse.com.

CIPS Storm Poet Registration
2025-03-01 12:00 - 2025-03-10 23:59 | British Columbia
UPDATE: REMAINING SPOTS ARE FULL. A WAITLIST HAS STARTED.
Register as a Storm Poet for the 2025 Canadian Individual Poetry Slam!!
CIPS takes place from April 16 to April 19, 2025. All competing poets must be available for CIPS Orientation on the morning of April 16th, as well as evening competitions (beginning at 7 PM PST) on April 16, 17 and 19.CIPS is a hybrid competition: poets may choose to compete in-person or online (via Zoom). All in-person events will take place at Chill X Studio (2270 Manitoba St).

ABOUT REGISTRATION

Spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. To secure a spot in CIPS, fill out this registration form.

Once your form response has been received by the CIPS Tournament Director, you will receive an email to confirm your registration status and, if applicable, how to complete payment. The cost to register is $75. Poets on the wait list will be invited to pay registration if or when a spot opens up.

Poets registered in CIPS receive a Verses Festival Pass (which provides discounted registration to for the Beau Sia master class) and free registration in workshops that are exclusive to CIPS poets.

CIPS FORMAT:
CIPS will return to the original format in 2025:

All participants will perform a minimum of 4 poems during two, 2-round preliminary bouts on April 16th and April 17th.

Preliminary bouts will feature up to 12 poets, with randomly selected judges giving scores between 0.0 and 10.0.
Bouts on April 16th will feature 2-minute and 3-minute poems.
Bouts on April 17th will feature of 4-minute and 1-minute poems.

The 10 highest-ranked poets after preliminaries will compete in CIPS Finals on April 19th.

CIPS Finals will feature three rounds of 3-minute poems, with “cut from below” elimination reducing the field between each round from 10 to 7 to 4.
Poets must NOT repeat any material during the competition.

Full details about the competition are available here.

Vancouver Poetry Slam feat. Jillian Christmas
2025-03-10 19:00 - 22:00 | Shamshiri Caveman, 139 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Vancouver Poetry Slam is BACK!
Join us on Monday, March 10th, for our first show in our new home (Shamshiri Caveman (139 Keefer St)) with the fabulous Jillian Christmas as our feature poet. Can’t make it in-person? This event is hybrid, so you can join us online as well!
Doors: 7:00 PM | Sign up: 7:30 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
Entry: $8 Advance | $10-$15 sliding scale at the door (No one turned away for lack of funds
Tickets on ZEFFY OR Register to attend online here
We’ll begin with a short open mic (3 spots), then enjoy a performance from our incredible feature poet, Jillian Christmas!! Following a short break, we SLAM!
ABOUT THE SLAM:
The slam will feature up to 10 poets in the first round. The top four poets make it to the second round AND qualify for the Van Slam Canadian Individual Poetry Slam Qualifier on April 7!!
Both rounds have a 3-minute time limit (with a 10-second grace period). Standard slam rules apply: original work only; no props; no costumes; no musical accompaniment; no animal acts; and no nudity. But remember, as always: The point is NOT the points – the point is the POETRY!
Want to know more about the Vancouver Poetry Slam format and the CIPS qualifying process? Find info here!
ABOUT OUR FEATURE:
Jillian Christmas is an artist, creative facilitator, curator, consultant, and advocate in the arts community. She is the long-time spoken word curator of the Vancouver Writers Fest, and former artistic director of Verses Festival of Words. Utilizing an anti-oppressive lens, Jillian has performed and facilitated workshops across North America and beyond. She is the author of The Gospel of Breaking (Arsenal Pulp Press 2020), and the children’s book, The Magic Shell (Flamingo Rampant Press 2022). In Fall of 2023, Christmas was appointed as the inaugural Poet-in-residence at the Vancouver Art Gallery, where she can often be found daydreaming. She is the current Curatorial Director at Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture. Working and living on the unceded territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam people (Vancouver, BC.)

Imagery and Constraint: Workshop with Brandon Wint (Hybrid Event)
2025-03-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 West 64th Avenue, Vancouver, Canada
Join us for this public workshop as part of the Amplify: Spoken Word Intensive, presented in partnership with Historic Joy Kogawa House!
Where: In-person: Historic Joy Kogawa House | Online: Zoom
When: Wed, March 19 – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cost: $15 (No one turned away for lack of funds: please contact: info@kogawahouse.com to request accommodations.)
DESCRIPTION: A writing workshop about form, image/metaphor and how they evolve to fit within a specific poetic constraint (literary form, device, rhythm, metre, etc.) There will be space for each student to share their work and have it discussed with feedback from Brandon.
ARTIST BIO: Brandon Wint is an Ontario-born poet, spoken word artist, educator and filmmaker based in western Canada. For more than a decade, Brandon has been a sought-after touring performance poet, having shared his work all over Canada, and internationally at festivals and showcases in the United States, Australia, Jamaica, Latvia and Lithuania.
Brandon is ever-grateful for the power of poetry as a spiritual technology and social force. He is devoted to using poetry as a tool for refining his sense of justice, love, and intimacy.
Brandon Wint’s poems and essays have been published in The Ex Puritan, Event Magazine, Arc Poetry Magazine, and Black Writers Matter, among other places. Divine Animal (Write Bloody North, 2020) is his debut collection of poetry. In recent years, his films have screened at DOXA documentary film festival and Reelworld Film Festival and Vancouver International Film Festival Centre.
REGISTER ON ZEFFY
Please Note:
1. The registration page contains a drop down menu listing all public events by date and time, as well as options for In-person or Online ticket purchases. Please ensure you select the correct date and ticket option. If you experience issues or have concerns, please contact info@kogawahouse.com for support.
2. To provide free services to Canadian non-profit organizations, Zeffy automatically adds a 15% donation to your ticket fee. We encourage support for Zeffy, but if you cannot afford the added cost, you can change the donation option to “Other” and enter “0.”
This series is made possible thanks for the support of the Canada Council for the Arts & the BC Arts Council.

