2015 KURILPA POETRY CUP returns, 22nd February

“A Loaf of Bread, A Jug of Wine and a Book of Verse!”

What’s this, you say? An old shopping list found in Judith Wright’s pocket?

NO Friends! It’s time for

THE 2015 KURILPA POETRY CUP!

Yes, on Sunday 22nd February, 2015, starting at 2pm,
the highly esteemed Kurilpa Poetry Cup
will be held once more.
The prize for First Place includes,

as well as the traditional loaf of bread, jug of wine

and book of verse, the sum of $50 in unmarked bills,

a handsome certificate suitable for framing, the esteem of your peers and of course, the fabulous Kurilpa Cup itself.

2014 Cup winner Dushan Bojic contemplates the vintage..

We are also proud to announce that our Feature Poet for February and also Honourary Judge for the Cup,

will be non-other than respected local Uber-poet,

Robin Archbold.
And a special Mystery Musician is waiting in the wings,

flexing his fingers. His identity TBA!

Surely a special occasion is in the making. But there is one Fly in our ointment..

All this could be yours. 2013 cup winner Tony Kneipp gloats over his haul..

*CUP VENUE CHANGE*

The Reverend prays to the Great Water Rat to lead the Kurilpa Poets to a new home..

Please note that the Kurilpa Cup will not be held at

our regular venue this year.

Due to long awaited renovations to the old Croquet Club

in Musgrave Park finally commencing, the Kurilpa Poets will be

“Cultural Couch Surfers” for the next few months,

and thus popping up in strange and unexpected places.

(For example we will be appearing at the Kurilpa Hall

for our 29th March show.)

Discussions are currently being conducted with a number of suitable local venues and we expect to be able to confirm our

location for the Kurilpa Cup on 22nd February

before the end of this week.

In the meantime; Polish those Poems!

More details will be appearing in the Water-Rat Gazette
in coming days. Stay tuned..

The contestants line up

2014 KURILPA POETRY CUP REVIEW

 

The Old Croquet Club warms up

2014 KURILPA CUP REVIEW

 

A book of verses beneath the bough,

a loaf of bread, a jug of wine and thou,

singing beside me in the wilderness,

that for us is enough a Paradise!

-Omar Khyyam

Cup day, February 23rd, and the Olde Croquet Club was alive with great verse, great food, great music and great company.

New faces and Old Hands mixed and mingled as Mystery Musician of the Month, Matt Barnes opened the day and set a mellow mood with his down-home slide-geetar stylings.

But soon it was time to start the Cup itself and so the Reverend Hellfire, soberly dressed in flaming red and gold robes, waved his magic, laughing-pumpkin wand (an after Halloween discount)

and set the ball rolling.

rev with laughing wand and poetic cup

There were 12 contestants this year and the quality of both verse and performance was high. Certainly a wide variety of styles were in evidence. Sadly though there was only one female poet in the comp this year. Come on Ladies, step up!

Sue F reading from her slim volume of verse

newcomer Kyle B lets rip!

A dapper vision in blue-Tony Mutton

In order of appearance, those reading in the first round at the 2014 Kurilpa Poets Performance Poetry Cup were, (drum rolls):

Tony Kneipp

Dushan Bojic

Sasha Cuha

Jason

Glen Manga

Tony (Darkarse) Mutton

Quetzal Otto

Jeremy Lee Pike

Emerging poet Aron O

 

Sue Fihely

Kyle B.

Aron O.

Cameron Logan

Cameron Logan twirls an evil mustachio prior to laughing sinisterly

It was a fittingly symmetrical coincidence that the first round opened and closed with the previous winners of the Kurilpa Cup, Tony Kneipp and Cameron Logan taking the stage. (Cam’s still waiting for his cup but I’ve been told one’s on the way.)

Glen Manga points the finger

Tony K,2013 Kurilpa Cup winner defends his title

Quetzal Otto lets go!

Stephen lee Pike gets bent!

*

End of round one and Matt Barnes took the stage blues-ward again with his flame red Hawaiin Guitar, whilst the poets ate and drank and chatted about their chances.

As always the Rotunda was where much of the intermission

action was, so unfortunately the smokers missed a lot of Matt’s set.

