A battle of epic proportions, the first Bookmans Presents: Nerd Slam took place at Firecreek Coffee Company. Firecreek was packed with sci-fi and gaming enthusiasts ready to slam their way to the top and be crowned Flagstaff’s ultimate nerd. Nerds took to the stage one after the other to show off their poetic prowess and nerd knowledge. The first of many Nerd Slams to come, we couldn’t be happier with the turnout. As we wipe the proud tears from our eyes, we thank everyone who came out to support this event.

Nerd Slam

A Nerd Slam is essentially a poetry slam with a twist. All slammers recite original work about “nerdy” subjects like Lord of The Rings or Star Trek Next Generation. Slam poet Shabby Seasholts debuted the Nerd Slam at the 2002 National Poetry Slam in Minneapolis and since then this celebration of nerd-dom has gathered supporters. Though the national competitions can be intense, the competitors have warm camaraderie for fellow fanboys and girls. A Nerd Slam is a place for poets to gather and support each other.

nerd slam

The Bookmans Presents: Nerd Slam is of a mild variety, where anyone and everyone can compete. Poets took to the stage spitting rhymes about World of Warcraft, reciting odes to female superheroes and venting their frustrations on how anyone could possibly confuse Dragon Ball Z for Naruto. The air crackled with energy as reference after Star Wars reference was made. You couldn’t help but be impressed by the numerous performers owning their nerd cred with confidence and insurmountable sass.

One winner had to be named and the nerd had to be crowned. The always hilarious and clever Dianna (a.k.a. Holly Jingle Ollie) came in first place. She received the ultimate Marvel fan’s dream in prizes, including an Iron Man action figure, a vintage Hulk lunchbox, Avengers 1 and 2 comics, numerous gift cards for Cab Comics and for Bookmans. Oh, and lest we forget, a copy of Marvel’s Civil War Graphic Novel. Yeah, we know. You’re jealous. We are too.

The 2015 Nerd Slam was a huge success and would not have been possible without the help of some amazing community partners. Cab Comics was kind enough of donate prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Firecreek Coffee Company hosted the event at their downtown location. John Quinonez, Firecreek Event Coordinator and Flagstaff Slammaster, rounded up the masses in Flagstaff poetry community and as a result The 2015 Nerd Slam had a huge crowd. We couldn’t have asked for more support and a better turn-out for our first venture into hosting a Nerd Slam. Keep your eyes peeled for future Nerd Slams hosted by Bookmans as we will continue this grand tradition of Nerdom.

Firecreek Coffee Company host weekly slams every Wednesday. For more info check out the Flagstaff Poetry Slam Facebook page.