ACCESSIBILITY INFO FOR HISTORIC JOY KOGAWA HOUSE:

Historic Joy Kogawa House is not currently wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for some individuals with mobility-related access needs. Here are some specifications for your consideration:

A low-slope ramp allows access to the front yard
There are 5 steps leading to the front door, each 121.5 cm in width and 8 cm in height
The front door and dining room entry are 85 cm wide
The bathroom entry is 70 cm wide, with 17 cm clearance on each side of the toilet
The house has a range of chairs with arms and without arms
Assistance animals are welcome

Additionally, please note that while this event will not be mask-mandatory, in-person attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks for the safety and comfort of their fellow attendees.
If you have specific questions or concerns about accessibility at Historic Joy Kogawa House, please connect with them using their contact form.

Curation of a Set | Artist Talk with Brandon Wint (Hybrid)
2025-03-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 West 64th Avenue, Vancouver, Canada
Join us for this public workshop as part of the Amplify: Spoken Word Intensive, presented in partnership with Historic Joy Kogawa House!
Where: In-person: Historic Joy Kogawa House | Online: Zoom
When: Thu, March 20 – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: $15 (No one turned away for lack of funds: please contact: info@kogawahouse.com to request accommodations.)
DESCRIPTION: Award winning, nationally celebrated poet, Brandon Wint, discusses his process on how to curate a set for a reading. He will offer considerations for different types of stages, readings, and will follow with a Question and Answer period. Facilitated by Johnny D Trinh.
ARTIST BIO: Brandon Wint is an Ontario-born poet, spoken word artist, educator and filmmaker based in western Canada. For more than a decade, Brandon has been a sought-after touring performance poet, having shared his work all over Canada, and internationally at festivals and showcases in the United States, Australia, Jamaica, Latvia and Lithuania.
Brandon is ever-grateful for the power of poetry as a spiritual technology and social force. He is devoted to using poetry as a tool for refining his sense of justice, love, and intimacy.
Brandon Wint’s poems and essays have been published in The Ex Puritan, Event Magazine, Arc Poetry Magazine, and Black Writers Matter, among other places. Divine Animal (Write Bloody North, 2020) is his debut collection of poetry. In recent years, his films have screened at DOXA documentary film festival and Reelworld Film Festival and Vancouver International Film Festival Centre.
REGISTER ON ZEFFY
Please Note:
1. The registration page contains a drop down menu listing all public events by date and time, as well as options for In-person or Online ticket purchases. Please ensure you select the correct date and ticket option. If you experience issues or have concerns, please contact info@kogawahouse.com for support.
2. To provide free services to Canadian non-profit organizations, Zeffy automatically adds a 15% donation to your ticket fee. We encourage support for Zeffy, but if you cannot afford the added cost, you can change the donation option to “Other” and enter “0.”
This series is made possible thanks for the support of the Canada Council for the Arts & the BC Arts Council.

ACCESSIBILITY INFO FOR HISTORIC JOY KOGAWA HOUSE:

Historic Joy Kogawa House is not currently wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for some individuals with mobility-related access needs. Here are some specifications for your consideration:

A low-slope ramp allows access to the front yard
There are 5 steps leading to the front door, each 121.5 cm in width and 8 cm in height
The front door and dining room entry are 85 cm wide
The bathroom entry is 70 cm wide, with 17 cm clearance on each side of the toilet
The house has a range of chairs with arms and without arms
Assistance animals are welcome

Additionally, please note that while this event will not be mask-mandatory, in-person attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks for the safety and comfort of their fellow attendees.
If you have specific questions or concerns about accessibility at Historic Joy Kogawa House, please connect with them using their contact form.

