The long cultural history of Glasgow is being revolutionised by a young generation of slam poets, coming from all over the world to bless the clubs and sweaty basements of the city.This month, a series of dedicated events confirms that this literary love story will not stop. Here is a small selection of dates to keep an eye on if you wish to feed your spiritual side!
Rudy Francisco @ Oran Mor (Sunday 03 June, 7:00pm)
A former statistical analyst who always hid a soft spot for words, Rudy Francisco seems to use his background in psychology to dissect feelings and expose the truth to the audience in a nearly scientific way. As if to quote one of his works, his pain becomes an exhibit, to which the religious setting of Oran Mor gives the appearance of a confession.
As he leaves San Diego for the rainy grounds of Scotland, his last UK date will be a celebration of mothers, love and redemption, mainly taken from his first full-length collection Helium. Enter his world by getting tickets here.
The Art Of Words @ Thistle Gallery, 56 Park Rd (
The Thistle Gallery‘s free exhibition aims to explore the connection between figurative arts and literature, by bringing together Scottish contemporary artists such as Stan Milne, Jilly Henderson, Gillian Sim, Amanda Johnson, Dorte Pape, and Robyn Kinsman Blake. The variety of means employed to convey the message showcases the broad set of experiences, both personal and artistic, that are channelled in the works.
Moreover, the inauguration will be connected with two Macmillan Cancer Support events, with plenty of food and a raffle for an original painting. When charity enters the game, the good feelings do not only come from literature.
New Writings Showcase @ Hunterian Museum (Tuesday 5 June 2018, 6:00pm)
For one night only the museum adjacent to the University of Glasgow turns into a safe space for students from the Creative Writing degree courses hosted on campus. Listen to new talents presenting brand new poems and prose as you walk around the hundreds of manufacts and fossiles that decorate the room, and take in the beauty of art while listening to art (the repetition was really necessary!).
Free tickets are available here.
Seeds of Thought Poetry Night @ Centre for Contemporary Arts (Friday 15 June, 7:30pm)
Between marble columns and glass ceilings, facing a tenement’s facade, the CCA‘s Clubroom is a dark, comfortable space with only 25 seats. Poetry and music interlace in a single open mic night, in which experienced performers are accompanied by newcomers and there are many opportunities to relax before getting on stage and raising your voice. All walks of life and talents are welcome!
Do You Want More Poetry? @ Inn Deep, 445 Great Western Road (2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday of every month)
To celebrate the launch of its homemade craft beer and welcome the few days of sunshine, student favourite Inn Deep now offers an extra day of slam poetry every month, besides the usual two. If you want to escape the noise of the West End or just surround yourself with fellow poetry lovers, the pub is a Kelvinbridge gem.
If you are brave enough, sign up to perform a couple of weeks before the intended day, and show your best poetic shenanigans in front of the most popular open mic night in town.
Words by Lucia Posteraro
