After my UCF gig in Orlando on July 22, I am staying another day to perform at the Orlando Team Fundraiser, “Showdown in O-Town.” I have never been to a Florida poetry slam. It’s about damn time.

This show sounds like a great time! I am excited!

Here are all of the details for the show sent to me by the one and only Mr. J. Bradley:

Thursday, July 23 at The Cameo Theatre (located in the old Cruises Only building - 1013 E. Colonial Drive), Team Orlando 2009 will face off against three other teams packed with amazing poets in a National Poetry Slam style bout where, after four rounds, one team will win the first ever Showdown in O-Town. Our teams are so far:

Team Orlando 2009: Shawn Welcome, Curtis Meyer, Ronin, MyVerse, Alex Ruiz - the most talented team Orlando will ever throw at the National Poetry Slam thus far. This is an amazing mix of accomplished poets and hungry newcomers who will rock your faces off with their poetic might.

Team Slamazon: Kendra Corrie, Dani O., Veronica Smith, Holly Riggs - this team features both winners of the 2009 Fringe Poetry Smackdown (who both won with 30s), a 2009 Smackdown runner up, and a poetic leviathan emerging from the depths. This team is fierce. They will destroy you with their verse, then wear your skin like a pelt.

Team Payback: Tod Caviness, Trevor Fraiser, Tam Tam the Sandwich Man, Alex Vega - all these poets were part of the Broken Speech Post-Season and they seek vengenance on Team Orlando for denying them from representing the City Beautiful.

Team Pandemonium : Chaz Yorick, Lilly, Michael Sloan, Zachary Kluckman - this team is the ultimate wildcard. We can only speculate the mayhem this mysterious group can cause.

Kicking off the night will be Mighty Mike McGee, the only poet to hold the individual National Poetry Slam and World Poetry Slam titles.

These teams will face Team Orlando at the Showdown in O-Town in an epic bout never seen before in the City Beautiful…until now.

Wanna hear the best part? You can see this National Poetry Slam bout for just $5. $5 to see amazing poetry. $5 to get your face rocked so far off, you can put it on a wall as a trophy to tell your grandchildren about that time poetry rocked your face off on this night. For your $5, you not only get to witness awesome poetry but get your name thrown in the hat for a door prize: a $25 gift card to Urban Think, Orlando’s only independent book store. All proceeds go to Team Orlando 2009.

The Showdown in O-Town is proudly sponsored by Stardust Video & Coffee, our home venue, Park Ave CDs, Seven Sisters Coffee, and Urban Think.

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

HOMIES
So here I am, sitting in Providence, Rhode Island, ready for the GotPoetry Live! open mic to get under way. I am not surprised by how homesick I was for the U.S., Worcester and my house/bed. I was entirely surprised by how jet-lagged I was when I got home. 23 straight hours of flying, then waiting, flying, then waiting, another flight, then a bus, then a commuter rail. Having Tony Brown or Bill MacMillan pick me up at the train station in Worcester is always a good feeling. A sure sign that I am home and can smoke in the car.

I got home on Friday and spent a beautiful weekend trying to not sleep until 18:00. Last night, I fell asleep at 00:30 and woke up at 07:30. I am doing well, however, I am not in the mood to write about the tour just yet. But I am in a very, very writey mood. I have a number of new poems coming out of my huge noggin.

TECH SHIT
I just found a program called bbMetaBlog for BlackBerry bloggers to post from their mobile device. This is also a test. I have been looking for an app that will allow me to post to my WordPress-based site from my BB. If it works, all of MikeMcGee.net, Facebook and Twitter will be automated/accessible from my phone. Work, dammit!

EDIT: I gave up on bbMetaBlog, there’s some sort of miscommunication between my phone and the app, and there is NO clear online help for trouble shooting. It won’t work for me. But alas, I just discovered WordPress’s own BlackBerry blogging beta-ware. Lemme see…

http://blackberry.wordpress.org

If you’re reading this: SUCCESS!
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Word to the nerd.

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

Caught Amtrak yesterday morning from Boston to Newark International Airport. Waited for a few hours for my evening Air India flight. $280 one-way to Frankfurt.

