Category: Poets

Arizona Poets from the repository by AZPoetry.com!

Valence

April 21, 2026

Valence: Arizona-Based Performance Poet and New Media Artist

Tyler “Valence” Sirvinskas, known professionally as Valence, is a performance poet, new media artist, and visionary creative based in Arizona. Blending spoken word poetry, performance art, electronic music, and visual art, Valence has become a unique figure in the contemporary poetry and art scene. His interdisciplinary approach brings together different media to craft performances that captivate and engage audiences on multiple sensory levels.

Early Life and Background

Born and raised in Chicago, Valence grew up as part of the last generation to experience life before the rise of the internet and digital technology. This sense of nostalgia for the pre-digital era informs much of his artistic perspective, and he is known for his strong advocacy of finding moments disconnected from technology. His work often reflects a deep appreciation for real, human connection that transcends the screens of smartphones and the noise of constant connectivity.

Poetry Slam and Performance Career

Valence’s journey into the world of performance poetry began in 2011 when he started competing in poetry slams, quickly making a name for himself within Arizona’s poetry scene. That same year, he represented Flagstaff at the prestigious National Poetry Slam, showcasing his talent and establishing his place among Arizona’s spoken word performers.

In 2012, Valence’s performance career hit another milestone when he won the Sedona Grand Slam, earning him a spot on Sedona’s National Slam Team. His work combines powerful spoken word with an avant-garde performance style, often exploring themes of technology, human connection, and the evolving relationship between people and their environments.

Artistry and New Media Work

Beyond poetry, Valence is an accomplished new media artist, incorporating electronic music, visual art, and performance art into his creative portfolio. His performances are often an amalgamation of these forms, pushing the boundaries of traditional spoken word by layering sound, visuals, and performance to create immersive artistic experiences.

Valence’s work examines the tension between old and new, often delving into themes that question the role of technology in our lives, and the impact it has on our relationships and self-awareness. His artistic vision encourages audiences to reflect on their interactions with technology and to seek moments of clarity and connection beyond the digital sphere.

Recent Work and Future Projects

In 2024, Valence self-published a small collection of poetry titled Save It For The Angels. The collection reflects his deep engagement with themes of spirituality, existential questioning, and the influence of technology on modern life. The work received positive reception in the Arizona poetry community for its innovative blend of traditional poetry with contemporary issues.

Looking ahead, Valence has plans to further expand his creative output by launching a fashion line, which will fuse his visual artistry with wearable designs, and continue to push his interdisciplinary vision forward. His artistic goals aim to connect different mediums, creating a holistic expression of his ideas across multiple forms of media.

Impact and Influence

Valence’s contributions to the Arizona poetry scene have helped bridge the gap between traditional poetry and more experimental forms of performance art. He has become known for his ability to blend poetry with new media, making his performances and written works resonate across different audiences. His advocacy for unplugging from technology and creating authentic, real-world connections stands as a central theme in his work, positioning him as both a poet and a cultural commentator.

Through his continued work in poetry, art, and performance, Valence represents a new generation of artists who are unafraid to explore the complexities of modern life, while still holding onto the importance of analog moments and human connection.

Discover more poets of Arizona HERE.

Cymelle edwards flagstaff poet azpoetry. Com

Cymelle Leah Edwards

April 4, 2026

Arizona-Based Poet and Editor with National Recognition

Cymelle Leah Edwards is an Arizona-born poet, editor, and multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges the literary and performance worlds. Originally from Casa Grande, Edwards is a rising voice in contemporary American poetry, with work that resonates across both page and stage.

A Pushcart Prize nominee and recipient of the Diana Gabaldon Creative Writing Award, Cymelle Leah Edwards is gaining national recognition while remaining deeply connected to the Arizona poetry community. Her work explores embodiment, identity, memory, and healing, positioning her among the most compelling emerging poets of the Southwest.

Academic Excellence and Literary Leadership

Cymelle Leah Edwards earned her MFA in Creative Writing from Northern Arizona University, where she refined her poetic voice and expanded her role in literary publishing.

During her time at NAU, she served as Poetry Editor for Thin Air Magazine, contributing to the development of one of the region’s longstanding literary publications. She later continued her editorial work with Kelp Journal, where she supported and elevated emerging and established writers across genres.

Her editorial leadership reflects a broader commitment not just to writing poetry, but to shaping the literary landscape.