We really must get some external speakers put out there one day.

 

Ghost dance

Suitably refreshed we returned to witness Master Poet David “Ghostboy” Stavanger mesmerize the audience with a typically high-octane performance. His “Mon Cherie” number, performed with the aid of an (extremely) co-operative audience member and a stick of lipstick, was especially well received.

This young man has fallen into the hands of poets!

Ghostie’s never more serious on stage, than when he’s clowning around. And how I laughed as he led us on a sing-a-long to Nick Caves,”Up Jumped the Devil”.

*

 

Finishing his set David, swiftly switched back into his judicial robes whilst the Reverend briefly distracted the audience with his antics and a chilling ode to Winter.

amused by the reverends Antics

Then onto the Final Round, with five instead of the planned four poets being given the nod by the Ghostly Judge & Jury.

 

The Rainbird Man-Sasha Cuha

As I recall, (correct me if I’m wrong) but it was Quetzal Otto, Tony Mutton, Jeremy Lee Pike, Dushan Bojic and former cup winner Cameron Logan in the fabulous final five.

Each gave it their best shot. Personally, I liked the chances of one of the younger poets, but I was glad I didn’t have to make the decision. David had kind and encouraging words for all the finalists, but..

 

Dance of the Quetzal otto!

(Drum rolls)

Jason’s first appearance at the KP Cup impressed

 

 

 

In a shock win that was said to have left industry insiders “stunned”, the Winner of this year’s Kurilpa Cup was non-other than Dushan Bojic,

the poet-artisan who crafted the 2013 Cup! Surely another piece of symmetry come full circle!

 

Dushan happily accepted the loaf of bread, bottle of wine and several books of verse that accompanied the Cup itself as prizes.

However, in a stylish display of noblesse oblige Dushan tore up the prize-cheque and donated his winnings back to the group’s coffers.

There must have been something in the air that day (or maybe the water), as Feature Poet David Stavanger, always a gentleman, also declined to be paid for his services, as a show of support for the Kurilpa Poets and its efforts.

Gentlemen, we thank you both. 

And indeed Thanks to all who made the day a success;

Linda and Carol keeping the kitchen running as always, John manning the door, Shane for documenting the occasion for posterity, all the helpers who brought food and hangers on who helped put away the chairs, and to all who listened and last but not least, all who read their work, especially those who got up there for the first time before an audience. Good for you!

 

See you all next month.

-words by Unckle Rat

-photos by Shane Kneipp

*****

 

 

The 2014 Kurilpa Cup

 

2014 KURILP CUP Preview

 

Each year we hunt around for an individual if not unique cup, a worthy vessel for such an august occasion as

the Kurilpa Performance Poetry Cup.

We seek high, we seek low,

we look in op-shops and deceased estates.

we look in the workshops of budding artists.

Behold ye now the 2014 Kurilpa Performance Poetry Cup!

 

It’s neat but it’s not gaudy.

 

***

KURILPA CUP RESULTS AND REVIEW

 

The Coveted Cup

We Had Words Together..

at the 2013 Kurilpa Cup!

Former Parameter steals Slam!

Cup Winner Tony “Fats Parameter”

Well folks, we had a somewhat chaotic end to 2012, after the success of our Wild Women of Poetry Event, but the Kurilpa Poets were back in action, launching 2013 with a great “double-header” event, with the deferred Kurilpa Cup Super-Slam and NSW Wordsmith David Hallett appearing as feature poet.

In what Industry insiders describe as “a shock”, Tony (Fats Parameter) Kneipp won the Cup after a hard fought final round. The Gazette will endeavour to acquire his winning poem for publication in our pages.

Tony is perhaps best known as the creator of the infamous “Pig City” single, the song that epitomised an era, and has himself been a Kurilpa Poets feature Poet in the past.

Numbers were down, with only ten poets competing this year, but the quality of work presented was high.

Amusingly, at the last minute, M.C. the Reverend Hellfire himself entered the Slam on a dare from a member of the audience. Cup creator Dushan Bojic also entered the Slam, perhaps regretting his generosity in presenting this splendid piece of craftsmanship and hoping to reclaim it.

