And a happy June to everyone!

Summer approaches and so does our 24-Hour Summer Slumberfest 2009, the
second annual event I started with David Perez. It was born out of my half-assed December 2007 attempt to read poetry for 24 hours straight. I made it about 18-hours with a huge nap in the middle. Luckily, it lead us to a new idea.

Ten months later, David and I decided to replicate the event, but knew we had to open the mic to anyone that wanted to perform.

24-Hour Summer Slumberfest 2008 was a hit last September. MACLA, also the home of the San Jose Poetry Slam, was the perfect venue for such an endeavor. We had nearly 200 people stop by, and had a parliament of 30+ people most of the time. To take a nap at 3:30am, and to wake up an hour later to see that the crowd laying around you has grown is a sight to behold. It was indescribable fun to have such confirmation for the Slumberfest.

San Jose’s just the right setting for an event of this kind. The people want it–nay–need it and MACLA’s more than happy to pursue just about anything to promote art in all of its forms. It has been a purveyor of art for sometime now, and is the true home of spoken word in Silicon Valley. There is none higher.

Last year David mentioned his interest in bringing more international performers to the Slumberfest, and being a low-cost event, we certainly could not fly people out to attend. It’s quite literally a slumber party with a stage, a few mics, a pile of blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, food (all sorts!) and a couch or two.

But dammit! We live in Silicon Valley! We’re poets and artists who are also tech nerds. There must be something we can do to bring the world to MACLA.

SOLUTION: Skype + projector + wall + camera = INTERNATIONAL SLUMBERFEST!

If you think, “Man, this sounds like fun, but I can’t fly to San Jose, California (although you really should), but I do have a Skype account and I do have a webcam and I do have internet access and I do have poetry or music that is or isn’t mine and I do like the idea of reading it aloud…” Then you’re all set to be a part of the show! Join us from your very own country, province, state, cafe, school, bar
kitchen or bedroom.

We are signing people up for Skyping or those interested in just showing up to perform. Anyone outside of the United States will get priority with time slots. If you’re interested, look up the event listing on Facebook http://tinyurl.com/kpuwej, or comment here with the the general time slot you’re interested in.

Slumberfest 2009 runs from June 5 to June 6 - 6pm Friday to 6pm Saturday.

Slots may be less than 15 minutes, but not more than 15 minutes, depending on demand. The later the better. It will be easier to get a slot at 6am then at 11pm. Pay close attention to the difference in time between your time zone and Pacific Time.
http://www.timeanddate.com/

Examples:

David and I will be working everything out for the rest of this week, and you will get a response with your time slot and explicit Skype instructions by Thursday, June 4 or the morning of June 5.

There will be lots of laying about, aside from David and I hosting and filling in empty slots on the mic. It is recommended that if you bring food or beverage, please bring enough to share.

NO BOOZE OR DRUGS. This is a clean event. We’d love for you to get high on life instead.

24-Hour Summer Slumberfest 2009

MACLA

510 South First Street, Between William and Reed in Dowtown San Jose

Free street parking after 6pm.
Meters in the daytime.

Suggested donation: 5 to 7 bucks.

Original time slotted was 7pm to 7pm, but scheduling forced us an hour ahead. It is 6pm to 6pm.

Various prizes and games for those who volunteer and stay the whole 24-hours.

Get plenty of rest beforehand and be sure to bring plenty of water if you intend to stay up.

We will attempt to webcast the event throughout, but due to issues in the past, we can make no promises. Check back to this blog throughout
the week for more info.
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Word to the nerd.

Originally published at Mike McGee Town. You can comment here or there.

HOME

About to pack for my short flight from Los Angeles to San José. I will be in Silicon Valley for a few days, involving two shows.

Have had an amazing few weeks on the road. A lot of it filled with Derrick Brown, Vancouver, B.C. and Honolulu. Not too shabby.

Derrick and I held a bookparty (”book release” sounds lame, like I’m putting my books back out into the wilderness, which, technically, I am–but no) in Honolulu on May 11, and in Long Beach on May 16. They were both jammed in with sweet nugget-y peeps of all sorts and walks. It was good to see Dante, Lindsey and Bobby who came to the show at {open}, a fantastic book shop run by Shea & Sé.

