Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay (Photo by Joseph Forman. Hair and makeup by Ashley Vongsouvanh)

Minnesota based Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay became the first writer to receive the Alfred C. Carey Prize in Spoken Word Poetry, August 1, 2010, in recognition of her poem, “When Everything Was Everything.”

Brandon Lacy Campos, a writer and community activist, established the Prize in Spoken Word Poetry to honor the memory of his late grandfather, Alfred Charles Carey, described as a “hard working construction worker and family man from Northern Minnesota, who raised a family of eight, including three children not biologically his own.

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For the very first time in 30 years, leading Lao American poets, playwrights, rock stars and filmmakers from across the country will gather July 14, 2010 at the historic Loft Literary Center for a one-night-only reading and performance of art, culture, memories and dreams. Seats are limited, but there will be free refreshments and door prizes. This event is free to the public and starts from 7pm to 9pm at 1011 Washington Ave. S, Minneapolis.

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Saymoukda Vongsay

Minnesota writer Saymoukda Vongsay is organizing Operation Gynocracy: A 1 Night Stand With 12 Women on July 28, 7:00 p.m. at the Black Dog Cafe on 308 Prince Street in Lowertown Saint Paul. Curated with Hmong American writer May Lee-Yang and featuring DJ Kool Akiem on the 1s and 2s, “Nothing is sacred, politically correct, or too sensitive to touch as twelve women will let the kitty out of the bag through poetry, prose, song, and laughter,” according to Vongsay.

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Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai performing one of her new poems, “Kindness Over Genius”, after receiving the 2010 Outstanding Asian American Alumni Award from her alma mater – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on May 3, 2010. (Contributed photo)

Urbana, IL (May 4, 2010) – Nationally renowned spoken word artist and advocate Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai was presented with the 2010 Outstanding Asian American Alumni Award from her alma mater – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on May 3, 2010. Tsai, a 2000 honors graduate in Urban Planning and Comparative Literature, received the award and also performed the spoken word poetry that has made her famous, including “Weapons Of Mass Creation” and “Kindness Over Genius.”

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Shades of Yellow, a non-profit organization located in St Paul, MN that serves the Hmong LGBTQ community for Social Justice, will showcase its talent from the community and allies at the Twin Cities Pride Festival, June 26-27, 2010 at Loring Park, 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

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Lao American writers and artists from around the nation will gather for the first Lao American Writers Summit the weekend of August 13-15, 2010 at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. There event will host panel discussions, workshops, a resources fair, and author readings. It will be an opprtunity to get a perspective on the voice of this talented and emerging community. Early registration is available at discounted rates for the summit has already begun. These rates include discounts for students, elders and teachers until June 7, 2010.

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Equilibrium: Spoken Word at the Loft presents “Proletariat Bronze” with Oskar Ly and Linda Her, along with DJ Nak, March 27, 8:00 p.m., at the Loft, Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis.

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The Speculations Readings Series continues March 12, 2010, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at DreamHaven Books, 2301 E 38th Street, Minneapolis

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Intermedia Arts presents a showcase of some of the most dynamic spoken-word artists in the Twin Cities – including Tou Saiko Lee on Saturday, February 6, 8:00 p.m. at Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55408

All winners of Intermedia Arts’ 2009 VERVE Grant for spoken-word poets, these performers are ready and waiting to bring their new work to the community. The showcase will feature Tou Saiko Lee along with Poetic Assassins, Kyle “Guante” Myhre, Khary Jackson and Tish Jones.

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