“Well, it should go to a good poet,” he declared with his usual quiet modesty.

Cup designer Dushan B explains his technique

With Kurilpa Poets el-Presidente Marilyn competing as well it was imperative to find an impartial judge to prevent possible “conflict of interest” charges afterwards. Thankfully guest poet David Hallett put up his hand to take on the onerous task of being the Slam’s Judge, Jury and Executioner.

An impassioned Jefferson Evans

The Slam opened with Kurilpa regular Jeffery (appearing for the Slam as Jefferson Evans) a poet renowned for his unquenchable streams of verse. Alas his usual ebullience was somewhat subdued, perhaps from the pressure of the Slam or from changing his identity, and regrettably, he did not go on to the finals. Next up a poet that’s been described as the Brisbane poetry family’s mad Uncle, “the Loaded Dog” with a typically impassioned Jeremiad.

steely eyed Dushan B stares down the audience

The Reverend followed with an satirical and erudite take on Homer‘s “Ulysses” that took him to the Finals. Shane Kneipp, the Cup winner’s brother and a notably twisted artist in his own right, gave the event a bit of class with his rendition of some of Verlaine’s work in the original French. Dushan B stepped up to deliver a power-house piece that took him to the finals and one step closer to regaining his creation.

Shane calls the spirit of Verlaine forth

A Girl named Sue

The Loaded Dog barks

Next up, eventual Cup Winner Tony K presented his first poem of the day with an understated conviction convincing Slam-Judge Hallett that he must hear more. Then came a girl named Sue and elder statesman of the Kurilpa Poets, Vij read with his usual quiet dignity. KP Supremo Marilyn then coloured our worlds giving 50 Shades of Grey a much needed blue rinse.

Marilyn struts her stuff

Last but not least came Ray, running through the door at the last moment and straight onto the stage to compete, adding a touch of drama to the occasion. Ray may not be KP’s most confident public speaker, but he performed that day like a seasoned trooper.

Ray Reads

 

After a short break for much needed refreshments while the multi-talented Mr Dushan’s audio/visual experimentations drifted across the walls, we resumed with master poet David Hallett showing us all how it was done, with a mesmerising but for me, far too brief a set.

 

David Hallet shows how its done

 

Then at last the finals where, it was the Rev, Dushan B, and Tony “Fats” Parameter and Marilyn battling it out to grasp the gorgeous goblet. All are experienced and confident poets, and performed accordingly, but it was Uncle Fats’ understated eloquence that deservingly won the day at last.

The Reverend presents the winner, Tony “Fats Parameter” Kneipp

Amidst cheers and good-natured bantering, he was duly presented with the Cup, certificate and the traditional “loaf of bread, jug of wine & book of Verses” (Rosemary Dobson as I recall). Being “Gluten-challenged” Tony later distributed the bread amongst the poor of the parish. In a break from tradition the winner this year received their cash prize in the form of a cheque, instead of the usual envelope of unmarked, non-sequential bills. What’s happening to the world!

 

Kurilpa elder Vij

All the Kurilpa Crew contribute to make our events a success, but a word of praise is due for the self-effacing Linda Loop, who as always quietly busied herself behind the scenes making sure that the kitchen didn’t descend into chaos. Sadly she didn’t grace us with a haunting Schubert lieder this time around but perhaps in the future.

*

Note: At the after celebrations the cup winner was last seen quaffing deeply from the coveted Cup and smiling a crooked, but proud smile.

***

Stop press! The Water-rat Gazette has just acquire the winning poem for your enjoyment. We  proudly present the 2013 KURILPA CUP SUPER SLAM winning poem..

THE SLEEP-WALKERS

I dream of hope
I dream of tomorrow
I long for yesterday

Insect intelligence
Urge not even uttered
Legs moving, not thinking
Feeling, not feeling
A hard case
One of millions

I need to go back
Where I know people’s names
Some love me, some hate me
But at least they know my name

I told you, I told you
I don’t have to say it any more
I just don’t care
Nothing left to say
It won’t change anything

We were talking about
What we used to do at parties
He likes sex, all right
I said, take your pick
They’re all great
Plain girls are beautiful too
That’s my quota of fun for the night
Once a month is more like it
I’m busy trying to get
This damn pipe going
This was a bet, wasn’t it?

