Poetry in Motion

By Jenny Bunn

Poetry in Motion, a showcase of classic, modern, and original poetry performed by local young poets, will feature several rising stars of the youth poetry community.

The event, held at Asheville Community Theatre, will feature the Slam Asheville Youth Team in their final performance before they travel to Philadelphia to represent Asheville in Brave New Voices, the world’s largest poetry festival.

“These young poets are absolutely astounding,” said Susan Harper, Managing Director of Asheville Community Theatre. “The power of their words and the strength of their performances are remarkable. It is so moving to experience their poetry.”

The Slam Asheville Youth Team consists of Bryan Head, 19, a student at UNCA; Luke Saragus, 17, a student at TC Roberson; Chase Woodsen, 18, a graduate of Asheville High; Colin Miller, 19, a student at UNCA; Shanita Jackson, 17, a student at Hendersonville Early College; and Liam Kelley Black, 16, a student at SILSA.

Traveling with the team, and also performing in Poetry in Motion, are Devin Jones, 16, and Davon Dunbar, 15, both students at SILSA; Brooke Paly, 18, who will be attending Appalachian State in the fall; and Hope Zurval, 18, who will be attending UNC in the fall.

This will be the third year that an Asheville team has traveled to the Brave New Voices festival. Last year, the team placed 6th out of 50 teams, an unusual feat for a team so new to the festival. Asheville is also one of the smallest towns to send a team to the festival.

Poetry in Motion takes place Sunday, July 13, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and are available by calling (828) 254-1320, online at www.ashevilletheatre.org, or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre Box Office, 35 East Walnut St., downtown Asheville.