This is the official blog of Northern Arizona slam poet Christopher Fox Graham. Begun in 2002, and transferred to blogspot in 2006, FoxTheBlog has recorded more than 670,000 hits since 2009. This blog cover's Graham's poetry, the Arizona poetry slam community and offers tips for slam poets from sources around the Internet. Read CFG's full biography here. Looking for just that one poem? You know the one ... click here to find it.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Poets Schedule at GumptionFest 4

GumptionFest 4 Poets Schedule

All times are subject to change but probably won't. Be sure to pick up a schedule the day of the performances for any updates. Musicians: Please e-mail gumptionfest@gmail.com if you have any changes or questions about scheduling.

Poets:
  • Sign up with Christopher Fox Graham when you arrive (My hubs will be GFHQ/Art Gallery or the Cabaret Stage). If you don't know what I look like by now, I'm the dude to the right.
  • I won't assign anyone in advance for Saturday or Sunday except GF staff. This is to ensure I have poets present. Find me as soon as you arrive and you want your slot.
  • Poets will fill the space between bands. The timing is based on the bands' schedule. Poet times are approximate.
  • Once you have your slot assignment(s) get to the venue at least 20 minutes before, as some bands may run short or go long.
  • Contact the stage MC when you arrive so he or she knows who you are and that you're present.
  • As soon as the band finishes, the host will announce you. Get up there quick. Plug your events or merchandise.
  • You can preview your poem, banter with the crowd, etc., but just remember that you have limited time.
  • Start performing. The previous band will be breaking down behind you and the next band will be setting up.
  • You are the distraction for the audience, and your mission is to ensure there is no break in the artistic performance, so ignore the distraction and own the stage. When the band is ready, finish your last poem and get off the stage quickly.
  • If you read your three poems and the band is still setting up, you're still the act. Read another. Entertain the crowd until the band is ready.
  • The whole audience may not be paying attention. There's no need to be a jerk about that, but keep in mind that someone in the audience is always listening, so keep going. The audience would rather hear you than watch techs anyway.
  • I will try to match poets with bands to ensure the biggest crowd for you, i.e., introspective poets get solo guitarists or tamer acts while shock-and-awe slam poets will get rowdy crowds.
  • The poetry is uncensored, but the festival is all ages. There is no need to censor yourself, just be aware. You have to deal with angry parents.
  • If you have raunchy poetry with strong language, let me know and I'll book you in a more adult-orientated slot.
  • Merchandise: Sell whatever you can or want but you're responsible. If you want to set up a booth, contact Dave Harvey and Melinda at Creative Flooring, 928-204-5542. A booth is $50.
  • Greenroom at the GumptionFest HQ and Gallery at 2020 Contractors road is open to performers and poets. You can leave your gear here. Donated coffee, food is available for poets and performers in the Greenroom.
  • Open Mic: The open mic is available whenever. Take advantage.

Friday, September 4,

GumptionFest Kick-Off Party at Ken’s Creekside

Band

Poet (Rough. I may see about multiple poets)



~5:50

Maple Dewleaf

6:00

Jay Fout & Keith Martini

~6:50

Maple

7:00

Jake Payne

~7:50

Nika Levikov

8:00

Julia Jordan w/Dinora Walcott

~8:50

Jessica Laurel Reese

9:00

Busker Eaton

~9:50

Mikel Weisser

10:00

Decker & The Doppelgangers

~10:50

Christopher Fox Graham & Nancy MacDonald

11:00

Deepa (Flagstaff)




Saturday, September 5,

GumptionFest 4, Day One

Oak Creek Brewery

MC: Jessica Laurel Reese, Jen Valencia

Band

Poet



~11:50


12:00

Moonstone (Chicky & Tommy)

~1:20


1:30

Decker & The Doppelgangers

~2:50


3:00

Busker Eaton

~4:20

Jen Valencia

4:30

Deepa (Flagstaff)

~5:50


6:00

Clover (Flagstaff)

~7:20


7:30

OptimistiChaos

~8:50


9:00

Yin Yang & Zen Some

~10:20

MC Antranormus and The Canyon Animals

10:30

What Laura Says Thinks & Feels (Tempe)

~11:50

MC Antranormus and The Canyon Animals

12:00

Dry River Yacht Club (Tempe)



GumptionFest Cabaret Tent

MC: Christopher Fox Graham

Band

Poet



~10:50


11:00

Mikel Weisser

~12:20


12:30

Ryan Biter (Flagstaff)