Community Organizer and Advocate for the Arts

Beyond her writing, Cymelle Leah Edwards is an active force in the literary community. She served as a board member for the Northern Arizona Book Festival, helping organize one of Arizona’s most important literary events.

Her work as an organizer highlights her dedication to:

Supporting independent and small press literature
Creating inclusive literary spaces
Amplifying underrepresented voices

Through both leadership and participation, Edwards has played a meaningful role in strengthening Arizona’s literary ecosystem.

Publishing Credits and Performance Poetry

Cymelle Leah Edwards’ poetry has appeared in respected literary journals including:

Her work spans both print and digital platforms, contributing to contemporary conversations in poetry around identity, embodiment, and emotional truth.

In addition to her published work, Edwards is an accomplished performance poet. She has competed in and won the Phoenix Poetry Slam at Megaphone PHX, a well-known venue for spoken word and experimental performance poetry in downtown Phoenix.

Arizona Roots and Creative Influence

Before pursuing her MFA, Cymelle Leah Edwards attended Grand Canyon University. Her creative development is deeply tied to Arizona’s landscapes and literary communities—from the Sonoran Desert to the mountain environment of Flagstaff.

As an Arizona poet, her work reflects the textures of the Southwest, blending personal narrative with environmental and cultural awareness.

Expanding Work and National Presence

Cymelle Leah Edwards now lives in Indianapolis, where she continues her creative and academic work, including research in Black performance theory.

She is also an organizer of Decks & Drafts, a recurring poetry event that blends creative writing with Magic: The Gathering as a source of inspiration for poetic prompts. This innovative approach reflects her ongoing commitment to expanding how poetry is created, shared, and experienced.

A Voice to Watch in Contemporary Poetry

Cymelle Leah Edwards represents the future of contemporary poetry—an Arizona poet whose work is both grounded in place and expansive in scope. Through her writing, editing, performance, and community leadership, she continues to shape conversations in modern poetry.

With a growing national presence and a strong foundation in Arizona’s literary scene, Cymelle Leah Edwards is a poet to watch.

Logan Phillips

March 31, 2026

Logan Phillips: Bilingual Poet, Performer, and Borderlands Storyteller

Logan Phillips is a bilingual poet, performer, DJ, and educator whose work bridges cultures, languages, and artistic disciplines. Raised in the Arizona/Sonora borderlands, Phillips brings the vibrancy and complexity of this region to his poetry and performances, creating art that resonates on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and beyond.

Early Life and Borderlands Roots

Born to a family of Irish and Slavic descent, Logan Phillips grew up surrounded by the landscapes, cultures, and tensions of the Arizona/Sonora border. This upbringing shaped his identity as a storyteller and artist committed to amplifying borderland narratives and cross-cultural exchange. His artistic voice is deeply tied to his bilingualism, allowing him to navigate and celebrate the intersection of English and Spanish in his work.

Living and Writing in Mexico City

From 2006 to 2011, Phillips lived in and around Mexico City, where he immersed himself in the local arts and literary scenes. During this time, he co-organized and hosted the country’s first regular poetry slam series, helping to establish spoken word as a prominent art form in Mexico. Simultaneously, he explored his talents as a DJ under the moniker DJ Dirtyverbs, spinning music at house parties and underground mezcalerías in Cuernavaca.

Phillips’ time in Mexico City enriched his storytelling, adding depth to his work as he explored themes of identity, language, and belonging in a globalized world.

Sonoran Strange: A Landmark Work

In 2012, Phillips co-directed Verbo•bala Spoken Video, a transdisciplinary performance group that merges poetry, video, and live performance. That same year, Verbo•bala received an Artist Project Grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts for the development of their performance piece Sonoran Strange.

Sonoran Strange later became the title of Phillips’ debut full-length book of poetry, published by Albuquerque’s West End Press. The book is a powerful exploration of the American Southwest, offering a poetic meditation on themes such as colonization, environmental destruction, and cultural hybridity. It stands as a seminal work in contemporary borderlands literature.

Educator and Community Organizer

Since 2005, Logan Phillips has been dedicated to teaching and community engagement, using poetry as a tool for empowerment and self-expression. He co-founded and co-directed Spoken Futures, Inc., an organization that fostered youth voices through programs such as the Tucson Youth Poetry Slam. From 2012 to 2019, Spoken Futures provided a platform for young poets in Arizona, offering workshops, performance opportunities, and mentorship to emerging voices in the state.

