Photo by moonwire from the Torontoist Flickr Pool

The English Students' Union at the University of Toronto is hosting The Poetry Massacre tomorrow. Bring and perform your idea of a "bad" poem and ponder questions such as "what makes bad poetry?"; "can one enjoy a poem because of its 'bad-ness'?"; and "how do you perform a poem you despise?"

Then if you're feeling kind of poetic yourself, you can start writing some poems for the Art Bar's 9th annual Art Bar Discovery Night, taking place next week with guest host Nancy Bullis. The event will feature up to twenty poets (who have never been featured in the Art Bar Poetry Series before), who will present their own work in three rounds and be judged by audience ballots. Poets can work in any style, but are restricted from using props, costumes, and musical instruments. You should bring three poems that are no longer than three minutes each. The prize is a feature reading at the Art Bar on Tuesday, April 8, 2008. Get writing!

Full listing details after the fold.

Toronto Literary Listings: January 15–23

Tuesday, January 15

READING: THE ART BAR POETRY SERIES presents by Mark Truscott, Kate Leadbeater, and Lillian Necakov. Clinton's (693 Bloor Street West). 8:00 p.m. Pass the hat.

Wednesday, January 16

READING: GOODNESS KAMA READING SERIES presents Stephen Post, Lucinda Vardey, and John Dalla Costa. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen's Park). 7 p.m. $60 (World Literacy of Canada benefit). 416-977-0008.

READING: HELEN PEREIRA reads from her book, Southern Exposure. Hart House Library (7 Hart House Circle). 8:00 p.m. Free.

READING: IRENE MARQUES, author of the poetry collection, Wearing Glasses of Water, and poet Catherine Black will read at the Ontario College of Art & Design. OCAD (100 McCaul Street, Room 327). 6:00 p.m.

EVENT: THE POETRY MASSACRE presented by the English Students' Union at the University of Toronto. Audience members are invited to bring their interpretation of a "bad" poem for a five-hour long deconstruction and analysis of text. Performances by New York Avenue, and The Vestaloynes will follow. O'Grady's Tap & Grill (171 College Street). 9 p.m. $3, but free with a poem. To read, contact esu@utoronto.ca to register for a spot.

Saturday, January 19

SPOKEN WORD CONCERT: UP FROM THE ROOTS presents its 8th annual When Sisters Speak spoken word concert. Featuring performances by Naila Keleta Mae, MP, Georgia Me, Truth Is, d'bi young, and others. Jane Mallett Theatre, The St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (27 Front Street East). 8 p.m. Tickets $30–$40. Buy online or call StLC Box Office: 416-366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754.

EXHIBIT: TD GALLERY EXHIBIT presents Art Under Cover. A special collection which will showcase books from Canada, Europe, and the United States that will challenge "our traditional perception of how books tell stories." Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). January 19–March 20, 2008.

Sunday, January 20

EVENT: ROBBIE BURNS' DAY presented by the City of Toronto Culture, celebrates the birthday of the infamous Scottish poet. The afternoon event features a traditional Scottish Ceilidh, with live Celtic entertainment by Ian Bell, Gillian Federico, and Scottish highland dancing featuring the Kirsty Duncan Dancers. Enjoy readings of Burns’ work and cultural food. Mackenzie House & Recreated Print Shop (82 Bond Street). 12–4:30 p.m. Adults $5.19; Seniors and Youths $3.77; Children $3.30 (plus GST). Contact Fiona Lucas 416-392-6915.

Tuesday, January 22

EVENT: THE ART BAR POETRY SERIES presents its 9th annual Art Bar Discovery Night with guest host Nancy Bullis. Sign-up begins at 7:30 p.m. Competitors should bring three poems, no longer than three minutes each. Clinton's (693 Bloor Street West). 8:00 p.m. Pass the hat.

EVENT: NEW ACROPOLIS CULTURAL ASSOCIATION presents To be a Philosopher Today. Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). 7:30 p.m. $5.