~1:50


2:00

Eric Miller

~3:20


3:30

Jazz Bedouins

~4:50


5:00

Haiku Death Match

6:15

Carrie Kohnya (6:15)

~6:25


6:30

Radio Dogma

~7:50


8:00

Professor Big Swinger



Devi Yoga Outdoor Stage

MC: Walker Marchal

Band

Poet



~12:20


12:30

Julia Jordan w/Dinora Walcott

~1:50


2:00

Jake Allen (San Diego)

~3:20


3:30

Lindsay Dragan (Flagstaff)

~4:50


5:00

Courtney Nicole (San Francisco)

~6:20


6:30

Jake Payne

~7:50


8:00

Skin Deep



Studio Live

MC: Jennifer Reddington, Suzy Schomaker, April Payne

Workshop/Band

Poet

10:00

Beginner Mini-Laughing Yoga Class

10:30

Performance Poetry Workshop w/ Mikel Weisser

12:00

Bellydance Workshop w/Habib

1:00

Technical Vocal Workshop w/ Susannah Martin

2:00

Blues Dawg

~3:20


3:30

Summer Cygal

~4:50


5:00

Ralf Illenberger

~8:40


9:00

Concert w/ Freedom, Jake Allen and Näthan $15 Door

Creative Flooring Open Mic Tent

MC:

12:00

AZ Dunan Ensemble

4:00

Open Mic (Sign Up) Any musician, poet or performer is welcome to perform.




Saturday, September 6,

GumptionFest 4, Day Two

Oak Creek Brewery

MC: Jessica Laurel Reese

Band



Poet





~12:20


12:30

Luminaria (Flagstaff)



~1:50


2:00

Ray Reeves Band (PHX)



~3:20


3:30

Damn Close (Flagstaff)



~4:50


5:00

MOS Funnel (Chicago



~6:20


6:30

The Ominators



~7:50


8:00

GumptionFest Afterparty

Dirty Water Jump Band,

The Devil Whale (Salt Lake City)

David Williams & Glade (Salt Lake City)

Jake Payne



Poets as needed









GumptionFest Cabaret Tent

MC: Christopher Fox Graham, Kathy Perry

Band

Poet



~11:50


12:00

Linda Ayers (30min.)

~12:30


12:45

Mikel Wiesser (30min.)

~1:15


1:30

Kelly Cole w/Kayt Perlman

~2:30


2:45

Habib (2:45)

~2:50


3:00

William Hoshal Quartet

~4:20


4:30

Jason Vargo w/ Eva George

~5:20


5:30

Women Divine, a capella and rhyme,

~5:50


6:00

Sam Cavanaugh

~7:20


7:30

Kenzo



Devi Yoga Outdoor Stage

MC: Walker Marchal

Band

Poet



~11:20


11:30

Stephen Sokola

~12:50


1:00

Two Suns

~2:20


2:30

The Sirens

~3:50


4:00

Larry 4 Life

~5:20


5:30

The Time Bandits (Tucson)

~6:50


7:00

Dave Harvey & Friends

~8:20


8:30

Freedom



Studio Live

MC: Jennifer Reddington, Suzy Schomaker, April Payne

Workshop/Band

Poet

10:00

Beginner Mini-Laughing Yoga Class

10:30

A capella Singing Workshop w/ Wendy Davis

12:00

Writing our way to Happiness” Writing Workshop w/ Martha Entin

1:00

Intro to Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop w/Rick Cyge

2:00

Hank Levine

~3:20


3:30

Connie Fisher

~4:50


5:00

Third Point

~6:20


6:30

Baba Shibambo

Creative Flooring Open Mic Tent

MC:

12:00-6:00

Open Mic (Sign Up) Any musician, poet or performer is welcome to perform.





Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Poets in the Sept 11 Slam: Jessica Laurel Reese

Jessica Laurel Reese was spawned from two artists and grew up in Marin County, California.

Reese began writing poetry at the age of nine and was published in a national anthology at the age of 12. She discovered slam poetry by noticing a sandwich board outside the Starry Plough in Berkeley when she was an art student in Oakland, California.

Reese has slammed in Berkeley, at Jaime DeWolf’s Tourette’s Without Regrets in Oakland, and won the Art Has Power slam recently at Yavapai College.

Reese has found many creative outlets through the years, but writing has always been the cheapest and easiest means of expressing herself. She’s left-handed, loves oysters, and always makes complete stops at stop signs, even when no one else is around.

Reese currently lives in Sedona where she moved in April 2009, and where she has accelerated her passion to write and perform.