TANGENT: Totally listening to all of the Arcade Fire I have on my Mac.

My buddy Dante, whom I lived with in San José in 2005, whom also supplied the sweet comicbook sketch of Spherical Man and Feedbag in my book, has also written a nice review of “In Search of Midnight” at craveonline.com. Good articles there. Lots to read. His review ismore a general state of what he thinks of me, which is also good. Says a lot for spoken word.

SUMMER

Derrick Downtown Brown and I are embarking on a Euro Tour together (”European, I’m A Peein’ 2009″) in June-July. I have many dates coming up, and no-dates-on-purpose from July 14 through mid-August. Then I’ll close out August with some Chicago time.

MUST SEE

Saw Star Trek twice this month. Whoa. Dang. Son-of-a-Yes! The best action-adventure I’ve seen in years. Such quality entertainment. When they make prequels to this one in 20 years, people will complain that they don’t compare to the original 2009 version.

SHOWS

(From Slammaster, Kat Dietrich) Ladies and Gentlemen, the time to crown a new hero is upon us.  For months we have watched poets grab awe inspiring victories and ego crushing defeats. Now that the dust has settled, now that the casualties have been cleared, 10 poets remain standing to face off in the ultimate showdown known as the San Jose Grand Slam!   That’s right folks, San Jose Poetry Slam finals are here! This TUESDAY, May 19th, our top scoring poets will come together, battling it out not only to crown our Grand Slam Champion, but also to select San Jose ’s 2009 Slam Team. The team will go on to represent San Jose at the National Poetry Slam in West Palm Beach , Florida . These Poets (selected by you) will go up against teams of poets from 80 other cities across the US and abroad, slugging it out for the title of National Poetry Slam Champions! But that’s not all; the Grand Slam will be hosted by San Jose’s own Mighty Mike McGee!!!   Don’t miss out on this blockbuster poetry event! In fact, bring every one you know!   As always, we will have poets, poetry, and beer (brought to you by our illustrious sponsor, Faultline Brewery)! We look forward to seeing you again.

~Kat Dietrich & Chris Bundy

San Jose Poetry Slam @ MACLA 510 S. 1^st Street San Jose , CA .   7:30 PM Doors Open
8 PM Show Starts (the magic begins!) Tuesday, May 19th $6 at the door

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO SENDING THE TEAM TO NATIONALS!

San José Team Finalists: Clay Courchain, Kat Dietrich, Kristina Roberston, Patrick, Danny D., Dave Perez, Chris Bundy, Kevin Sparks, Jen G, Scorpiana X, Wes Moots

BOOKPARTY!

Want to buy a book from me in person? I will be performing at Barefoot Coffee in Santa Clara (5137 Stevens Creek Blvd. at Lawrence Expwy)

Friday, MAY 22. FREE SHOW. 7:30pm. Books are $15.00. Barefoot Coffee is the deliciousest.

Can’t make it to Barefoot? Well, I just noticed this: http://www.amazon.com/Search-Midnight-McGee-Handbook-Awesome/dp/0982148828 Whoa.

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Word to the nerd.

Originally published at Mike McGee Town. You can comment here or there.

Mike McGee’s Podcast: Episode 14
Theme: Bryce Dumont - “Raincoat”

Originally published at Mike McGee Town. You can comment here or there.

Can you be in Silicon Valley on Monday night? Do you want to make some hang?

You should come to my
33rd Birthday Bon Voyage ExSlamaGanza Party
Monday, January 12, 2009 7:00pm until 11:00pm
MACLA, 510 S. First Street, Downtown San José, CA 95113
(We may move it to another spot later.)

On January 12, 2009, I will turn 33 years old. This number has always been special to me. This is also around the 10 year mark of my affiliation with the San José Poetry Slam.

For the first time ever, my birthday and the slam night coincide. While I have moved to Massachusetts, I am coming home from Worcester to be in San José for this particular night.

I want everyone I love and like to be there, and that’s a handy portion of Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. This is your chance to be a part of a great poetry slam, ring in my new year, and to wish me a fond farewell, as I will take up my first residence in 4 years, now on the East Coast.

