'Not for the faint- hearted' could apply to the varied range of spoken word poetry being written and performed across the island. I had performed in Sheffield surrounded by a wealth of 'short lease' talented university students, slams and festivals. The island is different. It's core group of poets are here long term; the back bone of open mic nights, event organizers and working to inspire a new generation of writers and performers-before they leave the island to attend universities etc in places like Sheffield.........
Mention their names and they are well known, either in Newport, Ventnor, Cowes, Ryde or Freshwater.
I salute the following- JOHN ARMSTRONG, TIM CALLAGHAN MARTIN aka KING STAMMERS, ADAM GATTERELL, JENNY TURNER, JENNI LAW, COOLEY HASTE, GRAHAM BROWN and DOM KUREEN.