Slammed with competition at Sins poetry night

by Steven Cleves

Local artists perform during open mic. Everyone was welcome to participate in the open mic, but only students were allowed to enter the contest.

by Brandon Cadotte

Vanguard Staff Writer

September 27, 2010 —

The Cardinal Sins poetry slam stirred emotions Friday night.

A variety of people and poetry was experienced at the Magic Bean Café in Saginaw Township.

Brett Tafel recited rap songs about hardships while a few others evoked tears as they examined the loss of their children. Some, such as nursing freshman Brianna Holden’s poem, were about sex or ‘sexy minds.’

Dan Schell, creative writing junior, took home the grand prize again this semester, as he did in the winter. Along with his money earnings, his poem will be published in the Fall 2010 issue of the art and literature magazine.

Schell said he was humbled to have won because the competition was fierce. Second place and a cash prize went to creative writing/professional technical writing senior Josh Crummer, who won the slam last Fall.

One new poet placed in the competition. Brianna Holden, nursing freshman, said she didn’t just make a few dollars by placing in third. She developed a new passion.

“[It was my] first time reading in front of others,” she said. “[I have] a new love for reading to audiences.”

She wasn’t the only one.

Ray Deeren, history/creative writing senior, said he participated to support editor-in-chief, Kirsten McIlvenna.

“[I am] definitely going to do it again,” he said.

Deeren said it was a very welcoming experience, and he was able to see a different side of poetry.

“Written and read are totally different,” he said.

This isn’t the only competition that the Sins staff will hold this year.

McIlvenna said she plans to propose a competition for students interested in designing an original cover for Fall 2010 and Winter 2011. She plans to award $100 to the winner, as well as give recognition in both issues.

McIlvenna said the staff, which is larger this year, helps when trying to be innovative and critical, which will prove helpful when the submissions pour in.

“[We’re] hoping to grow more, and improve the quality of the publication,” she said.

The staff anticipates a larger quantity of submissions than previous years, since they have made it easier to submit, said McIlvenna.

Before, it was required that work be put on a CD and dropped off at the library. Now, the staff is accepting digital submissions exclusively via e-mail.

McIlvenna estimated that the staff has already received more than 30 submissions, and will be accepting until 11 p.m. tonight (Monday, Sept. 27).

Applicants can e-mail their submissions to cardinalsins@svsu.edu or visit the website at www.svsu.edu/ cardinalsins for more information on submission deadlines and contests.

FONTE: Valley Vanguard

http://www.svsu.edu/