-Tony Kneipp

***

2013 KURILPA CUP POETRY SLAM!!

 

The fabulous Kurilpa Cup

ONE MORE TIME!

The KURILPA POETS present;

Sunday, 24th February 2pm

The Kurilpa Cup Super Slam

&

feature poet David Hallett

*

The KURILPA POETS are starting their 2013 programme with a great double-featured event back in the old Croquet Club in Musgrave Park. First up is the esteemed

Kurilpa Cup Performance Poetry Super Slam

The winner of the Slam will receive the fabulous KURILPA CUP. This handsome crystal Goblet was meticulously designed & decorated by the multi-talented master-craftsman & poet, Dushan Bojic. Dushan’s uniquely decorated glassware has won a world-wide market and commands high prices, so we thank him for his donation of this fine vessel.

As well as the Cup itself the Poet awarded first place receives (roll of drums)..

* a $30 dollar cash prize in unmarked, non sequential bills.

*a handsome certificate commemorating their Victory

* Plus; a loaf of bread, a jug of wine and a book of verses!

The winning poem will also appear on our website the Water Rat Gazette

But this being a Kurilpa Poets event no effort goes unrewarded so there’ll be lots of consolation prizes for the runners-up.

So come one, come all! The Slam is Free to enter. Poems can run up to 4 minutes or so. Bring a second poem in case your selected as a finalist. Props and instruments are allowed.

Plus Special Feature Poet; DAVID HALLETT

wordsmith David Hallett

As if this wasn’t enough, the Kurilpa Poets are proud to be able to present (at last) the Master-Slammer and legendary Performance Poet, David Hallett.

David is the founder and manager of two of Australia’s longest running and most esteemed poetry events; Byron Bay’s “Writers at the Rails” and Lismore’s “Live Poets.” He is also twice winner of the Poetry Olympics at the Sydney Writers Festival, as well as winning the 2003 Nimbin Performance Poetry World Cup, the Byron Bay Festival Poetry Prize AND the “Spirit of Woodford Prize” in 2005.

His poetry jumps from page to stage, leap-frogging sexual, social and personal politics wearing its heart on its sleeve and its tongue firmly in cheek. He has performed in the beat Cafes of New York and the Sydney Opera House. Now he manifests in Brisbane for the Kurilpa Poets. Don’t miss this his only Brisbane show!

*Plus this Months Mystery Musician; Tania Tulip

Each month the Kurilpa Poets selects one of West Ends fine buskers to appear as our “Mystery Musician” and provide a musical interlude. However this months Mystery Musician, Tania Tulip, has disappeared. Tania where are you? It’s all a mystery. Prepare to be surprised.

reading the fine print-Dushan Bojic

* Further adding to the events ambience will be the Audio-Visual projections of Cup-maker Dushan Bojic. Featuring Dushan‘s latest experiments in visual/sound art design these will be being projected at various times thruout the event.

Also appearing that day, to amuse the crowd with his unpredictable antics & fire-breathing poetry, will be

The Reverend Hellfire as Master of Ceremonies.

Non-attendees be warned; you will be excommunicated!

Tea, Coffee and Light Refreshments;

are generously provided by the Kurilpa Poets. But we’re just a bunch of poor poets, so we love it when people get involved and contribute something to the table. Be it a pack of biscuits or a loaf of bread or a bottle of cheap red, your gesture will be appreciated.

*

The Kurilpa Poets are conveniently located at

the Olde Croquet Club, 91 Cordelia Street, West End.

This charming little hall is situated amongst the trees on the edge of Musgrave Park. Come and join us in its air-conditioned comfort.

*

ENTRY:

The price for this fabulous event is a mere $5 for the waged and $2 for the poor.

We’re close to West End & Fairfield bus routes and there is on-site parking.

Hope to see you there!

*

Check out Kurilpa Poet updates, news and reviews on our website,

The Water-Rat Gazette

located at ;

https://kurilpapoetry.wordpress.com/

*

David Hallett words and works can be found at

www.davidhallett.com

 

Can you win the Kurilpa Cup?

*****