Global Poetry Icon to Make Rare Appearance in Albuquerque

Online, January 10, 2011 (Newswire.com) - With a decade of global performances and numerous awards to his name, Buddy Wakefield is something of a phenomenon in the literary world. For an artist who has been everything from a busker in Amsterdam to a lumberjack in Norway, Wakefield's success in the world of performance poetry is nothing short of inspiring. A two time Individual World Poetry Slam champion, Wakefield has appeared on NPR, the BBC, HBO's Def Poetry Jam and was recently signed t recording artists Ani DiFranco's Righteous Babe Records.

Wakefield's dynamic blend of energetic writing and a performace reputation infused with passion and raw, naked truth is well known around the globe. Having appeared with nearly every notable performance poet in the world, as well as many of academia's icons, his work was translated into Dutch for the International Poetry Festival in Rotterdam, Netherlands where he successfully defended his title. He has gone n to appear everywhere from the Oran More in Scotland to San Quentin.

This January Albuquerque will be the latest city to play host to this iconic poet as the city's newest poetry co-operative Speak Easy Tangents presents a one night only event at the Kosmos, itself a fiery new star in the local arts community. As home of the notorious Church of Beethoven and the inspired insanity of the variety show Tourettes Without Regrets, Kosmos is a fitting setting for this event. With a growing reputation for producing beautiful, high-end events through a blending of poetry and music, it is only fitting that this show should include local musicians, artists and a few of the city's own nationally lauded poets.

Zachary Kluckman, the producer of the show, has a specific goal in mind with this event. In 2010 Albuquerque's youth slam team Unidos came in third in the world in the national youth poetry slam and had the distinction of appearing on HBO's Brave New Voices. As Kluckman says, "We have an amazing show lined up with some of my favorite performers and artists in the city coming together in a display that is sure to ring the heavens like a bell. Perhaps my strongest hope with this show is that this new generation of young writers raising their heads and singing out over the masses will have a chance to witness some of performance poetry's most powerful voices and ask Buddy the questions about craft and experience that will help them grow in their own art.."

During the show at Kosmos, two local artists will produce new works, to be auctioned afterwards. The event opens with live music and three of the Duke City's most respected poets setting the stage for Wakefield to deliver his signature humor, wit and heart-felt truths. Afterwards there will be an intimate question and answer session designed especially for young writers to have access to one of the world's top performers. For details and ticketing information, contact Zachary Kluckmanat [email protected] or by phone at 505-712-1475. Tickets are available now and cost $7 in advance or $10 at the door on the night of the event. The event runs from 7 - 9 pm on Monday, January 24th at the Kosmos, located at 1715 5th St. NW. Visit www.buddywakefield.com for more on the artist.