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I am seeking three or four sober musicians to be part of a major Chicago poetry project in 2005. Tentatively titled "Ruthless Poetry Mob" (Or R.P.M for short), this will be an ongoing performance art event that combines original dance music with politically charged poetry. We will plan to eventually be booked at all major venues around town.

I am looking for some talented yet humble musicians who can participate in helping to create beats which will work as back up for my own poetry as well as some of the hottest poets in Chicago, poets who will appear as guest artists from show to show. The plan is to combine rap / def poetry style work with more traditional styles to help make this project something different than the thousands of rap / poetry bands that already exist. I would also like to combine all of this with performance art, such as slide projection, video projection, possibly costumes, or other ideas that we as a group decide upon as a team. I am looking for musicians who are willing to make a long term commitment to the project and who understand the project is about helping to make some social change first, making a few bucks second. I would like to allow the band to take on a life of its own. That is, the direction and sound of the band will be molded by the people who decide to participate in it. I do know that I am not looking for long guitar solos, heavy metal, or extremely experimental stuff. I envision R.P.M. as a band with a danceable beat that will appeal to a large mainstream audience, who will then be exposed to the progressive ideas contained within the words of the poetry.

We will need a percussionist, possibly a guitarist, a bass player, possibly someone who has access to and can play an electric keyboard, possibly a saxophone or other horned instrument. As I said, the sound of the band will be decided by those who participate. Anyone with rehearsal space is, of course, highly encouraged to apply. All musicians must have their own instruments. Payment will only be made to musicians based on the intake at the shows (basically we'll split any money we make evenly). There is the potential to make some money.

What I will bring to the table (besides my poetry) are my connections in Chicago's poetry scene. For example, I will have two dates (probably in April and November) in 2005 at the Guild Complex, one of Chicago's most progressive literary centers. We can debut the band there in April if we are ready by then. Also, I run my own literary series through ChicagoPoetry.com, which will give me access to several other venues in 2005. Last year I played ACME Artworks, Weeds, Gallery Cabaret, Printers Row Book Fair, and so on. As the band gets better, tighter, and more professional, we will expand out to other venues such as Empty Bottle or Double Door. So I am looking for people who can envision what the potential for this band can be a year, two years down the road, and who are willing to stick with it and help it become something popular.

Keep in mind I am a poet, not a musician. So I am looking for patient people who are willing to learn about poetry and who will help me learn about music, who will work together with me as a team to create a unique sound that can appeal to a broad audience.

If you are interested in this, please contact me at

chicagopoetry (at) chicagopoetry.com

or by replying below with your contact information.

--C. J. Laity