BLOOM: a Sakura Series Poetry Slam

We're Back!!! Come join us for a night of poetry on Tuesday, June 10th 7 PM at Hell Phone Bar in Bushwick! Prepare to be AMAZED as poets from all walks of life take the mic, weaving tales of love, loss, triumph, and everything in between to compete for a cash prize chosen by 5 random judges. Whether you're a poetry enthusiast or just looking for a unique night out, this event is sure to inspire you! If you want to sign up to compete, it will be first come first serve for the first 8 poets (line forms outside the venue) and 2 lottery spots for the last 2 spots. Come join us for this night of art, love and community! $15 online $20 at the door (:

HOSTED BY AWARD WINNING POETS ITALY JA'RAE LEE AND LANEYTHEEPOET

Italy Ja'rae Lee is a second-year student at NYU Tisch School of the Arts studying at the Atlantic Acting School. A multi-talented artist, Italy won the New Jersey state championship of Poetry Out Loud in 2022, which inspired her to write and perform spoken word poetry across New York. She has since performed at notable venues like the Apollo Victoria Theatre, Count Basie Theatre, S.O.B’s, Dodge Poetry Festival, and the Skirball Center where she won the audience choice award at Ultra Violet Live. This past summer she claimed the title of the Teen Slam Champ of NYC after winning Parlee Endeavor's annual “Battle of the Boroughs” competition. She also performed at NYU “Portraits” alongside other artists, one of them the notable actress—Stephanie Hsu. Recently, she released her first short film “Coiling” in collaboration with Taurean Houston; a poetry jazz-infused visualizer that breaks the narratives on black hair. Inspired by the late Nikki Giovanni, Italy uses her work to advocate for arts education, dismantle toxic societal narratives, and bridge the gaps between communities.

Delaney Jocelyn (she/her) is a 20-year-old slam poet, playwright, and teaching artist with a passion for mental health, identity, and social justice. A sophomore at NYU, she founded Educational Poetic Therapy, blending poetry with healing. Delaney wrote STERILE, a one-act play produced by HI-ARTS and Urban Word, and recently performed her second one-woman show, KEITH LAMAR, at The Public Theater as part of the Rebel Verses youth festival. She teaches poetry to foster youth in the Bronx and is a proud member of The Rose Garden’s inaugural freshman class and Harlem Bomb Shelter’s Squad 303. A fierce competitor, she’s hit stages at the Apollo Theater, Woman of the World Poetry Slam, and Brave New Voices, using words to spark change and empower others.