Sign up for the Sedona Poetry Slam on Friday, Sept. 11, by e-mail to foxthepoet@yahoo.com.

GumptionFest 4 Schedule

All times are subject to change but probably won't. Be sure to pick up a schedule the day of the performances for any updates.

Musicians: Please e-mail gumptionfest@gmail.com if you have any changes or questions about scheduling.

Poets: Not all poet slots are indicated. Poets will fill the space between bands. Sign up with Christopher Fox Graham when you arrive. Once you have your slot(s) get to the venue at least 20 minutes before, as some bands may run short or go long. Contact the stage MC when you arrive so he or she knows who you are and that you're present. As soon as the band finishes, the host will announce you. Start performing. The previous band will be breaking down behind you and the next band will be setting up. You are the distraction for the audience, and your mission is to ensure there is no break in the artistic performance, so ignore the distraction and own the stage. The audience would rather hear you than watch techs anyway.

Friday, September 4th – 6pm
GumptionFest Kick-Off Party
at Ken’s Creekside


6 - Jay Fout & Keith Martini
*Poet
7 - Jake Payne
*Poet
8 – Julia Jordan w/Dinora Walcott
*Poet
9 - Busker Eaton
*Poet
10 - Decker & The Doppelgangers
*Poet
11 - Deepa (Flagstaff)
…and Christopher Fox Graham hosts Performance Poets Mikel Weisser, Jessica Laurel Reese, Nika Levikov.

Saturday, September 5
Oak Creek Brewery
M.C.’s: Jessica Laurel Reese
12 – Chicky & Tommy
*Poet
1:30 - Decker & The Doppelgangers
*Poet
3 – Busker Eaton
*Poet
4:30 – Deepa (Flagstaff)
*Poet
6 – Clover (Flagstaff)
*Poet
7:30 – OptimistiChaos
*Poet
9 – Yin Yang & Zen Some
*Poet
10:30 – What Laura Says Thinks & Feels (Tempe)
*Poet: MC Antranormos and The Canyon Animals (10pm–Close Between Bands)
12 – Dry River Yacht Club (Tempe)

GumptionFest Cabaret Tent
M.C.’s : Christopher Fox Graham
11 – Mikel Weisser
*Poet
12:30 – Ryan Biter (Flagstaff)
*Poet
2 – Eric Miller
*Poet
3:30 – Jazz Bedouins
* Poet
5 – Haiku Death Match
* Carrie Kohnya (6:15)
6:30 – Radio Dogma
*Poet
8 – Professor Big Swinger

Devi Yoga Outdoor Stage
M.C.’s: Walker Marchal
12:30 – Julia Jordan w/Dinora Walcott
*Poet
2 – Jake Allen (San Diego)
*Poet
3:30 – Lindsay Dragan (Flagstaff)
*Poet
5– Courtney Nicole (San Francisco)
*Poet
6:30 – Jake Payne
*Poet
8 – Skin Deep

Studio Live
10 – Beginner Mini-Laughing Yoga Class
10:30 – Performance Poetry Workshop w/ Mikel Weisser
12 – Bellydance Workshop w/Habib
1 - Technical Vocal Workshop w/ Susannah Martin
*Poet
2 – Blues Dawg
*Poet
3:30 – Summer Cygal
*Poet
5 – Ralf Illenberger
*Poet
9 – Concert w/ Freedom, Jake Allen and Naathan $15 Door

Creative Flooring Open Mic Tent
Noon–4 – AZ Dunan Ensemble
4-8 – Open Mic (Sign Up)
Any musician, poet or performer is welcome to perform. This tent will be in front of the venue among all the vendors.

Sunday, September 6
Oak Creek Brewery
M.C.s: Jessica Laurel Reese
12:30 – Luminaria (Flagstaff)
*Poet
2 – Ray Reeves Band (PHX)
*Poet
3:30 – Damn Close (Flagstaff)
*Poet
5 – MOS Funnel (Chicago)
*Poet
6:30 – The Ominators
8 – GumptionFest After Party
Dirty Water Jump Band?
The Devil Whale (Salt Lake City)
David Williams & Glade (Salt Lake City)
Jake Payne

GumptionFest Cabaret Tent
M.C.’s: Christopher Fox Graham/Kathy Perry
12 – Linda Ayers (30min.)
12:45 - Mikel Wiesser (30min.)
*Poet
1:30 – Kelly Cole w/Kayt Perlman
*Habib (2:45)
3 – William Hoshal Quartet
*Poet
4:30 – Jason Vargo w/ Eva George
* Women Divine-Acapella & Rhyme (5:30)
6 – Sam Cavanaugh
*Poet
7:30 – Kenzo