Phillips’ commitment to education and advocacy has made him a central figure in Arizona’s spoken word and literary communities. His work inspires audiences and students to explore their own identities and amplify their stories.

A Touring Artist with Global Reach

Phillips has performed extensively across the United States, Latin America, and beyond, sharing stages with other internationally acclaimed poets and performers. His bilingualism allows him to connect with diverse audiences, blending English and Spanish in ways that reflect the borderland’s cultural and linguistic realities.

Whether he’s performing poetry, DJing as Dirtyverbs, or collaborating with other artists, Logan Phillips is known for his dynamic and engaging style, which combines powerful storytelling with innovative artistic expression.

Legacy and Influence

As a poet, performer, and educator, Logan Phillips continues to shape the artistic landscape of Arizona and the borderlands. His work challenges and inspires audiences to reflect on themes of identity, place, and social justice. Through his poetry, teaching, and community organizing, Phillips has solidified his role as a vital voice in Arizona’s literary scene and a champion for cross-cultural dialogue. Logan Phillips is the current Tucson Poet Laureate, and is promoting his new book, Reckon on University of Arizona Press.

Discover more Arizona Poets HERE!

Dominique Ahkong

March 16, 2026

About Dominique Ahkong

Dominique Ahkong is a poet, writer, and creative dabbler of Hakka-Mauritian descent. Born in the United Kingdom and raised in Singapore, she now lives in North Central Arizona, where she co-edits Shō Poetry Journal. Her work often explores themes of identity, migration, memory, and the subtle complexities of everyday life.

Ahkong’s poetry blends lyrical storytelling with a visual sensibility shaped by her background in literature, media, and digital storytelling. Her multicultural upbringing and interdisciplinary training inform poems that move fluidly between personal narrative, cultural reflection, and imaginative exploration.

Today, she continues to write, edit, and contribute to literary communities while living in Arizona’s high desert landscape.

Education

Dominique Ahkong’s academic background combines literary study with digital media and storytelling.

New York University — Tisch School of the Arts
Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.), Interactive Telecommunications Program, 2009

Coursework included:

Methods of Motion
Collective Storytelling
2×2: Short Narratives for Tiny Screens
Frame by Frame: Creation and Manipulation of the Moving Image

Middlebury College
Bachelor of Arts in Women’s & Gender Studies (Focus on Literature in English), 2005
Minor in French

Coursework included:

Poetry
Fiction
Sight and Sound I & II
The Visual Language of Editing

Poetry Mentorships & Literary Programs

Dominique Ahkong has participated in several notable poetry workshops and mentorship programs that helped shape her development as a poet.

Mentor Access Project — National Arts Council Singapore (2011–2012)
Mentored by poet Alvin Pang.

Center for Book Arts — New York City (2009)
Letterpress Printing & Fine Press Publishing Seminar for Emerging Writers.

Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference — Middlebury College (2003)
Scholarship recipient in poetry.
Workshop leader: Steve Orlen.

Awards & Honors

Dominique Ahkong’s poetry has been widely recognized by literary journals and national poetry awards.

Best New Poets 2024 – “Witch of the East,” nominated by Fugue, selected by Anders Carlson-Wee
Pushcart Prize Nominee (Volume LI) – “My Boss’s Husband Watches Me Slice Brioche,” nominated by The McNeese Review
Pushcart Prize Nominee (Volume L) – “Reunion Dinner,” nominated by The Cincinnati Review
Best New Poets 2024 Nominee – “Ghazal for Familiar Women,” nominated by Sugar House Review
The Ronald Moran Prize in Poetry – “A Man Who Looks Like Your Best Friend’s Father,” awarded by The South Carolina Review
Finalist, 2024 Slapering Hol Chapbook Contest – When a Plant Goes to Seed

Dominique Ahkong in Arizona’s Poetry Community

Now based in North Central Arizona, Dominique Ahkong remains active in the literary world as both a poet and editor. As co-editor of Shō Poetry Journal, she contributes to publishing and supporting contemporary poetry while continuing to develop her own body of work.

Her poems frequently engage with themes of cultural memory, belonging, and the unexpected textures of daily life, bringing a global perspective to the Arizona poetry community.