Genre Bending & Community Building: Spoken Word & Speculative Poetry | Workshops with Sheri-D Wilson (In-person)
2025-03-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 West 64th Avenue, Vancouver, Canada
Join us for this public workshop as part of the Amplify: Spoken Word Intensive, presented in partnership with Historic Joy Kogawa House!
Where: In-person Only at Historic Joy Kogawa House
When: Thu, March 20 – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cost: $15 (No one turned away for lack of funds: please contact: info@kogawahouse.com to request accommodations.)
DESCRIPTION: A drop-in workshop led by Sheri-D Wilson regarding genre mixing and community.
ARTIST BIO: Sheri-D Wilson is an award-winning performer and author of fourteen books, four short films, three plays, and four poetry & music albums.
Her work has received many awards and honours, including the Order of Canada, an honorary Doctor of Letters – Honoris Causa from Kwantlen University, Poet Laureate Emeritus of Calgary, the Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry, and the Women of Vision Award.
A strong advocate for social change & community building in 2003 she founded The Calgary Spoken Word Society and remains the Artistic Director today. For 11 years the society produced a very large Spoken Word Festival and sidekick School Program. In 2005 Sheri-D founded The Spoken Word Program at The Banff Centre and was Director/Head Faculty until 2012.
Sheri-D splits her time between Calgary & Vancouver with her dog Willow – where she’s as busy as the water-table-controlling Emblem of Canada.
REGISTER ON ZEFFY
Please Note:
1. The registration page contains a drop down menu listing all public events by date and time, as well as options for In-person or Online ticket purchases. Please ensure you select the correct date and ticket option. If you experience issues or have concerns, please contact info@kogawahouse.com for support.
2. To provide free services to Canadian non-profit organizations, Zeffy automatically adds a 15% donation to your ticket fee. We encourage support for Zeffy, but if you cannot afford the added cost, you can change the donation option to “Other” and enter “0.”
This series is made possible thanks for the support of the Canada Council for the Arts & the BC Arts Council.

ACCESSIBILITY INFO FOR HISTORIC JOY KOGAWA HOUSE:

Historic Joy Kogawa House is not currently wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for some individuals with mobility-related access needs. Here are some specifications for your consideration:

A low-slope ramp allows access to the front yard
There are 5 steps leading to the front door, each 121.5 cm in width and 8 cm in height
The front door and dining room entry are 85 cm wide
The bathroom entry is 70 cm wide, with 17 cm clearance on each side of the toilet
The house has a range of chairs with arms and without arms
Assistance animals are welcome

Additionally, please note that while this event will not be mask-mandatory, in-person attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks for the safety and comfort of their fellow attendees.
If you have specific questions or concerns about accessibility at Historic Joy Kogawa House, please connect with them using their contact form.

Community-Engaged Art | Artist Talk with Johnny D Trinh (Hybrid)
2025-03-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 West 64th Avenue, Vancouver, Canada
Join us for this artist talk as part of the Amplify: Spoken Word Intensive, presented in partnership with Historic Joy Kogawa House!
Where: In-person: at Historic Joy Kogawa House | Online: Zoom
When: Fri, March 21 – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: $15 (No one turned away for lack of funds: please contact: info@kogawahouse.com to request accommodations.)
DESCRIPTION: This talk is for artists of any discipline, interested in community-engaged art, bringing their practices into community spaces, or are new to designing/facilitating workshops. Johnny D Trinh will share examples of community-engaged art from individual artists, to organizations. Trinh will highlight introductory concepts and considerations with engaging in community focusing on concepts of ethics, accountability, and consent. This event will be hybrid with an option to join online.
ARTIST BIO: Johnny D. Trinh is an interdisciplinary artist, award-winning playwright, and spoken word poet based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As the Artistic Director of Vancouver Poetry House and Interim Executive Director of the Historic Joy Kogawa House Society, Trinh is a key figure in Vancouver’s literary community. His leadership focuses on elevating the voices of marginalized communities and creating spaces for spoken word artists to thrive. He integrates spoken word, music, video, movement, theatre, and creative technology to create immersive experiences that reflect the complex, multi-layered realities of our world.
Trinh’s practice is deeply rooted in socially engaged, community-based art, with a pedagogy aimed at fostering empowerment, agency, and compassion. He believes that art has the power to unite and create solidarity, and he continually works toward accountability, integrity, and fostering inclusivity in his practice. A member of the League of Canadian Poets, Trinh holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Studies: Theatre & Creative Technology. His research focuses on auto-ethnographic performance and spoken word as a primary method in community-engaged art.
With several chapbooks and the audio album #undeniable released in 2017, Trinh’s contributions extend beyond performance, fostering the growth of emerging voices in the arts. His work is driven by the belief that it takes a community to build an artist, whether through nurturing or resistance.
REGISTER ON ZEFFY
Please Note:
1. The registration page contains a drop down menu listing all public events by date and time, as well as options for In-person or Online ticket purchases. Please ensure you select the correct date and ticket option. If you experience issues or have concerns, please contact info@kogawahouse.com for support.
2. To provide free services to Canadian non-profit organizations, Zeffy automatically adds a 15% donation to your ticket fee. We encourage support for Zeffy, but if you cannot afford the added cost, you can change the donation option to “Other” and enter “0.”
This series is made possible thanks for the support of the Canada Council for the Arts & the BC Arts Council.

ACCESSIBILITY INFO FOR HISTORIC JOY KOGAWA HOUSE:

Historic Joy Kogawa House is not currently wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for some individuals with mobility-related access needs. Here are some specifications for your consideration:

A low-slope ramp allows access to the front yard
There are 5 steps leading to the front door, each 121.5 cm in width and 8 cm in height
The front door and dining room entry are 85 cm wide
The bathroom entry is 70 cm wide, with 17 cm clearance on each side of the toilet
The house has a range of chairs with arms and without arms
Assistance animals are welcome

Additionally, please note that while this event will not be mask-mandatory, in-person attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks for the safety and comfort of their fellow attendees.
If you have specific questions or concerns about accessibility at Historic Joy Kogawa House, please connect with them using their contact form.

