First year of Poets Express a huge success

PR Log (Press Release) – Jul 13, 2009 – The first ever Poets Express, a new event celebrating performance poetry at Bantry Boy's Club on 11 July, was a resounding success. The night was packed full of performances from poets that came from all over Ireland and the UK, Shaky Dawg and Future Dialogue added an extra dimension, and the winners of Kids Express were able to get up on stage and share their work with the audience.

Shaky Dawg opened the night with a half hour set of their rollicking country-techno beats, and the audience went wild over their unique sound. Poets Express Director and host for the evening, Kylyra, guided the audience through several open mic slots. Rowena Doak (Bantry), Erik Rhodes (Ahakista), Tom Jordan (Cork), Antonionioni (Manchester), Adam Ormes (Bantry) and Kerry and Thomas (Bantry) all took open mic times to share their work. Future Dialogue got up during intermission, and set the tone for the evening break with their acoustic style.The special guests scheduled for the night showed the crowd the full range of what performance poetry can be. Dale Mawhinney from Belfast charmed everyone with his set and many of his original paintings; Tomas O Carthaigh from County Offaly shared some of his work from his books 'Passing By Our Planet' and 'Writings in Rhyme' as well as some new material; AndyN from Manchester moved with ease between simple spoken word, performances with backing music, and collaborative pieces; Scream Blue Murmur from Northern Ireland got the audience chanting and clapping with their dynamic set that they've toured the world with; Andrej Kapor from Dublin gave a charismatic and high energy performance of sophisticated urban poetry; Derek Fanning from County Offaly shared some new limericks and two songs that proved why he's called 'the voice of Birr'; and host Kylyra wound the night up with her highly theatrical and comedic style.

The winners of Kids Express were announced on the night. Siofra Martin, who's work was chosen for Eurochild 2009, gave a presentation of her poetry before the winners were announced. The winner in the 8-12 year old category was 'Across The Water' by Ruby Sullivan. Ruby was present, and gave a performance that proved she's a young poet to keep an eye on. The winner in the 13-17 year old category was 'The Journey' by Erin Barclay. Erin’s mother Jane got up to present the poem for Erin. Both Ruby and Erin received engraved trophies, a Kids Express 2009 winner's certificate, and a surprise gift.

The audience was appreciative of the entire night, and looking forward to future events. Kylyra announced her team would be back next year for another show. Poets Express was made possible by the kind support from JackieBlueWear, McCarthy Sports, Tom Jordan, Planet Mythos Video, Dark World International, and local sponsors from the Bantry area. Visit http://groups.myspace.com/PoetsExpress or e-mail PoetsExpress@darkworld.com.