Brandon Scheuring

February 26, 2026

Brandon Scheuring | Arizona Poet, Performer & Professional Dad-Joke Enthusiast

Brandon Scheuring is an Arizona poet, spoken word performer, and writer whose work blends pathos and punchlines in equal measure. Based in the Phoenix poetry scene, Brandon explores the human condition by finding connections in places most people would never think to look: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs meets Drake’s “Started From the Bottom.” The Gettysburg Address meets “thank u, next.” And don’t even get him started on Kidz Bop.

Some call his writing full of “dad jokes.” He just calls them “jokes.”

A Champion in the Arizona Poetry Scene

Brandon is a Sedona Poetry Slam Champion and a Write Club Phoenix Champion, known for performances that balance heartfelt storytelling with sharp comedic timing. He has appeared as a finalist at Ghost Poetry Show and competed in Body Slam, while also delivering featured sets at Fiddler’s Dream and Phx Poetry Slam by B-Jam’s Open Mic.

A recognizable voice in Arizona spoken word, Brandon has hosted writing sessions, poetry slams, and showcases throughout the Valley. He has also served as a guest speaker for high school students, sharing insights on writing, performance, and how to responsibly deploy a dad joke in the wild.

Writing Style & Themes

Brandon’s poetry combines humor and vulnerability, examining identity, ambition, insecurity, relationships, and pop culture through a uniquely layered lens. His work often juxtaposes classical rhetoric, self-help theory, and Top 40 lyrics—reminding audiences that profound truth and playful absurdity can share the same stage.

His writing style resonates with fans of contemporary spoken word poetry, comedic performance poetry, and accessible literary storytelling. Whether performing at a Phoenix open mic or headlining an Arizona slam stage, Brandon’s pieces invite audiences to laugh first—and then feel something deeper a beat later.

Upcoming Book: Writer’s Glock (2026)

Brandon’s debut book, Writer’s Glock, is slated for release (fingers crossed) in 2026. Described by the author as “Green Eggs and Ham meets The Giving Tree,” the collection promises wit, warmth, and just enough existential reflection to keep things interesting.

For fans of Arizona poetry, Phoenix spoken word, and performances that balance heart and humor, Brandon Scheuring is a voice worth watching—and listening to.

Dan Seaman

February 22, 2026

Dan Seaman: The Poet of Prescott

Longtime Prescott resident Dan Seaman’s poetry has been described as “romantic realism,” a term that captures his poignant exploration of love, loss, and the human experience. His work is deeply rooted in the everyday struggles and triumphs of the working class, reflecting his profound empathy and understanding of their lives. “I have always lived my life as simply as I could and with a yearning for the common person’s struggle, world vision and sensibility because, in my view, it is the most grounded and real,” says Dan, encapsulating the essence of his poetic vision.

Early Life and Inspiration

Dan Seaman’s journey into the world of poetry began in his early years, shaped by a series of diverse and challenging life experiences. His employment history is rich with manual labor roles, providing him with a unique perspective on the lives of working people. “My skills, training, and aptitude have given me a respectful point of view of the working man, having been one so often,” Dan notes. This firsthand experience is a cornerstone of his poetry, imbuing his work with authenticity and a deep sense of compassion.

Life in Prescott

Dan has called Prescott, Arizona his home since 1970, a time when the town was a far cry from the bustling community it is today. “When I moved here, the town was only accessible from two-lane roads, there were only three TV channels, and the radio stations went off the air at 10pm,” he recalls. Despite its modest size, Prescott became the backdrop for Dan’s rich poetic life, fostering a vibrant literary community that he helped to cultivate and grow.

Contributions to Prescott’s Poetry Scene

Dan’s involvement in the local poetry scene began earnestly in 1997 when he started hosting open mics at the Full Moon Café. This marked the beginning of his long association with local poetry venues and his commitment to creating platforms for poets to share their work. From these humble beginnings, he went on to found the Prescott Area Poets Association (PAPA), also known as Poetry As Performance Art. For the next ten years, Dan hosted readings in various locations around downtown Prescott, culminating at the MAD Linguist in the old McCormick Arts District.

Under Dan’s leadership, Prescott became known for its lively poetry scene, attracting strong poets and performers from across the country. In 2001, Dan and other organizers established a statewide slam-poetry competition at Arcosanti, which ran for seven successful years. The Prescott team won the inaugural Arcosanti Slab City Poetry Slam, competing against nationally ranked teams. “I tend to immerse myself in projects, and PAPA was one of the best things in my life. I lived and breathed poetry and public performance for ten years,” Dan reflects.

