Battle of the bards

At a loss for words right now? Well, you’re in luck. This Sat., Nov. 9, dozens of local poets will be filling the intellectual and literary void as they face off (as much as poets can) in Durango’s first Poetry Contest at 7 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center.

This idea for the event was hatched a little over a month ago with a call to the community for poetry submissions. A panel of local judges reviewed the submissions and selected 24 poems as finalists for the Nov. 9 contest. Those poets will read their works in front of a live audience while vying for the bragging rights (as much as poets brag) to being crowned Durango’s first poetry champion. (Or something like that.)

The judges will score contestants on their overall performance based on standard Spoken Word Poetry Contest Guidelines, which apparently is a thing. Judges include:

• Burt Baldwin – Regular contributor to this fine paper, published author and poet, longtime educator in the Ignacio School District as well as Fort Lewis College. He is a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education.

• Esther Belin - Durango’s First Poet Laureate, she is a citizen of the Navajo Nation, author, artist, educator, mentor and faculty member at Fort Lewis College.

• Spenser Snarr - Adult Services Supervisor at the Durango Public Library, poet and co-chair of The Hive’s poetry and writing program, “Word Honey.”

• Lisa Taylor - Multi-published, multi-award-winning poet/author, mentor, counselor and educator for more than 20 years.

To up the ante, Durango merchants have provided a trove of prizes for the top winners including a new fishing kayak, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge train tickets, winters sleigh ride, Yamaha amplifier and more. 

Who are the contestants? Show up and find out – chances are you’ll recognize a neighbor or co-worker. 

 Ticket proceeds go to the two nonprofit co-sponsors of the event: The Durango Arts Center and The Art Guild of Create. The contest begins at 7 p.m. sharp and doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $15 for the general public or $10 for students and can be purchased at the DAC box office or durangoarts.org. Seating is limited.