Performance and Voice | Workshop with Johnny D Trinh (In-person)
2025-03-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 West 64th Avenue, Vancouver, Canada
Join us for this public workshop as part of the Amplify: Spoken Word Intensive, presented in partnership with Historic Joy Kogawa House!
Where: In-person Only at Historic Joy Kogawa House
When: Sat, March 22 – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: $15 (No one turned away for lack of funds: please contact: info@kogawahouse.com to request accommodations.)
DESCRIPTION: Johnny is a longtime educator in performance, voice & text. This is a great opportunity for poets to be introduced to tools on activating the body and voice when preparing for a performance.
ARTIST BIO: Johnny D. Trinh is an interdisciplinary artist, award-winning playwright, and spoken word poet based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As the Artistic Director of Vancouver Poetry House and Interim Executive Director of the Historic Joy Kogawa House Society, Trinh is a key figure in Vancouver’s literary community. His leadership focuses on elevating the voices of marginalized communities and creating spaces for spoken word artists to thrive. He integrates spoken word, music, video, movement, theatre, and creative technology to create immersive experiences that reflect the complex, multi-layered realities of our world.
Trinh’s practice is deeply rooted in socially engaged, community-based art, with a pedagogy aimed at fostering empowerment, agency, and compassion. He believes that art has the power to unite and create solidarity, and he continually works toward accountability, integrity, and fostering inclusivity in his practice. A member of the League of Canadian Poets, Trinh holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Studies: Theatre & Creative Technology. His research focuses on auto-ethnographic performance and spoken word as a primary method in community-engaged art.
With several chapbooks and the audio album #undeniable released in 2017, Trinh’s contributions extend beyond performance, fostering the growth of emerging voices in the arts. His work is driven by the belief that it takes a community to build an artist, whether through nurturing or resistance.
REGISTER ON ZEFFY
Please Note:
1. The registration page contains a drop down menu listing all public events by date and time, as well as options for In-person or Online ticket purchases. Please ensure you select the correct date and ticket option. If you experience issues or have concerns, please contact info@kogawahouse.com for support.
2. To provide free services to Canadian non-profit organizations, Zeffy automatically adds a 15% donation to your ticket fee. We encourage support for Zeffy, but if you cannot afford the added cost, you can change the donation option to “Other” and enter “0.”
This series is made possible thanks for the support of the Canada Council for the Arts & the BC Arts Council.

ACCESSIBILITY INFO FOR HISTORIC JOY KOGAWA HOUSE:

Historic Joy Kogawa House is not currently wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for some individuals with mobility-related access needs. Here are some specifications for your consideration:

A low-slope ramp allows access to the front yard
There are 5 steps leading to the front door, each 121.5 cm in width and 8 cm in height
The front door and dining room entry are 85 cm wide
The bathroom entry is 70 cm wide, with 17 cm clearance on each side of the toilet
The house has a range of chairs with arms and without arms
Assistance animals are welcome

Additionally, please note that while this event will not be mask-mandatory, in-person attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks for the safety and comfort of their fellow attendees.
If you have specific questions or concerns about accessibility at Historic Joy Kogawa House, please connect with them using their contact form.

Writing Epic Poetry | Panel Discussion with Sheri-D Wilson & Renée Sarojini Salkikar (In-person)
2025-03-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 West 64th Avenue, Vancouver, Canada
Join us for this panel discussion as part of the Amplify: Spoken Word Intensive, presented in partnership with Historic Joy Kogawa House!
Where: In-person Only at Historic Joy Kogawa House**
When: Sat, March 22 – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $15 (No one turned away for lack of funds: please contact: info@kogawahouse.com to request accommodations.)
**This event will be filmed and available online at a later date.
DESCRIPTION: A must-see panel where Sheri-D Wilson with special guest, Renée Sarojini Saklikar, discuss the evolution of poetry, and the craft of creating epic poems. This panel will offer a Question and Answer talk back, along with reading excerpts, moderated by Johnny D Trinh.
ARTIST BIO: Sheri-D Wilson is an award-winning performer and author of fourteen books, four short films, three plays, and four poetry & music albums.
Her work has received many awards and honours, including the Order of Canada, an honorary Doctor of Letters – Honoris Causa from Kwantlen University, Poet Laureate Emeritus of Calgary, the Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry, and the Women of Vision Award.
A strong advocate for social change & community building in 2003 she founded The Calgary Spoken Word Society and remains the Artistic Director today. For 11 years the society produced a very large Spoken Word Festival and sidekick School Program. In 2005 Sheri-D founded The Spoken Word Program at The Banff Centre and was Director/Head Faculty until 2012.
Sheri-D splits her time between Calgary & Vancouver with her dog Willow – where she’s as busy as the water-table-controlling Emblem of Canada.
REGISTER ON ZEFFY
Please Note:
1. The registration page contains a drop down menu listing all public events by date and time, as well as options for In-person or Online ticket purchases. Please ensure you select the correct date and ticket option. If you experience issues or have concerns, please contact info@kogawahouse.com for support.
2. To provide free services to Canadian non-profit organizations, Zeffy automatically adds a 15% donation to your ticket fee. We encourage support for Zeffy, but if you cannot afford the added cost, you can change the donation option to “Other” and enter “0.”
This series is made possible thanks for the support of the Canada Council for the Arts & the BC Arts Council.

