Spoken word blends music and poetry, but delivers the lyrics as though each audience member were engaging in a one-on-one conversation with the artist.
Slam poet champion Shane Koyczan and his musical trio The Short Story Long perform spoken word and music at the Port Theatre Saturday (Oct. 29) at 8 p.m.
Koyczan used YouTube to expose his words to a wider audience, which eventually led him to being commissioned by the Canadian Tourism Commission to write a piece representing Canadian culture.
Koyczan performed that piece We Are More at the Opening Ceremonies at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
His band, the Short Story Long, is a musical trio of Olivia Mennell, Maiya Robbie, and Stefan Bienz whose musical range stretches from folk to funk, from ambient to rock, showcasing all that is in between.
Koyczan is part of a modern wave of lyricists taking some of their cues from beat generation legends like Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs, and Allen Ginsberg.
Koyczan’s warmth, wit and sincerity move from subdued, deep, sad love poetry to power chord hip-hop.
Guests will have an opportunity to ask Koyczan and the band questions after the show.
Tickets $36; $31/members; $15/students. Please call 250-754-8550 or visit www.porttheatre.com.
Win tickets to see Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long at www.nanaimobulletin.com.