Just behind an propped door labeled "Do not leave this door propped open", a couple of local artists hosted a Women's Poetry Slam on Thursday, February 25. The event was held at Frutopia - a loft and performance space located in a part of Fruitvale even Google Maps has trouble tracing. Between the Cotton Mill Studios and Float Gallery, the setting was an intimate communal loft complete with small stage. 

Advertised as a "fundraising party" the evening had the feel of a house party complete with Trader Joe's snacks and light pre-show political chatter. Slam fans & artists had several choices on the same evening - the opening of Chinaka Hodge's one woman show "Mirrors in Every Corner", Transformative Visions, and The Oakland Poetry Slam and Open Mic to name a few. But this event was all about the ladies.

The goal was to raise funds to help sponsor local competitors to travel to Columbus, Ohio to participate in the Women of the World Poetry Slam (WOW) this March. Performers included WOW Finalists Tatyana Brown (Fairfield) and Kim Johnson (San Francisco). Marna, Jen Gigantino - the San Jose Team Coach, and Alma Powe also shared new pieces.