If the Dirty Gerund were a circus, this leg of our “Roadshow” would be the all-inclusive package deal sampler, in which our show organizers can bring some all-ages poetry ruckus to your venue.
Expectations: When we throw this party of a show in your space, you can expect an open mic poetry event followed by an iron poet qualifier feature show.
The open mic is for all performer types (musicians, poets, puppeteers, bird callers??), with a sign up sheet open thirty minutes to an hour before the show, for a single 3-4 minute spot to read a poem or perform a song, backed by the talents of our incredible house band. Yes, we even bring the drum kit.
What’s the iron poet business? Similar to a poetry slam, pre-selected poets will come with us to compete in your space and be judged on a scale of 0-10 on their use of a secret ingredient to cook up some fresh poems during the open mic, but, it’s nothing like a slam you’ve been to (no time limits or score rules, no chance to practice, and tell me, how did that poem taste??)
What’s the secret ingredient?? It could be hot sauce, it could be Garfield, it could be any noun adjective or verb, chosen in secret by the venue staff (that’s you!) and shared with our host (Nark), just before the show. We suggest you choose something special to your space, something our poets are challenged to craft verses they may not otherwise be inspired by at our home mic.
Our show – every Monday and if we bring it to your space – is a free show that survives on volunteers and donations, to encourage any and everyone to feel welcome and safe participating regardless of stressors like finances in their life.
Brass Tacks
How we pay people: money in the tip bucket. In between the open mic portion of the show, and the iron poet feature performance, the house band will play a song in which the instructions are in the lyrics: put the money in the bucket, take it out ya pocket and put your money in the bucket. While they play, our bucket boy will dance around the crowd with the bucket to collect tips: $1-2 or any amount is appreciated. We don’t need any money from you/the venue, and we cannot guarantee we will make you/the venue any money by having us. The money from the bucket is distributed directly to the band, the feature performers, tips for the bar, and recouping expenses, in that order.
Respect: It is a privilege and a courageous act to use our open mic, which we take very seriously as something that is respected by performers and audience alike. If someone chooses to abuse that opportunity, they will be unplugged and asked to grow up and go home.
Audience members are asked to show performers respect with their attention, silent cell phones, and asking consent before recording. That said, we highly encourage audience members to snap, clap, hum, or throw out an “OKAY POET!” when something they say really resonates. There is a line between encouraging and distracting, and any audience members becoming a bit too boisterous will be addressed individually. Read the room, ya dig?
Pack in / pack out: Poets are known to run on “poet time” which is like a watch with no arms. If your space has a strict occupancy capacity, quiet hours, setup/tear down time frame, or anything of that nature, please let us know and we will make sure somebody with a real watch keeps everyone in line. The pop-up takes a minimum of two hours and we bring everything but the electricity needed for the microphone.
Advertising: We will promote this event and your partnership in hosting us on our social media and website. If you have any specific logos for posters or any requests, we got you!
The Roadshow has limited availability, and prioritizes all-ages and accessible pop-up opportunities. Reach out via the booking tab!
The Dirty Gerund Poetry Show 