ACCESSIBILITY INFO FOR HISTORIC JOY KOGAWA HOUSE:

Historic Joy Kogawa House is not currently wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for some individuals with mobility-related access needs. Here are some specifications for your consideration:

A low-slope ramp allows access to the front yard
There are 5 steps leading to the front door, each 121.5 cm in width and 8 cm in height
The front door and dining room entry are 85 cm wide
The bathroom entry is 70 cm wide, with 17 cm clearance on each side of the toilet
The house has a range of chairs with arms and without arms
Assistance animals are welcome

Additionally, please note that while this event will not be mask-mandatory, in-person attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks for the safety and comfort of their fellow attendees.
If you have specific questions or concerns about accessibility at Historic Joy Kogawa House, please connect with them using their contact form.

Amplify Intensive Closing Performance | House Concert with Amplify Cohort & C.R. Avery (In-person)
2025-03-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 West 64th Avenue, Vancouver, Canada
Join us for this performance that closes out the Amplify: Spoken Word Intensive, presented in partnership with Historic Joy Kogawa House!
Where: In-person Only at Historic Joy Kogawa House
When: Sat, March 22 – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cost: $15 (No one turned away for lack of funds: please contact: info@kogawahouse.com to request accommodations.)
DESCRIPTION: Come celebrate the finale of the intensive at an intimate house concert featuring beloved Vancouver musicians, artists, conducted by C.R. Avery and featuring collaborations and presentations from the Amplify Cohort.
ARTIST BIO:
what men do with their mouths
Bio for c.r avery
By P. Smith
cue the frenzied combo of molar and spit.
his tongue touches every chroma on its way to blue.
he’s been rinsing with gravel, flossing with wire
and chewing brick again, he’s been a bad, bad boy.
but he is crackerjack conjurer of washboards and
rubber, even suburb girls welcome the twinging. i
want to nibble yesterday’s corona from his chin, rub
my index finger along the surface of his laugh, pull
the maw open to check the slick road of his throat.
there’s something illegal going on down there, the
sweet keening of ancient instruments. the orchestra
is fidgety, click-hipped, steaming inside that skin.
the boy opens the beauteous and, in gut rendering,
words become both otherwise and everything
REGISTER ON ZEFFY
Please Note:
1. The registration page contains a drop down menu listing all public events by date and time, as well as options for In-person or Online ticket purchases. Please ensure you select the correct date and ticket option. If you experience issues or have concerns, please contact info@kogawahouse.com for support.
2. To provide free services to Canadian non-profit organizations, Zeffy automatically adds a 15% donation to your ticket fee. We encourage support for Zeffy, but if you cannot afford the added cost, you can change the donation option to “Other” and enter “0.”
This series is made possible thanks for the support of the Canada Council for the Arts & the BC Arts Council.

ACCESSIBILITY INFO FOR HISTORIC JOY KOGAWA HOUSE:

Historic Joy Kogawa House is not currently wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for some individuals with mobility-related access needs. Here are some specifications for your consideration:

A low-slope ramp allows access to the front yard
There are 5 steps leading to the front door, each 121.5 cm in width and 8 cm in height
The front door and dining room entry are 85 cm wide
The bathroom entry is 70 cm wide, with 17 cm clearance on each side of the toilet
The house has a range of chairs with arms and without arms
Assistance animals are welcome

Additionally, please note that while this event will not be mask-mandatory, in-person attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks for the safety and comfort of their fellow attendees.
If you have specific questions or concerns about accessibility at Historic Joy Kogawa House, please connect with them using their contact form.

