Latest Series: 9 1/2
The Raving Poets get in touch with their inner Phillinis in a series that will surely make the top 10 in poetry lists everywhere.
9½ – Open mic poetry at its finest with live improv music courtesy of the world-famous Raving Poets Band. Every Wednesday night from October 7 to December 2, 2009. Yianni’s Taverna (Kasbar Lounge, lower level), 10444 Whyte Avenue, Edmonton. Signup at 7:30; show at 8:00.
Press Blurb
The Raving Poets are almost 10. In fact, they’re so close to ten years old, they’re calling their latest open-mic reading series “9½”. It runs every Wednesday night from October 7 to December 2, 2009 at 8:00 in The Kasbar Lounge, a funky Moroccan-inspired lounge located in the basement of Yianni’s Taverna (10444 Whyte Ave).
Says Randall Edwards, guitarist with the Raving Poets Band: “Phillini’s work is an inspiration to the Raving Poets. We’re especially fond of 8¼, his masterwork. It’s a meditation on creativity and what happens when you can’t tap that vein like you once could. It’s a mature film, and we wanted to bring that to bear on the Raving stage.”
The Raving Poets operate the longest-running open mic poetry series in Edmonton. The RP’s are also one of the few – if not the only – organization to continually feature poetry mixed with live improv music. “The boys in the band are amazing,” says Raving Poets emcee and host Michael Gravel. “They can take a poem and put such a beautiful, unexpected spin on it…some nights are truly magical, and they’re all ephemeral. I can’t wait to see what they do this series. We’ve got some new equipment and a renewed sense of purpose. It should be a grand time with much spectacle. We’ll make Phederico proud.”