Spoken Word and Poetry

February 20, 2019

‘Vagina Monologues’ 2019: Confronting the Taboos

By Cathryn Noel-Veatch

All of this is what makes the “Vagina Monologues” special – the show is there to help, whether by teaching people about the violence in the world or helping others get over the social taboo of saying “vagina.”

February 12, 2019

Poet Tracy K. Smith Emboldens Campbell Hall

By Seamus Morrison

As poet laureate of the U.S., Smith delivers the message that the appreciation of poetry is a great responsibility, one that is on the rise as we collectively face our truths.

April 11, 2018

UCSB Spanish and Portuguese Department Hosts Indigenous Writers Conference

By Stephany Rubio

For the first time at UC Santa Barbara, indigenous writers, poets and scholars gathered for “A Verbal Kaleidoscope,” a conference aiming to challenge how indigenous literature and practices are studied in Western aca...

March 9, 2017

Dope Metaphors Makes a Triumphant Return

By Allie Graydon

This Dope Metaphors showcase, more than any other, felt like a cathartic experience for everyone involved.

February 9, 2017

Poetry of the World Presented at MCC

By Allie Graydon

The poetry presented throughout the night told many different stories. Themes of injustice, entrapment and cultural dissonance were prevalent as the poems expressed the feelings of many people in America.

November 28, 2016

Poet Paul Tran Enlivens Santa Barbara

By William Emmons

“This war is not over, America. This war is not over, America,” Tran repeated as they elaborated on the adversity their mother faced in her efforts to establish a new home.

October 6, 2016

Sunni Patterson Waxes Poetic on Resilient Love

By Maximilian Ochoa, Josh Bevan

Night one of the two-day series brings insight and inspiration through shared experience.

June 1, 2016

Dope Metaphors Gets Real

By Kaitlyn Tang

Warm spotlights, chill vibes and supportive snapping encompassed the UCSB Poets’ Club’s showcase, Dope Metaphors.

May 26, 2016

Rudy Francisco Shares Truth in Poetry

By Zoe Jones

The AΦA/ Poet's Club event was smartly structured; the first hour was a showcase featuring members from the club, and the second hour was slated for Rudy Francisco’s set.

May 2, 2016

Khalil Almustafa Uses his Noodle, his Words

By Maximilian Ochoa

Almustafa's transition between history and spoken word was so smooth that it took a second to realize it, his words melding into art so seamlessly. His style was eclectic, incorporating rap and singing into his pieces, w...

March 3, 2016

Dope Metaphors in the Hub

By Allie Graydon

Amidst the bittersweet aroma of coffee and the jarring red lights that shone through the dark room, Samuel Crane stepped onto the stage with a friendly smile and a confident air. The crowded tables and chattering voices ...

November 27, 2015

Dope Metaphors in the Hub

By Vicky Munro

An event held on a Sunday evening is never going to get a huge turnout, but at a showcase featuring fledgling poets, a smaller crowd is probably a lot easier to face. Dope Metaphors in the Hub was organised by the Poets ...

October 1, 2015

Engineering a Poetry Club

By Jason Chun

What does a poet look like — the beret-topped face half-hidden behind an obscure novel at Starbucks? Or the stuffy, thick-bearded professor in his book-lined study? Frankie Cunningham eludes both of these archetypes. F...

May 28, 2015

‘Catalyst’ Art Fest Draws 900 to Food Co-op

By Devon McNaughton

The Catalyst Contemporary  Literary Arts Magazine curated yet another beautiful music and art fest this Tuesday at the I.V. Food Co-op. Becoming increasingly popular for their joyful celebration of I.V. creativity, past...

May 28, 2015

MCC Hosts Open Mic Night to Honor the Victims of May 23rd

By Margarita Danielyants

If you didn’t stop by Crushcakes on Thursday evening, you definitely missed out on some sweet treats, and I’m not just talking about cupcakes. The MultiCultural Center hosted its quarterly “An Evening of Self-Expre...

May 22, 2015

Poetry & Literature Club Open Heats Up the Collab with Open Mic

By Brianna Guzman

For many, writing is a creative outlet. From singing songs to constructing poetic rhyme schemes to spinning short tales, it’s a source of relief — a type of catharsis. At Thursday’s open mic night, the Literature a...