Recap: First-Ever YorkSlam featuring Ritallin

The birth of a new slam series is a special moment. The room buzzes with intensity as showtime approaches. The new host is jittery, unsure of what the night will bring but thrilled about the experience that is about to unfold. Audience members, the majority of whom have never witnessed a slam event before, sit and chat with their neighbours. The music dims, the emcee steps to the mic, and the show begins.

Sheniz Janmohamed is the first monthly slam winner at YorkSlam

Such was the scene this evening at Jake’s on Main in Unionville, where the first-ever YorkSlam took place. Before a packed house, Cytopoetics put on a terrific show. The three open mic poets were from the Writers’ Community of York Region who came to show support, and shared words that whetted the audience’s appetite for more.

Then it was time for the slam, where host Rajie Kabli gave a strong sacrificial performance before the slammers took centre stage. The audience members who had never witnessed slam before were taken on a energized poetic rollercoaster ride many were not expecting, but loved just the same. By the end of the first round of slam, the room was electric and the vibe was Caribbean warm.

Just before the break, feature performer Ritallin gave a stirring performance of his signature piece Music Box to encourage the crowd to stick around for his full set. Very few people left Jake’s before he came back to the mic with a few classics, a newer favourite and a brand new piece the crowd loved.

In the second round, the five slammers brought their best. Moving performances from Sheniz Janmohamed and Miss Kay bookended a stellar round, with strong turns at the mic from Sterling Dilinger, Jubilee and Lara Bozabalian giving the crowd all they could handle. In the end, it was Sheniz who finished on top and accepted first prize in front of an appreciative crowd.

None of the newbies left unconverted — they all pledged to be back for the next show, with more friends in tow.

YorkSlam's proud sponsor

If you missed it, not to fret. The show takes place on the fourth Wednesday of every month, so come to Jake’s on Main on February 22 to catch the Black History Month edition, featuring Toronto poetess Keisha Monique. Showtime is 7:30pm but come early — the room was full tonight and next month promises to attract an even fuller house.

Many thanks to the Markham Arts Council, whose sponsorship has helped Canada’s community of spoken word series grow by one. For more information about YorkSlam, join the Facebook group or email events [at] cytopoetics [dot] ca.