UW poetry slam packs Husky Den

Hot, blinding spotlights lit a low stage equipped only with microphones in the dim Husky Den last night. Hip-hop music was spun on turn tables as a line of enthusiastic supporters, who had come to attend the HUB's first poetry slam competition, began to form.

Many of those who turned out were fans of slam poetry -- in particular the work of spoken-word artist Saul Williams.

Co-hosts Anthony Rose and David White guided the audience through the evening of artistic expression.

The evening began with Rose and White selecting five random judges from the crowd to score contestants before performances got underway.

The event began with an open mic, when participants from all over Washington State had the chance to showcase their talent.

"It's about finding your inner light," said Danny Sherrard, a Central Washington University student who took the stage during the evening's open-mic session.

After the open-mic line up, Laura Piece Kelley, Seattle's National Slam Poetry Champion, made a guest appearance before awe-inspired onlookers.

"Slam Poetry is important because it is an opportunity to get your voice heard," said Kelley, who has conducted several poetry workshops and lectured to cultural anthropology classes at the UW. "And it's fun," she added.

Then came the most highly anticipated appearance of the evening: Williams, the author of several books of poetry and an accomplished actor, rapper and philosopher. Williams' reputation had preceeded him -- even before he spoke, students in the audience were raving about his talent.

When Williams finally appeared, his influence and voice, speaking for positive social change, resonated from the stage. Gesticulative and expressive, he spoke using both voice and body. As he finished, the audience jumped to its feet in a standing ovation.

Student competition commenced after a brief intermission.

One after another, 14 poets took their turns on stage, competing for an all-expenses paid trip to Missoula, Mont., to perform at the Association of College Unions International Regional 14 inaugural poetry slam competition Feb. 19.

Prevailing themes coursed unpredictably through a broad spectrum: from religion, politics, individuality and freedom to love, sex, war, peace and imagination.

After consideration by judges, cuts were made and seven poets returned for a second round of competition. From the seven, three were selected to deliver a final poem to the judges and crowd.

Junior Randy Shinn was awarded top honors from the judges. Shinn will be representing the UW at the Northwest regional competition for slam poetry in Montana.

"It's a chance to meet others, it's not really about the competition," said Kelley.

White and Rose urged the audience to look into other UW events related to slam poetry.

The success of the competition evidenced itself in the cheering crowd and fervent artists who spoke, impassioned by their own words and the words of their competitors.

"It is important that we as a generation begin to express our ideas, beliefs, and values so we can blossom as a society," said Williams.