Performance Poetry and Fire-Dance

Dan’s natural talent as a performer extends beyond poetry. His first experience reading poems in public was overwhelming, yet it shaped his approach to creating welcoming and supportive venues for other poets. “I forgot to exhale completely, my hands were shaking holding the papers, and my knees felt like they were going to give out at any moment,” he recalls. This experience fueled his commitment to easing the anxiety of first-time performers, ensuring that his venues were friendly and inviting for both new and veteran poets.

In addition to poetry, Dan has embraced fire-dance performance and production, staging shows on the streets of Prescott and other venues. This creative outlet adds another layer to his multifaceted artistic persona, showcasing his versatility and passion for performance art.

The Craft of Poetry

For Dan, poetry is deeply intertwined with life experience. “All my poems are reality-based dives into momentary epiphany. The things I’ve done, the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met and loved (and hated) are the very core of my poetry,” he explains. His process of writing is organic and varied; some poems come to him quickly, while others take years to fully develop. “I’ve written poems two minutes after an experience, or I can be (subconsciously) stewing over something for years. Then I’ll see, or hear, or smell something, and the opening line will force itself out of me like a repeating lyric.”

Dan’s poetic breakthroughs are often unexpected and spontaneous. “I’m not looking for them, they just happen. I call it ‘riding the deadman’s pocket’ in reference to the many thousands of hours I’ve traveled on motorcycles, where there are things that come at you unexpectedly from your peripheral vision,” he says. This metaphor captures the serendipitous nature of his creative process, where inspiration can strike at any moment.

Poetic Philosophy and Purpose

Dan’s poetry is not just a personal endeavor; it carries a universal purpose. “I want to say I get catharsis from writing, but I don’t. If I get anything out of it, I get clarity,” he explains. His goal is to give a voice to others who may be experiencing similar emotions or situations. “I desire to give a sounding voice for others who may be experiencing something similar to what I’ve written, letting them know we are all in this and most of us don’t have it figured out either. So relax, breathe and learn.”

Legacy and Impact

Throughout his decades-long career, Dan Seaman has made an indelible mark on the poetry community in Prescott and beyond. His dedication to the craft, his support for fellow poets, and his ability to capture the essence of human experience in his work have earned him a respected place in the world of contemporary poetry. His legacy is one of compassion, authenticity, and a deep connection to the lives of everyday people.

Dan’s contributions to the cultural fabric of Prescott have not only elevated the local poetry scene but also inspired countless individuals to explore their own creative potentials. As he continues to write, perform, and engage with the community, Dan Seaman remains a beacon of poetic expression and a testament to the power of words to connect, heal, and inspire.

Discover and learn more about poets and poetry from Arizona HERE.

Laura Tohe

January 18, 2026

Laura Tohe, Arizona Poet Laureate

Laura Tohe is an award-winning poet, writer, scholar, and educator who was recently named the Arizona Poet Laureate, becoming the second person in the state’s history to hold the title. Born in Fort Defiance, Arizona, Dr. Tohe grew up bilingual, speaking both Diné bizaad (Navajo) and English—an experience that continues to shape her literary voice and cultural perspective.

Dr. Tohe is Professor Emerita of English at Arizona State University, where she taught for 24 years and mentored generations of writers. She previously served as Poet Laureate of the Navajo Nation from 2015 to 2019, a role in which she championed Indigenous storytelling, language preservation, and community-based literary arts.Her work has been published nationally and internationally, spanning poetry, creative nonfiction, and oral history. Among her most widely recognized books is Code Talker Stories, an oral history collection featuring interviews with Navajo Code Talkers and their descendants. The book stands as a vital literary and historical record of Navajo contributions during World War II.

Over the course of her career, Laura Tohe has received numerous honors, including the 2025 Native Writers’ Circle of the Americas Lifetime Achievement Award, the Academy of Poets Fellowship Award (2020–2021), and the 2019 American Indian Festival of Words Writer’s Award. She has also been recognized with the Faculty Exemplar Award from Arizona State University and the Dan Shilling Public Scholar Award from Arizona Humanities, and she has been nominated three times for the Pushcart Prize.

Dr. Tohe holds a PhD in Creative Writing and Literature from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, further grounding her work in both scholarly and creative traditions. As Arizona Poet Laureate, she follows Alberto Álvaro Ríos, who served two consecutive terms from 2014 to 2018.Through her poetry, scholarship, and public service, Laura Tohe continues to elevate Indigenous voices, strengthen Arizona’s literary landscape, and affirm the power of poetry as a living, communal art form.

