UTM’s resident poets took the stage in the UC Gameroom Monday night as Café House’s week of festivities kicked off with a poetry slam.

While the English Department has hosted poetry slams in recent semesters, this was the first time Café House had ever put one on.

Committee member Sheena Hickerson said. “Jared [Powelson, committee chair] and I had to do some research,” she added.

The committee didn't have to look very far for information. Dr. Jeff Miller, assistant professor of English, emceed the event and Dr. Leslie LaChance, also of the English Department, read her own poetry.

Various other professors of English were in attendance. Three categories were available to poets: an un-judged open-mic, a slam competition for original works, and a “cover slam,” where participants could read other poets’ work.

Students in attendance did the judging.

The topics covered in the poems ranged from methamphetamine abuse to drunk driving, war, death and inner-city violence.

Open-mic contestant Brad Hadley, a sophomore from Fairview, said, “I love poetry - I wanted to minor in literature, but I wasn't allowed to have a minor.”

Prizes for the “original slam” were $50 for first place winners, $30 for second, and $20 for third. Winners were Hamilton Ellis, Carin Malone, and Chris Weber, respectively.

Entries in the “cover slam” competition included a spoken-word rendition of Jesse’s Girl, which won second place. The other two winners read selections from Taylor Mali: Danielle Aquiline won first place reading How to Write a Political Poem, and Chris Weber won second for Like Lilly Like Wilson.

For more information about future Cafe House and SAC events, check out the Good Times calendar or call Student Life at 7525.