Devi Yoga Outdoor Stage
M.C.’s: Walker Marchal
11:30 – Stephen Sokola
*Poet
1 – 2 Suns
*Poet
2:30 – The Sirens
*Poet
4 – Larry 4 Life
*Poet
5:30 – The Time Bandits (Tucson)
*Poet
7 – Dave Harvey & Friends
*Poet
8:30 – Freedom

Studio Live
10 – Beginner Mini-Laughing Yoga Class
10:30 – A’Capella Singing Workshop w/ Wendy Davis
12 – “Writing our way to Happiness” Writing Workshop w/ Martha Entin
1 –Intro to Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop w/Rick Cyge
2 – Hank Levine
3:30 – Connie Fisher
5 – 3rd Point
6:30 – Baba Shibambo

Creative Flooring Open Mic Tent
Noon–6pm – Open Mic (Sign Up)
Any musician, poet or performer is welcome to perform. This tent will be in front of the venue among all the vendors.
(From GumptionFest Part Deux in 2007, I just think the image is awesome.)

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Overnight Stay Haiku

Photo by redpolish
She removes her dress
lets it fall like a passport
departs me by dawn

Haiku Death Match at Sedona's GumptionFest IV on Saturday, Sept. 5.

In Spite of Me Haiku

Photo by Janina
I want a lover
who yearns for my arms and lips
despite who I am

Haiku Death Match at Sedona's GumptionFest IV on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Sarah Palin Haiku

McCain picks Palin.
See photo before name.
Really think: Tina Fey?

"Palin," heritage:
Inuit. Verb. Translation:
batshit fucking crazy

Seriously, John?
Palin? Has it been so long
since a landslide loss?

Sarah Palin was
not John McCain's pick, but God's gift
to Tina Fey

McCain picks Palin.
not since Bush/Cheney have we
made such bad choices

Arizona sends
both McCain and Goldwater,
to teach how to fail

The best thing about
Palin ... was Tina Fey on
Saturday Night Live

Bristol's abstinent?
Hindsight is 20/20
now that you're pregnant

Goldwater
Then McCain. Arizona's next
will be 2080

Haiku Death Match at Sedona's GumptionFest IV on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Love Letter Haiku

In your sentences,
in the commas of your prose,
I taste your warm skin
Haiku Death Match at Sedona's GumptionFest IV on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Type, Type, Send

Type, Type, Send

We speak a language of thumbs
communicated into translators of T9
like UN ambassadors
transliterating the codes of our home countries
into global policy
each carrying more weight than
the digital characters they encapsulate

type, type, send
type, type, send

a new message in the inbox
read at 55 miles per hour
or between classes
or minutes before deadline

the poets of this language
are the ones who choose to punctuate
the oft-overlooked colloquialisms
of “R U BIZY 2NIGHT”
into the proper grammatical structure

proper spelling still matters somewhere
AIM has the niche of brevity
with its lowbrow dialect
of “LOL”, “ROTFL” and “OMFG” —
bearing your digital STDs,
keep your emoticons from infecting our thumbs

the debate is as old as English
when Norman French filled manors with "beef" and "veal"
while fallen Cynings tended the cattle and sheep outside
the high class thumb the seven keys for “t-h-r-o-u-g-h”
while the uninspired ignorant masses settle for “t-h-r-u”

if the late Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. — or MLK —
spoke today
the phrase, broadcasted into the phones of the crowd
would be that we are judged
by the content of our communications
type, type, send
type, type, send

our thumbs define us
much to the jealousy of our other eight digits
the exasperated index
the vainglorious bird
the self-important ring
and the naïve, wayward pinkie
that secretly plots and schemes
in hopes that an errant firecracker
or angry car door
will leave it as the sole articulator
the last tool to accuse in courtrooms
or scratch behind one’s ears

but none of the non-opposables
even united like a superhero foursome
can counter the voice of the thumb
they merely hold our phones like beds
while the outcast digit
the extremity intentionally uninvited to parties
articulates in an erotic tryst with keys
like lovers beneath dark sheets
sending our hopes and dreams to phones elsewhere

they, jealous and embittered
lean tightly against the battery
like guests next door in a seedy hotel
wondering what passions
can be seen on the other side
celibates envious that others can love so freely
forever uncertain how T9
rises from foreplay to climax to afterglow
between spent thumbs and their beloved keys