Last year’s inaugural Cosmic Happy Slam! drew emerging poets from five local schools, as youths ages 11 to 19 competed for prizes and a spot on Asheville’s internationally competing Brave New Voices poetry team. Held by Soulspeak and The Fun Conspiracy, the 2015 event explores the theme of “happiness: that other emotion.” Soulspeak founder and executive director Mel Kelley says the event’s positive spin is “a reminder that even in the midst of our crazy, busy lives, we can always access joy, laugh and have fun. I want our kids to stay connected to joy.” Sponsoring organization Odyssey Community School hosts the three-round literary throw-down, which benefits charities of the winners’ choosing Saturday, Dec. 5, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. $10 adults/$5 students at the door. thefunconspiracy.com. Photo courtesy of the organizers
Smart bets: Cosmic Happy Slam!

Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.