Catalyst presents: Poets on the Block - live at Block Party 2023

 

A Catalyst showcase!

Featuring: Melanie McKerchar, Ray Shipley, Andy Coyle, Doc Drumheller and Ciaran Fox.

Saturday 25th November, 2pm

The Arts Centre Market

 

 

NZ Poetry Slam national final once again in Ōtautahi/Christchurch

Featuring the 2019 regional champs from around Aotearoa New Zealand including Ōtautahi's own multiple champ, Ray Shipley and 2019 runner-up Melanie McKerchar.

Saturday 23rd November, doors open 7pm
Papa Hou, YMCA
12 Hereford St, Christchurch Central
Tickets: $20 / $15

Christchurch Poetry Slam 2019 - the results!

Pleased as punch to announce the results of the Christchurch Poetry Slam 2019!
 
1st - Ray Shipley
2nd - Melanie McKerchar
3rd - Barrett Robb
 
What a night - with our first ever slam-off for runner-up! Congrats to long-standing Catalyst regular, Mel McKerchar who drew first up in the first round for the THIRD year in a row, edging out fellow Catalyst regular Barrett to the runner-up slot in a nail-biting finish to the night. And of course, ka mau te wehi to multiple ChCh Slam Champ, Ray Shipley for making it back to back Slams. Look out nationals!

NZ Poetry Slam 2018 National Final - in Christchurch!

It's been years in the coming (is that even a thing?) but finally the NZ Poetry Slam is about to have it's grand final in the South Island. Last year's champion Daisy Speaks (Daisy Lavea-Timo) broke the stranglehold of the north on the title of NZ Slam Champion and now she's helping to bring the event itself to Ōtautahi/Christchurch.

Just another milestone in the remarkable renaissance of spoken word in Christchurch and nationally over the last 15 years.

Today's the day, if you're in Christchurch get along to see the best of this year's regional slam champs battle it out on the mic for the national title. Local two-time champion Ray Shipley will lead a three person challenge from Ōtautahi including Barrett Rob and Troy Buckland.

The venue is the pretty much brand new Haeata Community Campus auditorium in Aranui.

Christchurch Poetry Slam 2017 - a new champion!

It was a full house at Space Academy for the 2017 Christchurch Slam. Every seat in the house and a fair few empty kegs pressed into service along with cushions and blankets on the floor as the enthusiastic crowd cheered on a smaller than usual field of poets - not that you'd notice from the intensity.

The audience judges had to use fingers and toes due to a certain MC's forgetfulness but this just added to the hilarity as scores and half-points were demonstrated in a variety of dextrous gestures. Names were drawn out of the teapot of glory by various audience members including former slammers. 2016 ChCh Slam Champ Ray Shipley gave a guest appearance before the final announcments to cap off a pretty thrilling and intense night of poetry.

In the end it came down to three in the final round, all new to the pressure of the final but all saving their best till last. No slam-off required this year after two in the previous two years, the new champ picked up a near perfect score including four 10's to take out the 2017 title. Without further ado:

2017 Christchurch Poetry Slam Champ
Daisy Speaks

Second Place: Isla Martin

Third Place: Josh Watson