I will supply pizza and some drinks. Feel free to bring a dish or party things. If you really want to get me a gift, make it very small, as I will have to pack it in with my luggage. I do like coffee, posters, orange things, and neat, small home items. You are a gift to me, so your presence will be presents enough.

Please do not bring alcohol of any sort. If there is to be any, the slam or I will provide it, possibly for purchase.

If you really want to help, then make a donation to the San José Poetry Slam, and/or bring snacks and food for others to eat. The slam normally charges $6.00 to get in, so I still want them to make some money.

Let’s have a real celebration! True merriment and entertainment.

What we could use are various food dishes. Easy to eat and share, and non-alcoholic beverages.

The San José Poetry Slam is held every 2nd and 4th Monday each month at MACLA’s theater.

The doors open at 7:00pm, and the slam starts at 8:30pm. Feel free to sign up and roast me if you want! I would adore that.

I will be hosting and performing at some point.

510 S. First Street, between William and Reed, in Downtown San José. Free parking after 6:00pm.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=MACLA%2C+510+S.+First+Street&hl=en

This day means so much to me, as does finally moving into my own space, albeit very far away from Silicon Valley. This could be a good reason to come visit, and an even better reason to join my email list, or stay in touch via the internet.

I am in a good place, and seeing you there would make this all so much better. This may be my last slam in San José for some time, so please try to make it out.
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Thirty-third to the nerd.

Originally published at Mike McGee Town. You can comment here or there.

The title of this post is a relative misnomer considering my lack of true post high school education. I “attended” West Valley Junior College and “studied” photography and screenwriting for a semester each, along with some theater and such. I have no clue what I was left with in terms of units. In two solid years of community college, I only recall actually sticking with and passing my screenwriting class.

I rebelled. I despised formal education. It felt like hoops I to jump through, and fat people don’t jump through hopps. I figured, “fuck school…I have a café to sit in front of while I shuffle through menial wage jobs and socialize.”

I learned everything I do now in my “Slacker Years” – 1996 through 2000 was the era responsible for making my lifelong friends, while putting me on track to become a talking poet and see some of the world.

Since high school, I had always followed the notion that anything above a diploma was just hoop-jumping-proof that one could do a lot of work, while staying within the lines. College just seemed like an excuse to force kids to grow up, then collate them into society in a speedy, reasonable fashion.

I certainly wasn’t ready to grow up yet, and I know I will not learn shit if I’m not ready for it. I must be prepared and now I believe I just might be.

Inspired by the hundreds of universities and colleges I’ve performed at in the last five years, I’ve found myself longing to begin a regimented course of learning that could lead me to teaching. Until recently, the idea that I could teach was foreign and far-off. Now, I realize that what I do in front of audiences is not much different from what a proffesor would do in front of a class or lab. I think I couls put a very McGee-tyoe-twist on education, as long as it is a subject I adore and have the mental capacity to really explore with a classroom and beyond.

I love anthropology, sociology, history, English and art. I explore the first three the most. People have recommended that I look into teaching English and so far, the idea is not very appealing. I cannot imagine putting all of my focus on teaching others how to write when I have so much vested in my own works. I would despise myself and my students if I had to focus on guiding them into the writing I want to achieve. Call it sellfish; I call it honest. I have the passion it takes to teach, now I need the credentials. These qualities should help me guide any room of people toward comprehensible learning and a quality of life I appreciate.

A lot of this came out of a heavy autumn depression and then the 2008 election compounded my views. I began to feel that no matter how much I tour (100,000 miles a year), I had no end zone…no finish line. I was touring to tour and meet people. To spread “the” word. As much as I love touring and seeing people and places, I began to question why I wasn’t settling down. Turns out when you set out on a journey with no real direction, you remain direction-less.

Around 2002, I decided I might run for mayor of San José, but I buffered it to the year 2018.I figured by then I’d be wiser and more mature. More focused and organized. Lame. This past election was a key factor in reminding me that I get too irritated with politicians to become one. It occurred to me that I could be a lot more effective locally if I were to teach, question authority, and become member of the checks and balances local politicos need to stay focused. I could always join a city council or local committee. I’d rather stand, teach and learn in front of a classroom of students than beg in front of boardroom of suits.

