Simple, raw and real is how Tara Lightfoot describes slam poetry.
Her passion for slam poetry is obvious when she speaks about her latest endeavour, the Raw Roar.
She has even reached into her own pockets to fund the first night with friend and co-organiser Zoe Beaumont.
While the pair are happy to use their own funds to start the event they hope funding can be sought in the future.
For the last three months she has been working towards starting up Wagga’s first permanent local fixture for slam poetry.
Anyone over 16 years can take part, some of the themes may be inappropriate for a younger audience.
If there is a lot of interest from youth it is possible an under 16 years slam could be started.
Ms Beaumont believes Wagga is ready to embrace slam.
Currently if people in Wagga want to see or take part in slam they need to travel to either Sydney or Melbourne.
Slam poetry is spoken not written and has a movement and beat about it.
“People can talk in a creative way in a laid back atmosphere,” Ms Beaumont said.
Registration to take part on the night opens at 6 pm. There are 12 to 15 places available on the night.
The slam will then start at 7pm. Participants are welcome to read from paper if they want to although it isn’t typical for slam poetry.
The event is in no way associated with the Australian Poetry Slam which comes to Wagga once a year.
For information on the night check out the Raw-Roar Facebook page.
The first night will be held on April 29 at the Old Empire Tea Rooms on 48 Fitzmaurice Street from 6 pm.