Amplify Intensive | WordPlay Youth Workshop with Anjalica Solomon
2025-03-23 16:00 - 17:30 | Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 West 64th Avenue, Vancouver, Canada
Join us for this public workshop as part of the Amplify: Spoken Word Intensive, presented in partnership with Historic Joy Kogawa House!
Where: In-person: Historic Joy Kogawa House
When: Sun, March 23 – 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Cost: $15 (No one turned away for lack of funds: please contact: info@kogawahouse.com to request accommodations.)
DESCRIPTION: Come delve into the mesmerizing realm of spoken word poetry with Anjalica in “What We Remember” workshop. This immersive experience invites participants to explore the artistry and techniques that breathe life into writing impactful spoken word poems based on our own memories. We will also discuss and practice bringing performances to life.
Anjalica, a seasoned poet, lyricist, and performer, will guide you through the intricacies of crafting compelling narratives that are based on the 5 senses, memory and point of view. Together we will explore delivering poetry with authenticity and emotion.
From writing through the body, harnessing the rhythm of language to exploring the nuances of performance, participants will learn to channel their unique voices into resonant, unforgettable spoken word pieces.
This workshop offers a supportive space to refine your skills, experiment with poetic forms, and discover the transformative potential of spoken word poetry! We will be ending with a collective jam session, where participants will be invited to share courageously on the mic.
ARTIST BIO: Anjalica Solomon is a genderfluid Desi singer, songwriter, lyricist, pianist, loop pedalist, poet, spoken word artist, organiser and multi-disciplinary performer based in what is colonially known as Vancouver, BC on the stolen and unsurrendered territories of the Coast Salish, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam Nations.
Their poetic work often seeks to proclaim the possibilities of love and resilience. Anjalica is a poet of startling emotional intellect and candour whose work testifies to a deep faith in beauty, the power of nature, and ultimately, the human capacity to salvage integrity, radiance and joy from moments of struggle. In this way, Anjalica Solomon’s poems and performances offer robust visions of hope, tenacity, and love. Follow @Anjalicrush on Instagram to learn more about upcoming poetry collections, music, short films, experimental fringe productions, virtual workshops. You can listen to their poem/ song When I Use My Voice on all streaming platforms.
REGISTER ON ZEFFY
Please Note:
1. The registration page contains a drop down menu listing all public events by date and time, as well as options for In-person or Online ticket purchases. Please ensure you select the correct date and ticket option. If you experience issues or have concerns, please contact info@kogawahouse.com for support.
2. To provide free services to Canadian non-profit organizations, Zeffy automatically adds a 15% donation to your ticket fee. We encourage support for Zeffy, but if you cannot afford the added cost, you can change the donation option to “Other” and enter “0.”
This series is made possible thanks for the support of the Canada Council for the Arts & the BC Arts Council.

ACCESSIBILITY INFO FOR HISTORIC JOY KOGAWA HOUSE:

Historic Joy Kogawa House is not currently wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for some individuals with mobility-related access needs. Here are some specifications for your consideration:

A low-slope ramp allows access to the front yard
There are 5 steps leading to the front door, each 121.5 cm in width and 8 cm in height
The front door and dining room entry are 85 cm wide
The bathroom entry is 70 cm wide, with 17 cm clearance on each side of the toilet
The house has a range of chairs with arms and without arms
Assistance animals are welcome

Additionally, please note that while this event will not be mask-mandatory, in-person attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks for the safety and comfort of their fellow attendees.
If you have specific questions or concerns about accessibility at Historic Joy Kogawa House, please connect with them using their contact form.

Vancouver Poetry Slam feat. Catherine Lewis
2025-03-24 19:00 - 22:00 | Shamshiri Caveman, 139 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Join us on Monday, March 24th, for another Van Slam at Shamshiri Caveman (139 Keefer St)!
Vancouver Poetry Slam returns for our second of two slams qualifying poets for the April 7th Van Slam Finals!
This will be a 2-round poetry slam. The top 4 poets will qualify for the Van Slam Finals on April 7th where we’ll find out who represents Van Slam in the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam! The event begins with a 3-person open mic, followed by a performance from featured poet, Catherine Lewis. Following a short break, we’ll be back with a 2-round poetry slam!
Doors: 7:00 PM | Sign up: 7:30 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
Entry: $8 Advance | $10-$15 sliding scale at the door (No one turned away for lack of funds)
Purchase advanced tickets here or register to attend online here.

Can’t make it in-person? This event is hybrid, so you can join us online by registering here!
We’ll begin with a short open mic (3 spots), then enjoy a performance from an incredible feature poet, Catherine Lewis! Following a short break, we SLAM!
ABOUT THE SLAM:
The slam will feature up to 10 poets in the first round. The top four poets make it to the second round AND qualify for the Van Slam Canadian Individual Poetry Slam Qualifier on April 7!!
Both rounds have a 3-minute time limit (with a 10-second grace period). Standard slam rules apply: original work only; no props; no costumes; no musical accompaniment; no animal acts; and no nudity. But remember, as always: The point is NOT the points – the point is the POETRY!
Want to know more about the Vancouver Poetry Slam format and the CIPS qualifying process? Find info here!
ABOUT OUR FEATURE:
Born in Hong Kong and raised in Canada, Catherine Lewis (she/her) is a Chinese Canadian writer based on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples, colonially known as Vancouver. Her debut poetry chapbook Zipless (845 Press) is a finalist for two Bisexual Book Awards, and her work has been published in PRISM international, The Fiddlehead, The Humber Literary Review, Pulp Literature, and Plenitude Magazine. She has performed at the Verses Festival of Words, the Poets Corner Reading Series, and Word Vancouver.
A graduate of SFU’s Writer’s Studio Certificate program, she is a two-time Banff Centre Literary Arts alumna. Catherine holds a UBC Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Information Technology, and has worked as a software developer for over two decades.