Admittedly, when it comes to my own education, I feel a little n00b-ish. I am starting all over. Friends who’ve acquired various degrees have pointed me in certain directions, but the path is mine and only I can be content with my choices. I harbor no resentment for getting this late-blooming spark at 32 years old. I am quite confident that if I want a Ph.D, I will get a Ph.D. Luckily, while I may feel a little lost when it comes to my oncoming education, I have a few thousand acquaintances who have opinions and advice I will gladly consider.

Right now, I feel like a degree in sociology makes sense. I thoroughly enjoy debating humanity’s relationships, existence and connections. I feel I can bring a lot to the focus of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. It makes sense that I’ve become a sissy poet over the last ten years. Thanks a lot, Trenchard! Well done, Litvak! You warned me, Aahz, but I never listened. You were right, BB.

I am so glad I do what I do for a living. It’s a good life. Ups and downs…side to side.

In conclusion, I am feeling UC Berkeley and I want to shoot for a bit of English and a lot of Sociology. Berkeley keeps me in the Bay Area/California, they have satellite programs in Silicon Valley and are one of the top schools in my fields interest.

I finally feel like that mature guy I wished I would be back in 1995, the one who said school was lame and didn’t need it. I do not regret the time I missed in school because I was still learning, I just regret the attitude. I know where I want to be and where I want to go. I will always be a poet, I will always perform poetry, and I will tour every chance I get, but I think I just figured out how to settle down and focus.

I’m down for anyones thoughts on all of this. Anyone else thinking of going back to school or in their first year? Tell me your experience.

–––––––––

Word to the nerd.

“Slow down, ‘08, you just got here!”

Originally published at Mike McGee Town. You can comment here or there.

End of Summer Slumber Fest ‘08 is coming your way…tomorrow!

510 S. First Street, Downtown San José, 95113 Between William and Reed. Metered parking. Watch the signs and where you park. Keep track of when you may have to move your vehicle.

David Perez and I will be getting to MACLA in the morning, probably well before 11:00am on Saturday, September 6. We will be setting up snack table, chairs, and the stage area. I will also be setting up a 24-hour webcast once again on BlogTV.com

This is all ages until 11:00pm. From 11:00pm to 6:00am, we ask that you try to become 18+ ASAP, or have a guardian with you who will claim responsibility for you the WHOLE TIME. Make sure you introduce that guardian to David AND myself.

I will post the BlogTV widget to watch the ‘cast right here. You may have to click on it to see it once it’s up.

PRIZES: No one is expected to stay for 24 hours, but David and I will have special prizes for those who do.

SOBRIETY: Be smart! No drugs or booze. Assholes will be asked to leave. Except for the acceptable/legal: e.g.,  cigarettes and coffee. No smoking inside MACLA. There will be a BUTT CAN for your cigarettes. USE IT.

VOLUNTEERS: If you are free and intend to attend this event to help keep things running, please come by any time before noon on Saturday. We will do our best to keep you fed and watered. We will also label you a volunteer so others may turn to you for guidance and direction, in life and thereafter.

PERFORMERS: If you intend to perform, please come by to sign up in person. There is no guarantee that you’ll get the slot you want, but if you are forced to wait for an extended period of time, be sure to let us know you are leaving and when you will return.

SIGN UP: You may call Mike or Dave for a time slot, if you have our numbers. You must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your slot time.

PRESENCE: We ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your time slot.

Everyone gets a 15 minute slot. No one may sign up for more than one slot an hour, unless no one has signed up for the slot after you by the time you begin. (You might have the opportunity to play through the next slot.)

BEHAVIOR: Please bring a good attitude and a fun vibe. Nobody wants to feel awkward or threatened by any assholes or losers. If you aren’t feeling fun or vibe-y, there will be enough of us to surround you with fun vibes.

GAMES: There will be many board and card games available for play throughout the event. Respect should certainly be given to the performer(s) on stage at all times though.

See you there.

Originally published at Mike McGee Town. You can comment here or there.

24-Hour Summer Slumber Fest (at MACLA in downtown San José) has been moved back one week.

