It’s time once again for the BeanSwitch publication release party and that means a “slammin” good time—a Poetry Slam, that is, at 8 p.m., April 28 at The Stables on Lindell Street in downtown Martin. The Poetry Slam is open to all majors. “The show will be for those 18 years of age and older. BeanSwitch is also planning to feature live music in addition to the literary reading,” said Dr. Leslie LaChance, BeanSwitch faculty advisor.

Why The Stables? “Poetry Slams started in bars and it helps people relax in that environment, especially when they have a little alcohol in them, then they will want to get up there to perform,” said Heather Peterson, a sophomore Communications major, Public Relations sequence, tongue in cheek. Peterson is the art editor for the BeanSwitch publication.

When asked what she likes best about BeanSwitch, Peterson said, “I like that it gets to show off student work. It helps them to get published. I also like that we accept any work, but it has to have artistic merit. We have a strenuous publishing process and we (as editors) fight for the ones we want.” Peterson added jokingly, “I never win.”

Peterson added that the publication will go on sale this week. “Please buy it, come to the Poetry Slam and watch intoxicated students perform.”

How will this publication differ from the one last semester? “As always, the work included is outstanding. We are pleased to include work by more new writers and artists alongside that of old friends this term. Additionally, our magazine will have a new, more professional look as a result of a different mode of printing,” said LaChance.

“This edition will have more color, glossy pages and a higher quality,” said Peterson.

Does the publication adequately convey the vast array of UTM student talent? “We had over 200 submissions, but limited funds for production means that we can only accept a small portion of those submissions. Selection was competitive, so I think we ended up with the very best of the best writing and art on campus. The potential for creativity among UTM students is terrific. I hope we will continue to get a diverse body of submissions,” said LaChance.

How is a slam different from a normal poetry reading? “A slam is more of a competition, kind of a poetry game. Poets work hard to make the performance of their work as interesting as the text itself. Then, they receive scores from audience members, sort of like the Olympics and the top poets get silly prizes,” said LaChance.

Do you expect some really avante garde readings? “One can not “expect” the avante garde, because the nature of avante garde work is that it be surprising and unexpected. If it’s “expected,” it can’t really be avante garde now, can it?” said LaChance, joking. When asked if she was pleased with the work of the students this semester on the new publication, LaChance said, “As always, BeanSwitch attracts our top talent. The students put in many long hours, hard work and thought. I am tremendously pleased with the work.”

How might the publication change in the future? “We’d like to be able to showcase more work! We also are hoping to add an electronic component, kind of an e-magazine aspect that will be available through our web site,” said LaChance.

Jason Rawls, a Senior Communications major, Broadcasting sequence, said of his affiliation and experience of working with BeanSwitch, “I basically help out when I can, posting flyers and helping to sell the publications. I’ve also submitted work and have been accepted for publication over the past three semesters and it’s been a positive experience. They’ve been very accepting. When they reject work, they give helpful criticisms. I have had no bad experiences with BeanSwitch at all.”

Rawls and Peterson both agreed that this is the first time that a release party has been held off campus. “It’s more of an event,” said Rawls. “Now we have bands and a slam. Try to submit next semester.”

Peterson and Rawls agree that BeanSwitch has grown within the past years. “It used to be published just once a year. Now it’s published every fall and spring,” said Rawls.

When asked if she would like to convey a message to readers, LaChance said, “Come to the reading and buy copies of BeanSwitch next week. It’s still a bargain at $3 per copy and it would make a great Mother’s Day gift.”

“You can also buy a copy in the English department in Humanities, contact a BeanSwitch member or send an e-mail to beanswitch@utm.edu,” Peterson said.