Lydia Gates

November 20, 2025

Lydia Gates — Queer Autistic Performance Poet from Flagstaff, Arizona

Lydia Gates is a queer autistic performance poet and crochet artist based in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she lives with her wife, Lucy, and their “three adorable feline monster children.” Known for her dynamic stage presence, emotionally incisive writing, and creative interdisciplinary work, Gates has become a powerful and beloved voice in Arizona’s contemporary poetry scene.

Explore more Arizona performance poets.

A Leader in the Northern Arizona Poetry Community

Gates is the managing organizer of FlagSlam, the long-running poetry slam of Northern Arizona established in 2000. Under her leadership, FlagSlam has grown into a vibrant hub for poets, performers, and spoken-word enthusiasts across the region.

Her work in the community reflects a deep commitment to accessibility, queer visibility, neurodivergent expression, and the transformative power of performance poetry.

Learn about poets in Flagstaff.

Accolades, Features & Recognition

Lydia Gates has been recognized widely for her contribution to arts and culture in Arizona. Highlights include:

Featured by the Arizona Republic
2024 Viola Awards finalist, one of Northern Arizona’s most prestigious arts honors
Frequent featured poet across festivals, showcases, and arts events

Her 2024 featured performances include:

Discover Flagstaff
Art X Festival
Poet Brews
Harvest
MOCAF (Museum of Contemporary Art Flagstaff)
Off the Rails

These appearances reflect her growing profile as both a regional and national performance poet.

Competitive Slam Poetry Career

Gates has competed at regional and national poetry slams, earning a strong reputation for her bold delivery, emotional clarity, and storytelling craft.

Major competitions include:

2017 & 2018 National Poetry Slams
2019 Southwest Shootout
2023 Beyond the Neon Regional
2023 & 2024 Bigfoot Poetry Slam
2024 Chicharra Poetry Slam

Her performance style blends vulnerability, humor, and fierce social insight—qualities that continue to resonate with audiences across the country.

Published Poetry Collections

Lydia Gates is the author of four poetry collections, each reflecting a distinct chapter of her creative evolution:

I Was an Empire (2017)
She Dreams the Moon (2018)
Changeling (2021)
Algorithmancer (2024)

Her books explore themes such as identity, transformation, queerness, mythology, neurodivergence, and the magic hidden within everyday life. All four titles are currently available on Amazon.

Artistic Focus: Poetry, Performance & Crochet

While performance poetry is her primary genre, Gates is also an accomplished crochet artist, merging fiber arts with narrative expression. Her multidisciplinary practice gives her work a tactile, imaginative dimension—one that blurs the line between handmade craft, personal mythology, and embodied storytelling.

Presence in Flagstaff’s Creative Culture

As a Flagstaff-based artist, Gates plays an essential role in the city’s growing arts community. Her ongoing contributions to local events, youth slams, regional showcases, and creative festivals help foster an inclusive environment where emerging voices feel empowered to speak, perform, and create.

Why Lydia Gates Matters to Arizona Poetry

Lydia Gates represents the energy and evolution of modern Arizona spoken word. Her work as a poet, performer, organizer, educator, and queer autistic artist expands the landscape of what poetry can be—and who poetry can belong to.

Through her writing, her stage performances, and her leadership at FlagSlam, she continues to shape the future of Arizona literature with authenticity, courage, and an unmistakable artistic voice.

Discover more poets of Arizona HERE. Learning about Lydia Gates made you want to see poetry performed? Check out our Events Listings HERE. Are you a poet and want to take advantage of all of the opportunities in the Grand Canyon State? Check out our Arizona Poetry Resources page. Lastly, peruse, explore, read, and interpret hundreds of poems written or inspired about the landscape, culture, politics, and people in the great state of Arizona, from the southern city of Tucson to the Grand Canyon in the north, our collection of poetry is available for you.

B-Jam (Ben Gardea)

October 22, 2025

Arizona Slam Poet, Performer, and Community Builder

Ben Gardea, known throughout the Southwest poetry scene as B-Jam, is a nationally recognized slam poet, performer, and workshop leader based in Phoenix, Arizona. A driving force in the Arizona spoken word community, Gardea blends personal vulnerability, rhythmic delivery, and social awareness into performances that resonate across audiences and generations.