The event will now be held on September 6-7 from noon to noon.

Everything else is the same.

You can read about it in my original post here—> http://www.mikemcgee.net/?p=60

For more information, email David at david@maclaarte.org

–––––––––

Word to the nerd.

Originally published at Mike McGee Town. You can comment here or there.

San José Poetry Slam at MACLA

Tonight, June 9, 2008
Doors/Sign up at 7:30pm
$6:00 cover

at MACLA
510 S. FIrst Street
Downtown San Jose 95113
between William and Reed

I will be hosting and the featured poets will be the San José Youth Slam Team.

Want to compete? Bring at least two poems, three of you’re a strategist.

There will be beer and wine available, but most importantly, an opportunity to get into a great poetry groove.

Add the slam on Chris Bundy’s SJ Slam Myspace profile: http://www.myspace.com/sanjoseslam

The San José Poetry Slam is held at MACLA every 2nd Monday of the month.

NEXT SJPS: July 14 & August 11, 2008

Originally published at Posted on MikeMcGee.net. You can comment here or there.

Here’s a video I made the other night. I think it could become a regular thing, along with my audio podcast.

I’ve had a YouTube.com account for a while, but I’m just now getting around to using it.

Originally published at Posted on MikeMcGee.net. You can comment here or there.

On Monday night, at MACLA in downtown San José, California, I hosted the return of the San José Poetry Slam. The co-slammasters at the helm are Kat Dietrich and Chris Bundy, who finally made the move to bring the slam to MACLA (with lots of pressure on my part) after a two-year run at Britannia Arms pub on Santa Clara Street.

The night couldn’t have been any better, with newer local favorite Chris Locksin running the door,  Tristissima at the scorekeeper’s table, and about 50 people ready to slam or witness slam, Silicon Valley Style.

Students Liam and Lorian drove all the way down from Dominican University, which lies well north of San Francisco. Liam took loads of pictures throughout the night for a school project. Max Hare came down from Stanford University and made it all the way to the second round. Turns out there’s a hefty handful of Stanford kids who love performing and slamming, and with his skill on the mic, I imagine he one of their leaders.

The doors opened at 7:30pm and people began signing up right away. With MACLA being an all ages venue, it was heartwarming to see some of my youth poetry students finally get a chance to weigh their words on the same stage with older slam veterans such as Kim Johnson and Anis Mojgani, who performed a subtle, stellar feature between two marvelous rounds of poetry. There were poetry fans of all ages chanting and lauding his verses as he performed the first slam feature of the year - and of this new venue - in the welcoming, darkened, black box theater.

We had a more-than-full sign up list for Round 1, taking on 11 slammers, narrowing the field down to the top 5 for Round 2. It felt like old times for me in a room full of new faces, many of whom drove from Santa Cruz or the East Bay and San Francisco just to be there.  So many in fact, that all five of the 2nd Rounders were from everywhere but San José.

Third place went to Dusty Rose of Berkeley.

Second Place went to Baraka Noel of Berkeley.

First place went to Kevin Holmes of UC-Santa Cruz.

Along with our standard cash prizes, I gave out a mini “We Own The Night” poster for third, and let Baraka and Kevin duke it out over a mini “Superbad” poster and my Young MC tape. The tape ended up making a new home in Berkeley.

At the end of the night, as people helped stack chairs and mingle, Chris Bundy and I celebrated the success of the show. It truly felt like a re-birth. MACLA has been a haven for some of our slam finals and Battles of the Bay, but now it is definitely our home to stay.  We were so happy last night.

In 1998, I began performing shortly before the very first San José Poetry Slam, just two blocks away from MACLA, in what used to be Café Babylon. That was in the fall. Ten years, five slammasters, and four venues later, we’re back on the street we started – First Street. Kind of poetic, really. The venue is perfect for us, and vice versa.

So we’ll be running every 2nd Monday of the month at MACLA. I intend to host through June, and hopefully onward from there. The next SJPS is March 10, 2008. It six bucks at the door. Sign up is at 7:30pm, show at 8:00pm. Come have a great time with us.

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Word to the nerd.

2008: Doing it!

Originally published at Posted on MikeMcGee.net. You can comment here or there.