Mesa Slam

From AZPoetrypedia

Phrase coined for the poets, venues and organizers involved in organizing poetry in the east valley of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Principle organizers have included Bob Nelson, Bill Campana, Patrick Hare, The Klute, Dave Tabor among others. Related to Essenzaslam Poetry Slam, the Anthology Cafe, Chyro Arts Venue, and Queen's Pizzeria.

Style and Form

Mesa Slam, as a style, is characterized as sarcastic or funny poetry, often running at odds with the conventions of the present day slam world. Balancing Mesa Slam poets included Corbet Dean, whose work is often of a more serious nature. Sarcastic laced performances such as Andrew Berger's "'Funky Clown Town"' and The Klute's pointed "'Never Met the Dead Man"' often failed to fall in line with contemporary permances.

Currently Centered

Mesa Slam is currently (April 2010) centered around the slam held at Queens Pizzeria in Mesa, AZ. With Queen's hosting slams since March, 2009, the show has steadily regained audience lost after the move from Essenza Coffeehouse.