The flight was quite rickety, a bit Greyhound-y in odor and decor, but I anticipated that much. I did not anticipate the complimentary and quite satisfying chicken dinner with steamed veggies. Air India: Not Great… Not Horrible… Cheap Enough To Go Again.

Blazed through German customs and baggage claim to meet my father and step-mother on the outside. Immediately picked up a German pay-as-you-go mobile phone. $10 for the phone. $20 in minutes. Should last throughout the Germany portion of this trip.

Ate lunch with my family at home. Looked up train schedules. Connected by text with Derrick Brown. Smoked too much with my dad. Talked un-enough. Joked around with everyone. Relearned some German history and language. Then ate delicious schnitzel and fried potatoes for dinner.

Must get some sleep in order to meet up with Derrick in Bern, Switzerland tomorrow. Today was restful. I made it here with a hitch, bump or serious delay.

So far, so awesome.

Here’s where we’ll be:

Cafe Kairo
June 11th
9pm
address: cafe kairo, dammweg 43, 3013 bern, switzerland
web: www.cafe-kairo.ch
KO’s Event

June 12th
7PM
(Landsberg Germany, more info to come)
Poetry Dead or Alive Show

June 13th
Theater am Schwanhof: Am Schwanhof 68-72, 35037 Marburg
Door Cover: 6 EURO
Age: 17+
Time: 20.00 o clock (24 hour clock)

June 14
Substanz poetry slam with ko and rayl, munich
Munich SUBSTANZ (Ruppertstr. 28, U3/U6 Poccistr.)

June 14
8PM
studio der schaubuhne
kurfurstendamm 153 10709 berlin
eintritt 13 euro, erm 8 euro
karten 030.890023
www.schabuehne.de

June 17
Poetry Slam Mainz
Venue: KUZ, Dagobertstraße 20b | 55116 Mainz
7:30pm
all ages

June 18
Late Night Special
VENUE: LOMO, Ballplatz 2, Mainz
COVER: 5-7 EUROS
18+
Paul Hoffman’s Show

June 19th
7:00pm
VENUE: Schulterblatt 73, 20357 Hamburg, Germany
18+

June 20th
Word Life
8PM
Cafe Euro, 72 John Street, Sheffield
18+
Cover: £5 on the door
The Waiting Room

June 21
7:30pm
Station Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, (TS16 0BU)
UK
6 euros

June 22nd
AMSTERDAM SHOW
House show (TBA)
all ages
Glastonbury Festival

June 24th-26th
Glastonbury Festival
Worthy Farm, Nr. Pilton, Southwest
Cost: £175 (Festival ticket price)
“Glastonbury Festival is the largest greenfield music and
performing arts festival in the world and a template for all
the festivals that have come after it. The difference is
that Glastonbury has all the best aspects of being at a
Festival in one astonishing bundle.” (Glastonbury Festivals
Website). One of those aspects that sets Glastonbury apart
from other festivals is Poetry&Words. We will be there on
all three days, bringing you some absolutely fantabulous
poets - rappers, comic poets, spoken word artists .. the
weird, the wise and the wonderful … all will be here. Come
along and see us in the Theatre and Circus fields if you
want to be moved, entertained or just find a cool spot to
chill out in for a while!
http://www.myspace.com/glastonburypoetry

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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.

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.

Just performed at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts last night and it was extraordinary. Truly, truly, madly, deeply.

Them kids are so attentive and lovable. By far one of the best high schools I’ve ever performed for. The slightest research on Phillips will lead you to understand why they are so special. They are some of the brightest kids in the country.

I think Phillips has produced three presidents. W went there. So did daddy.

If you are a student from Phillips and attended my show, I adore you, unless you were that small group of kids in the back and to the right (facing the stage) that talked way too much for your own good. Don’t think I didn’t notice you. I put a curse on your toothpaste. May it taste like poo at the worst time… See, gotcha! It’s always the worst time.

But to the rest of you: You are very spectacular in my book. Stay in touch. Especially if you become president.

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Word 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.

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Word to the nerd.

“Slow down, ‘08, you just got here!”

