Denver is the Poetry Mecca

Spoken word at Elevation Friday's allows the audience to experience raw emotions. Previously hosted at Africana #2 Restaurant, Elevation Friday's found a new home on Friday February 4th at Atrium Bar & Grill located on 554 S. Broadway.Don't let Atrium's softly lit sign or discreet location on the east side of Broadway fool you because the talent within is unexplainable. Read more after the jump.

 Each individual is personally greeted by Gabriel Donaldson (pictured below) one of the promoters and organizers of Elevation Friday's as well as a featured poet for the night. His poem Who is the Original Man? screams oppression and suppression for the Black Man. His poetry included topics like love, political views and a passion to rise above. Other topics could be eroticism, anger, or even just speaking about every day life. Many poets choose to mix and match their topics.

Jay Cruz, another up and coming poet, uses spoken word as a method of therapy. "It's like telling a story that someone can relate to. I can talk about whatever. If I say I hate my job, chances are someone else hates theirs too so it's like I'm speaking for the unspoken". He also lives by what he speaks. So everything the audience hears is him speaking from his heart.

Other venues that offer slam poetry are Gypsy House every 1st and 3rd Tuesday, Deja vu at Twisted Olive Bar & Grill every Wednesday and also at Sam Taylor's Bar & Grill every 1st and 3rd Saturday.