The Martlet

Poetry, burlesque and cigars spell only one thing: sophistication. Add six of Victoria’s best male spoken-word artists to that equation, and you will have a classy affair celebrating what we love most about men.

On Jan. 25, Not Your Grandma’s Poetry Productions is spotlighting the men in our lives by hosting the Gentlemen’s Poetry Show, a black-tie fundraiser for next month’s Victoria Spoken Word Festival.

“There seem to be a lot women-centric shows out there,” says event organizer and spoken-word artist Missie Peters. “I liked the idea of celebrating men for a change. I also wanted to show that spoken word can be cultured and sexy — so picture a jazz lounge without the jazz.”

Among the spoken-word performers are Dave Morris, Jeremy Loveday, Matthew Christopher Davidson, Skawt Chonzz, Shayne Avec i Grec and Scott Thompson. Providing some balance, Victoria burlesque performer Miss Rosie Bitts will host the show.

“Male voices we have in Victoria are very strong and actually very wonderful,” says Morris, a “Pick of the Fringe” winner. “We’re all going to be celebrating the idea of manhood, which we probably don’t do as often as we should.”

Peters was inspired to create this show after watching the annual “Movember” events in November take off.

“Suddenly it wasn’t about having a moustache, but it was about waxing your moustache, doing your hair and really allowing men to have fun with themselves,” says Peters.

Morris hopes to break some male stereotypes with his spoken word performance.

“Men aren’t always the aggressive sports enthusiast that we think of when we think of a stereotypical man. They do have a softer side,” he says. “I want [the audience] to get to know the ‘gentleman’ of the man.”

With this show, Peters would also like to attract new audiences to spoken-word and have them walk away from it feeling excited.

“It is an art form that you can instantly connect with, that changes how you think about things. I like to describe it as stand-up where you not only laugh, but you’re inspired,” she says.

Joining the spoken-word artists for additional entertainment are folk musician Oliver Swain and the band Roadside Dogs. Candy cigars and cigarettes will also be sold.

The Gentlemen’s Poetry Show January 25 @ 8 p.m. Victoria Event Centre $18 Tickets available at Victory Barber and Brand