Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Slam poet returns home to perform

Max Kessler to give show on original works

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By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

Max Kessler will perform slam poetry at the Magic Lantern’s new Screening Rooms in Ketchum tonight at 8 p.m. Photo by

Wood River Valley native Max Kessler has been on the road traveling the West Coast performing slam poetry whenever possible. Slam poetry is a performance art that embraces the written word through live performances.

Kessler has been writing and performing his original pieces since attending Emerson College in Boston, from which he graduated in 2009. Kessler graduated from Wood River High School in 2005 and is the son of Rick and Cherie Kessler. Rick is the owner of the Magic Lantern Cinema in Ketchum and Cherie is a member of the high-camp and high-heeled variety act the Fabulous Vuarnettes, which perform throughout the winter in Sun Valley.

"The venues vary," Max said. "It has been in the back of cafeterias, used book stores and bars."

Max said most people who have seen him perform on his West Coast road trip have been very receptive to his performances.

"The attendance was great, which is unusual," he said. "I sell merchandise of what I do at the shows, which include books, CDs and posters."

Max's material is not the typical slam poet autobiography show. His screenwriting and playwright background has influenced his slam poetry style for him to tell original stories. He will choose a character and perform in that character's voice.

"I have pieces that are influenced by heavy metal music, and they are loud and involve lots of action," he said. "I also perform love poems."

comprare cialis
acheter cialis
comprar cialis

The show will take place tonight at the Magic Lantern's new Screening Rooms at 8 p.m. The show is free and Max will have merchandise available.

Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com