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

I am at home with the MacMillans in Worcester. Man-alive! I love these guys so much. It’s amazing how much bigger Lib is every time I come through! I think he will be taller than me in a couple years. Everyone out grows me – vertically. Whoa. I met him when he was five! I am currently lounging with cats. An 80+ pound clowder of felines.

Went to Bobby Gibbs’s show last night. So good. He puts on one of my favorite open mics. Worcester has one of my favorite scenes and groups of people. Warm, tough and lovers of quality work.

Boston Cantab’s April Ranger was the feature and her work is extraordinary. Had us old slammers laughing and ohh-ing throughout her set. She’s stunning and fun. Funningly sweet.

Oh, Worcester! Were Boston to attack you in an act of war, you’d eventually fall, but only to the numbers, and never before their spouses and mates had dirty, wicked sex with you first. You’re James Coburn. You’re Steve McQueen. You’re that guy laughing at the sermon in church. You’re mint and cherry. You smoke a pipe, holmes. You’re sending your son to college and all he packed for clothes were your original new wave t-shirts and your dad’s slacks and kilt. You’re a neutrino. I like you. Just so you know.
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Tonight: Manchester, New Hampshire’s poetry series at The Bridge Cafe. I love those guys too.
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I miss my Philly and Boise ladies: Jane, Amy, Cheryl, Janelle, Tara, Kristen and Isaac (by default). Isaac = Sexy Fluids.

Jane and Amy of Philly are the best reason to be in Pennsylvania. Cheryl,Janelle, Tara, Kristen and Isaac make up an extraordinary Boise, Idaho scene. You guys are family. I love you all dearly.
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I’m going to be at Central Michigan University next week, near Lansing. If you’re in the area, lemme know.
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Amazing Artist: James Jean –––> http://www.jamesjean.com

(Thanks to reneemarie.vox.com for introducing me to him. Her site is also pretty sweet.)

Here’s a sample of James Jean’s work:

James Jean's "Maze"

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Word to the nerd.

2008: Doing it!

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

I came up with an idea, not sure if I did it independently, but I don’t know of any posting or discussion on it prior to this weekend.

I was hanging out in Chicago with many poetry friends and family and it occurred to me while hanging out with Joel Chmara, Robbie Q and Alvin Lau that I’ve always wanted to perform duets with them. I’ve actually considered preparing duets with many performance poets all over the spoken world.

So the idea is this: Any one writes any number of duets. Make them available online as scripts, with the parts designated for anyone; could be random or specific people in mind. Your part vs. anyone’s part. Any one could memorize the alternate part, then when the primary author gets to town, or the alternate performer is in the same locale as the primary author, they can do the poem anywhere.

The Sweet Nugget

© 2008 Mike McGee

MIKE: I like nuggets.

VOICE 2: I like sweetness.

MIKE: We could join them up to make…

BOTH: SWEET NUGGETS!

I like this idea a lot. Imagine a duet with Roger Bonair-Agard and Paulie Lipman. An ode to awesome things with Ken Arkind and Tony Brown. Patricia Smith and Rob “Ratpack Slim” Sturma rockin’ to childhood. The potential for collaborations are endless. Andrea Gibson and I remarking on love and ladies.

I’m sure somone has done this, but I’m thinking of collecting collaborative duets and posting them on my site.

I think I may post a not-oft-used duet I wrote with Shane Koyczan. That could be fun to do with almost anybody.

I think it could be such a nice addition to a poetry feature if I had a duet or two to do with a poet I have very little access to.

Thoughts?

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Word to the nerd.

2008: Doing it!

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

I will be in Chicago from August 26 through September 2.

During that week, I will be performing on 8/27 with Robbie Q at Vincennes University in Indiana. Then Bradley University on 8/28. I will chill in Chicago for a few days. Robbie just booked me to do a workshop and performance at Young Chicago Authors on September 2. Then we’ll head to Macomb, Illinois for a show at W. Illinois University.

I think this visit may include a trip to the Shannon Maney/Roy Magnuson Household.

So yeah! Chicago!

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Word to the nerd.

2008: Doing it!

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