Van Slam FINALS feat. Neko Smart
2025-04-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Shamshiri Caveman, 139 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Join us on Monday, April 7th, for the 2025 Van Slam FINALS at Shamshiri Caveman (139 Keefer St)!
Come find out who will take the title of 2025 Vancouver Poetry Slam Champion and rep Vancouver at the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam!!
After two intense qualifying slams in March, the top 8 poets compete in a 3-round poetry slam to settle it all. The finalists – Aleda Kasey, Brittney Smaila, Celine, Ian Khoo, Ivanna Samuel, Jay, Jules, and Marlo Browne – will all perform 3-minute and 1-minute poems. The top four highest-scoring poets will move on to a final, winner-take-all round to determine the 2025 champion and CIPS rep!
But that’s not all, as we’ll also enjoy a set of poetry from two-time Van Slam champion Neko Smart!
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
Entry: $8 Advance | $10-$15 sliding scale at the door (No one turned away for lack of funds)
BUY TICKETS
Can’t make it in-person? This event is hybrid, so you can join us online by registering here!
Want to know more about the Vancouver Poetry Slam format and the CIPS qualifying process? Find info here!
ABOUT OUR FEATURE:
Neko Smart is a recent graduate of UBC’s BFA Creative Writing program. As 2020 Victoria City Youth Poet Laureate, they emphasised the importance of cultivating open dialogue about mental health in order to reduce stigma and increase safety, particularly for youth. They carry this value with them in all their artistic and leadership endeavours: as a member of the organising committee for the 2020/2021 Victorious Voices youth arts festival, as a member of the Wordplay poetry workshop facilitation roster, and as former slam coordinator for the UBC Slam Poetry Club. They were a finalist in the 2023 and 2024 Canadian Individual Poetry Slams as the Vancouver rep.

Verses 2025 Festival Pass ($50)
2025-04-10 08:00 - 2025-04-19 23:00 | Chill-X Studio, 2270 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, Canada
Verses Festival of Words

Celebrate the transformative power of language at Verses Festival of Words

About Verses Festival of Words
Canada’s largest alternative literary arts festival, Verses Festival of Words offers up dynamic programming celebrating a broad definition of literary arts, including spoken word poetry, storytelling, page-based poetry, singer-songwriters, improvisers, and more. Come be swept away in a wave of word-bending wonder, where activism and art take centre stage. Experience the transformative power of words, written, spoken, and sung.
2025 Verses Festival of Words: April 10-19

Buy a Verses Festival Pass here ($50): https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/verses-festival-of-words–2025

Spoken Word Jamboree
2025-04-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Private: Vancouver Film School – Cordova, 151 Cordova St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Gathered Hullabaloo teams introduce themselves with zany, hilarious and/or awkward 1-minute poems, then enjoy a showcase from festival alumni!
Join us to meet the teams and witness some poetic magic from former Hullabaloo participants, Angelic Goldsky and more!
Thu, April 10 at Vancouver Film School (151 W Cordova)
Doors: 6:00 PM | Start: 6:30 PM
FREE
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Angelic Goldsky

Hullabaloo All Star Showcase
2025-04-11 12:30 - 14:00 | Private: Vancouver Film School – Cordova, 151 Cordova St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
King Kimbit, Spin El Poeta and Jozy dazzle and delight in a showcase of super powered spoken word!
On a workshop-style stage, the Hullabaloo All Stars present poems in conversation for an energetic and attentive audience!
Friday, April 11th, at Vancouver Film School (151 W Cordova)
Doors: 12:00 PM | Start: 12:30 PM
$10
BUY TICKETS
Or purchase a Verses Festival Pass here!

FEATURED ARTISTS:
King Kimbit
SPIN El Poeta
Jozy

Hullabaloo Prelim Slams: Round 1
2025-04-11 18:30 - 22:00 | Private: Vancouver Film School – Cordova, 151 Cordova St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
All Hullabaloo teams in Hullabaloo perform a mix of individual and group performances in poetry slam competitions!
Poetry presented with gusto and the enthusiastic support of all attending teams. Teams competing in Hullabaloo represent schools from Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Delta, Chilliwack and Victoria.
Friday, April 11th, at Vancouver Film School (151 W Cordova)
Doors: 6:00 PM | Start: 6:30 PM
FREE

Adventures in Poetryland - YOUTH WORKSHOPS
2025-04-12 10:00 - 12:00 | The Post at 750, 750 Hamilton St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5B 0E9, Canada
Hullabaloo’s All Star poets offer up four 50-minute “mini masterclass” workshops for youth aged 13 to 18!
Participating youth can sign up for two out of four mini master classes (50-minute workshops) offered by King Kimbit, Spin El Poeta, Jozy & TBC.
Sat, April 12 at The Post at 750 (750 Hamilton)
Doors: 9:45 AM | Start: 10:00 AM
FREE for youth aged 13 to 18 | Space is limited!!

IMPORTANT:

Advanced registration required.
Registration opens to the public on April 4, 2025.
To find out more or receive a registration link, contact the Youth Coordinator.