B-Jam’s journey to poetry began not in a classroom, but through recovery, resilience, and self-reinvention. After facing a life-altering struggle with avascular necrosis and undergoing multiple hip replacements, Gardea found his voice in the rhythms of spoken word at venues like Lawn Gnome Publishing and The Lost Leaf— using poetry as both healing and rebellion. His work stands as an invitation for others to speak their truths aloud, transforming pain into presence and survival into art.

As Arizona State Champion of the Arizona State Poetry Society (ASPS) and a Top 10 nationally ranked slam poet at the National Poetry Slam hosted by New Mexico’s Blackberry Peach, B-Jam’s performances are known for their precision, musical cadence, and emotional intensity. His work combines the personal and the political, the raw and the redemptive — embodying the ethos of a poet who lives what he writes.

Poetic Style & Themes

B-Jam’s poetry thrives in the space between rhythm and revelation. His performances draw from the oral tradition of hip-hop and slam poetry, carrying the same pulse as a drumbeat or heartbeat — honest, urgent, and unapologetically human.

Themes of recovery, faith, fatherhood, disability, and identity appear throughout his work. Rather than offering polished conclusions, his poems stay in motion, revealing the daily process of becoming. Whether he’s unpacking the weight of survival, the ache of transformation, or the joy of community, B-Jam writes with a voice that feels lived-in, deeply empathetic, and grounded in Arizona’s desert landscapes.

He has said that poetry, for him, is “not a performance but a conversation with every version of myself that made it here.” That intimacy defines his work — connecting audiences not just to his story, but to their own.

Community Work & Performance

Beyond the stage, B-Jam is one of Arizona’s most active poetry organizers and mentors. He serves as the Spoken Word and Slam Coordinator for the Arizona State Poetry Society, where he helps bridge page and stage, guiding poets toward both competitive and collaborative spaces.

He also hosts the monthly Phoenix Poetry Slam, held at The Lost Leaf and Heritage HQ, two long-running hubs for Arizona’s creative community. Under his leadership, the Phoenix Slam has become a cornerstone of the Arizona spoken word scene, offering open mics, featured readings, and safe spaces for emerging artists to test and share new work.

B-Jam’s commitment to community extends statewide — he regularly travels to Prescott, Tucson, and Flagstaff to perform, judge, and host workshops, helping build a connected network of poets throughout the state. His mentorship of younger performers and first-time poets has helped dozens find confidence in their own voices, creating ripple effects that continue to strengthen Arizona’s literary landscape.

Recognition & Awards

In addition to his Arizona State Championship, B-Jam has represented the state on national stages, including the BlackBerry Peach National Poetry Slam and other regional showcases. His performance work has been featured on stages and digital platforms alike, recognized for its authenticity, musical timing, and emotional range.

Media outlets and organizations including the Arizona State Poetry Society, Prescott Poetry Series, and Fountain Hills Times have highlighted Gardea’s contributions as a performer, teacher, and advocate for accessible art.

Workshops & Mentorship

As a teaching artist, B-Jam leads “Page to Stage: The Journey,” a workshop designed to help writers transform written poems into performance-ready pieces. The series walks poets through the entire process — from crafting honest drafts to finding breath, tone, and rhythm onstage. His workshops often blend elements of mindfulness, movement, and performance technique, helping participants not only strengthen their craft but also deepen their relationship with their voice.

Students consistently describe his mentorship as empowering and deeply human — a space where laughter, tears, and growth share the same breath.

Legacy & Influence in Arizona Poetry

In an era where poetry often lives fleetingly online, B-Jam’s work reclaims poetry as a living act — a gathering, a pulse, a community. His influence in Arizona’s spoken word revival is felt not only in his own performances but in the countless poets he’s coached, encouraged, and celebrated.

Through his leadership with the Arizona State Poetry Society, his hosting of live slams, and his teaching practice, Ben Gardea continues to elevate the art form throughout the Southwest. His poetry reminds audiences that voice is a form of survival and that every poem spoken aloud plants a seed for someone else’s courage.

Today, whether onstage in downtown Phoenix or leading a workshop in a small Arizona town, B-Jam stands as one of the state’s most powerful examples of poetry in motion — living proof that storytelling, when rooted in truth, can heal and transform both the writer and the world around them.

