PBQ’s first Slam Bam Thank You Ma’am of 2013 was a huge success! Held on January 24th, everyone met the New Year with vigor. The rules of the Slam are still simple: Write until you win, drink until you win, and when you do win, be aware there is a chance you’ll pull a smoked sausage from the goody bag. Also, no smoking at the bar until Kathy gives Danny the Bartender the secret go-ahead head nod.
[widgetkit id=3812]Although the Painted Bride’s story slam is hosted on a monthly basis, last night was a unique event. The slam was kicked off by Blythe Davenport, Drexel Professor and published poet. Davenport read a series of poems from her collection that will be out later this spring, which was a welcome addition to the usual routine. The added aspect of a scheduled reading before the wild improvisation helped center the group into a writing mindset.
In a historic moment, one round was won by, Jessica Laird, PBQ intern and Drexel student, who became for the first time in PBQ Slam memory, an unchallenged victor.
The night eventually dissolved into merry anarchy when patrons began experimenting with vodka saturated gummy bears. By the fourth and final round, the winner was decided by arm wrestling match, as opposed to the more traditional audience approval. The wrestling competition was loosely organized in order to decide a winner between a freestyle rap and a prose piece titled “I wish I had a tail”. We’re still not entirely sure who won.
The evening was a great mix of literary prowess, booze, and fun. The bar has certainly been set for February!