WORKSHOP FACILITATORS:
King Kimbit
SPIN El Poeta
Jozy

Hullabaloo Prelim Slams Round 2!
2025-04-12 13:30 - 17:30 | The Post at 750, 750 Hamilton St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5B 0E9, Canada
All Hullabaloo teams in Hullabaloo perform a mix of individual and group performances in poetry slam competitions!
Poetry presented with gusto and the enthusiastic support of all attending teams. Teams competing in Hullabaloo represent schools from Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Delta, Chilliwack and Victoria. At the end of the last set of slams, we will announce which four teams qualified for FINALS!
Sat, April 12th, at The Post at 750 (750 Hamilton St)
Doors: 1:00 PM | Start: 1:30 PM
FREE (Please RSVP)

Hullabaloo FINALS feat. Donna-Michelle St. Bernard
2025-04-12 19:30 - 22:00 | The Post at 750, 750 Hamilton St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5B 0E9, Canada
The top four teams compete in one last slam to crown the 2025 champion!
Following the presentation of the Zaccheus Jackson Spirit of the Slam Award and a performance from an incredible headlining artist, Donna-Michelle St. Bernard, the four competing teams throw down in a final slam to determine the Hullabaloo champion and recipient of the Poe A Tree Trophy! Or mannequin… the trophy is definitely a mannequin… IT’S HULLABALOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Sat, April 12th, at The Post at 750 (750 Hamilton St)
Doors: 7:00 PM | Start: 7:30 PM
FREE (Please RSVP)

Oral Traditions
2025-04-14 19:00 - 22:00 | Chill-X Studio, 2270 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, Canada
One of the festival flagship events, “Oral Traditions” is an evening that amplifies diverse voices with a focus on oral traditions.
For 2025, led by Sonya Littlejohn, Oral Traditions will be a collaborative showcase with partners: Native Hip Hop Society, Wordsmiths, and Soul Stories. This event will celebrate Indigenous, Black, Poets of Colour from across the region. This year, Oral Traditions is a collaborative showcase of artists including Derek Edenshaw, Ant Loc (Savage Family), Franz Seachel, Imbali Blooming, Gabriel Teodoros, Christie Lee, Kinfolk Nation, fanny kearse, Ivanna Samuel, Marlo Browne, and Brandon Wint.
Monday, April 14th, at Chill X Studio (2270 Manitoba St)
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
$10 Advance | $15 at the door (no one turned away for lack of funds)
BUY TICKETS
Or see everything when you buy a Verses Festival Pass here

Write Bloody North Presents: The Launch of The ONEIRONAUT ∅2
2025-04-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Chill-X Studio, 2270 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, Canada
Poet Sheri-D Wilson launches the next volume of her epic work, The ONEIRONAUT ∅2
Come Celebrate as we launch the 2nd volume in a three-book one-story fantasy trilogy written in the beguiling words of poet Sheri-D Wilson. Sheri-D will be joined by friends: C.R. Avery, Billeh Nickerson, & Anjalica Solomon.
Tuesday, April 15th, at Chill X Studio (2270 Manitoba St)
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
$10 Advance | $15 at the door (no one turned away for lack of funds)
BUY TICKETS

Or see everything when you buy a Verses Festival Pass here!

From Text to Performance with Donna Michelle St. Bernard
2025-04-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Chill-X Studio, 2270 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, Canada
Location: Chill-X Studio
Time: 3:00 pm

This session is formatted as a talk and facilitated dialogue where Governor General Award winning artist, Donna-Michelle St. Bernard will share knowledge on bridging disciplines of poetry, emcee, writing poetry, writing for theatre, and developing that work into performance. DM will impart knowledge on the various roles and collaborators that one may come across in the development process, and engage with participants to discuss/explore their work.

Link for tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/from-text-to-performance-with-donna-michelle-st-bernard

Canadian Individual Poetry Slam Preliminaries Round 1
2025-04-16 19:30 - 22:30 | Chill-X Studio, 2270 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, Canada
The first round of competition features back-to-back slams as 24 of the best poets across Canada begin the tournament that will determine the 2025 Canadian Poetry Slam Champion!
During Round 1, competing poets will perform 2-minute and 3-minute poems. This event will also stream live on the POETV YouTube channel.
Wednesday, April 17th, at Chill X Studio (2270 Manitoba St)
Doors: 6:30 PM | Bout 1: 7:30 PM | Bout 2: 9:00 PM
$10 Advance | $15 at the door (no one turned away for lack of funds)
BUY TICKETS
Or see everything when you buy a Verses Festival Pass here!

Community Engaged Art & Spoken Word with Johnny D Trinh
2025-04-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Chill-X Studio, 2270 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, Canada
Location: Chill-X Studio
Time: 1:00 pm

This presentation is perfect for any artist or arts organization that is looking to produce community-engaged art projects. Johnny D Trinh, Vancouver Poetry House | Executive Artistic Director, Historic Joy Kogawa House | Interim Executive Director, Stage to Page Performance Society | Founding Artistic Producer, will present case studies of several different forms of Community-Engaged Art projects from organizations across Metro-Vancouver.

Take aways from this workshop include:

Best practices and accountabilities that all community-engaged art practitioners should consider during their process
Ethical questions that stakeholders should ask before, during, and after over the course of a project’s life
Some criticisms, and resources both academic and applied that will support the professional development of a community-engaged artist
Real time case studies that will showcase a range of historical and contemporary projects reflecting the current arts landscape

The workshop is grounded in principles of consent, inclusion, and equity- through a lens of autoethnography.

Find tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/b0020170-0033-4db1-8226-1308458c9ada