TC Tolbert

October 22, 2025

TC Tolbert – Tucson Poet Laureate (2017 – 2023)

TC Tolbert serves as a vibrant and transformative voice in contemporary American poetry. Appointed as the Poet Laureate of Tucson in 2017, Tolbert guided the city’s literary engagement through 2023, shaping a poetic culture rooted in inclusion, empathy, and the desert’s quiet resilience. Tolbert’s years as laureate left a deep imprint on Arizona’s poetry community, from public readings in city parks to collaborations that brought poetry into schools, libraries, and neighborhood centers across Tucson.

About

Tolbert identifies as trans and genderqueer and often describes themself as a feminist, collaborator, dancer, poet — and simply “a human in love with humans doing human things.” Their artistic life embodies that statement. Holding an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona, Tolbert chose Tucson as both a personal refuge and a creative laboratory, drawn to its open skies, Sonoran landscape, and thriving community of artists.

Living in the desert, Tolbert has cultivated a poetic practice that moves fluidly between body and language. They frequently connect the motion of dance with the movement of words, treating poetry as choreography — a conversation between text, rhythm, and breath. This holistic approach to craft mirrors Tucson’s own cultural terrain, where art, activism, and environment often meet.

Literary Work & Contribution

Tolbert is the author of the full-length poetry collection Gephyromania (Ahsahta Press, 2014; reissued by Nightboat Books), a book that explores the idea of “bridge-building” — between genders, languages, and modes of becoming. The title, from the Greek gephyra meaning “bridge,” captures Tolbert’s ongoing fascination with transformation and the spaces between fixed identities.

They have also published several chapbooks, including Turning to Hear the Last Leaves of Stargazer Fall, I: Not He: Not I, and territories of folding. Each of these smaller works demonstrates Tolbert’s gift for merging lyrical precision with emotional experimentation.

As co-editor (with Trace Peterson) of Troubling the Line: Trans and Genderqueer Poetry and Poetics (Nightboat Books, 2013), Tolbert helped create one of the most influential anthologies of its kind. The volume gathers more than 50 writers and has become a cornerstone text in queer literary studies, used in classrooms nationwide. The project exemplifies Tolbert’s lifelong commitment to community-building through art.

Tolbert’s poems have appeared in leading journals and anthologies, including Prairie Schooner, Verse Daily, and Diagram. Their voice resonates for its honesty, courage, and linguistic grace — a blend of vulnerability and precision that continues to influence younger Arizona poets.

Advocacy, Community & Impact

During their six-year tenure as Tucson’s Poet Laureate, Tolbert expanded what civic poetry can do. In 2019, they were awarded an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship for their community projects connecting trans, non-binary, and queer residents through writing workshops and public readings.

Tolbert’s outreach programs emphasized poetry as both healing and social practice — a way for marginalized voices to see themselves represented and to find solidarity in language. They’ve led free writing circles, poetry walks, and cross-disciplinary performances blending movement, music, and verse. Many of these initiatives remain active today, facilitated by the poets Tolbert mentored.

In interviews, Tolbert has spoken of poetry as “a practice of attention and tenderness,” a way to “stay awake to our shared humanity.” This ethic has guided not only their public service but also their teaching at the University of Arizona and in workshops across the Southwest.

Why Tolbert Matters for Arizona Poetry

Voice & Visibility: As one of the first openly trans or genderqueer city poet laureates in the United States, TC Tolbert redefined what literary leadership can look like. Their visibility in Tucson’s cultural landscape continues to inspire inclusivity and representation in the arts.

Intersectional Practice: Tolbert’s poetry brings together identity, ecology, and activism. Their work captures both the physical beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the psychological landscapes of transition, belonging, and human connection — a union of place and self that feels uniquely Arizonan.

Bridge-Builder: True to the meaning of Gephyromania, Tolbert builds bridges — between people, disciplines, and communities. They bring poetry out of academic spaces and into everyday life, transforming classrooms, coffee shops, and public plazas into shared arenas of expression.

For Readers of AZPoetry.com

Tolbert invites readers to consider language as terrain — a landscape where identity, geography, and desire converge. Their work embodies the emotional texture of Tucson: sun-bleached, spacious, and full of quiet defiance.

For lovers of poetry, Tolbert offers a model of art as community practice. Their writing urges us to embrace ambiguity, nurture compassion, and recognize the bridges that connect us — not only across difference, but within ourselves. With deep respect for the desert and for those who inhabit it, TC Tolbert continues to expand the boundaries of Arizona poetry, shaping a more inclusive and resonant literary future.