Mariah Parker

I’ve done my share of blabbing about slam poetry in the past, but that was back before I’d ever stepped foot in the Masonic Temple for Poetry Slam Asheville. It had a similar affect on me as the kind described by Jesse Davis, former slam coordinator:

“After the slam you get that post-coital bliss when you all go to Denny’s and get really excited about all the things that went well,” Jesse told me on the phone while on her way to New York City to visit friends. “I personally don’t write much but I’d write the most in the three days after the event… it’s intense but there’s so much joy.”

Poetry Slam Asheville (PSA) started up in 1992 at the Green Door on Carolina Lane, just a few years after the first ever National Poetry Slam. Just two years later, Asheville hosted the national competition and the following year, the Green Door team brought home their very own national title.

In the years since its vigorous takeoff, PSA has gone through many hands and homes, moving from the Dripolator to the Hookah Bar to the Masonic Temple where, a year ago, I first saw slammaster Griffin Payne spring onto stage in his orange-and-red-sequined vest. Now, PSA has found new residence at the Magnetic Field in the River Arts District—and new management, too, as reigning champ Steve Schell and Vanuata Kava Bar owner Andrew Prozik have stepped into Griffin Payne’s rollicking shoes.

I’ve never seen more than five Wilson kids at the monthly Asheville slam. When I see one, my eyes light up like glass Coke bottles: finally! What took you all so long? The relationship between PSA and the Wilson community, to me, seems obvious. A) Wilsonites are expressive. B) Wilsonites are committed to social justice. C) Wilsonites love community. D) PSA is all about that shit.

“The slam’s the working man’s poetry,” said Wilson grad Justin Evans, a regular of PSA. “Slam poetry talks about everyday problems—- extreme everyday things, mind you, like rape and poverty and politics.”

He went on to describe a poem of Prozik’s in which Prozik pretends to roll a condom over a nuclear warhead, illustrating how the government is fucking us.

“It’s the kind of audience where they’re gonna cheer for you no matter what,” added Evans. “Nobody’s gonna be pissed you got up there.”

This Tuesday, PSA will return to the Magnetic Field with a special kind of throwdown: the old-school, veteran slammers will clash words with a league of youth poets from the WNC area.

As Davis said, “Come with something to write with. You’ll have a great idea during intermission, get home after three cocktails and forget it.”

Poetry Slam Asheville; The Magnetic Field, 372 Depot St. in the River Arts District; Sign-ups open at 5, Slam starts at 6:15; $5 cover, volunteers free.

A month ago I received a summer work contract offer in my Wilson mailbox.

 In a way it was a relief. A summer work contract meant I could save up money for my winter study abroad in London. After savings and rent, I’d still be able to eat out, keep the fridge stocked with 13 Rebels and my pockets lined with American Spirit Blues. 

I was partially stoked. Then I scanned my work assignments.

Week One. Dining, 20 hours. Week Two. Chapel, 20 hours. Week Three. Dining, 20 hours. Week Four. Chapel, 20 hours. From May 14^th at the top of the column to August 26^th at the bottom my work assignments alternated in this fashion, the ink of each line as final as the rap of a gavel. 

Lucky as I was to find a job at all, I couldn’t help but imagine my friend Johnny spending his summer in studying abroad China and interning the Virgin Islands. I thought of Midge trainhopping to Alaska, of Kayla and Will studying dolphins in Belize,  of Christian fighting for immigration policy reform in Chicago and, dammit, I wanted adventure!

That’s why I’m calling upon all summer wanderers to send the Echo their school’s-out travelogues. Study abroad check-ins. Volunteer experiences. Internship memories. Let me live vicariously through you, oh valiant travelers!

Send your submissions to echo@warren-wilson.edu and have a great summer!

As students of Warren Wilson and members of the Theatre Crew, we were fairly taken aback by the article “Rethinking Campus Architecture from the Ground Up.”

We would like to first and foremost say that we are very pleased to hear about the different renovations on campus as well as the plans for the new academic building. We concur that a larger lecture hall is needed and that the reconstruction of an existing space could be beneficial. However, that place is not the Kittredge auditorium.

Kittredge Theatre is a crew and academic space. The department uses the stage daily, building sets, painting, and teaching others the art of theatre. On average we perform three full productions every year and, for many students, the auditorium is the only place that is truly our own.

While we are happy for others to use the space, adding “built in desks” to the theatre is unrealistic. It’s fair to say  that the theatre itself could use some remodeling; however, our seats are not the lead-filled deathtraps that the article suggests but rather the mark of a neglected theatre program.

The Theatre is our workspace, and while it may be used for an event here and there throughout the year, it is unfair to ask the Theatre crew or department faculty or staff to accommodate a true lecture hall. With the amount of lightning and sound equipment needed, a Theatre crew member would have to be present for every lecture.

In addition, to imply that it is somehow unsatisfactory that the theatre is merely a performance space is insulting to those who wish to make careers of performance art as well as to the faculty and staff who have advanced degrees in this field. Changing this environment would severely distract from this program and from our Liberal Arts education.

Let the theatre create art and music, let it be an open space for our community to play and grow in, but do not imply that our program is not fully functioning or that our space is not utilized. Come by the theatre one day and hear the sounds of drills and table saws, the typing of publicity write-ups and the distant humming of sewing machines, and then tell us that the theatre could be used for a lecture hall.

Go on. Try it.

Christian Diaz

If you’re craving sweet revenge during these overstimulating, panic inducing weeks of the-end-is-dreadfully-near, do be sure to reserve seats at Kittredge for the Warren Wilson theater’s production of “9 to 5.”

Pro tips: Sit at the front and get personal with the cast. Bring some cash, for there are cupcakes in the lobby during intermission and they go fast. Also, get ready to holler at the end; there’s an unexpected cameo.  

Extra pro tip: If you know someone who’s obsessed with the legendary Miss Dolly Parton, ask them out on a date. It’s worth the embarrassment of having the person next to you squeal along to Backwoods Barbie.

Trust me, your inner feminist-McCarthy will thank you for it.

Mariah Parker

Last night, a coterie of Wilson artists and writers converged upon Bobo Gallery to celebrate the release of their avant-garde anthology, ‘Till One Goes Crazy.’

The anthology features the work of Wilson graduates Max Hunt, Philip Hamilton, Justin Evans, Andrew Jones and Ella Patrick; Student Activities supervisor Dan Seeger; and current students Kaylee Dunn, Jill Winsby-Fein and Rachel Rudi.

‘Till One Goes Crazy’ is now available for purchase at Malaprops and Downtown Books & News. Click here to read the full Echo article or here to view the group’s Tumblr. 

tillonegoescrazy.tumblr.com

Samantha Stewart

There is no feeling quite like the moment you’re about to belt a solo and feel the slimy glass of milk that seemed so delicious in Gladfelter tangle around your vocal chords.

Now, I love musical theater and always have, but in tradition of myself, I like to pursue roles that push me to the limit. I love a character who sings notes that are just out of my range or has to fly in the air while in real life I’m terribly scared of heights.

This musical has been no different.

In the 1980 film on which “9 to 5” is based, my character, Judy Bernly, was played by Jane Fonda. How could I not be ecstatic? It’s Jane Fonda, Cat Ballou, Barbarella! But as opening night draws closer I’m frightened to think that I may not live up to the Queen of the Galaxy. Kick-ball-change, kick-ball-change, relax your throat, pop your consonants, here comes the high note, energy, energy, energy, ENERGY!

There’s a moment during rehearsal where I just have to stop myself and remember how much I love this. It’s a time when I put the brakes on my brain and have fun.

That time is coming.

Catch Sam as Judy Bernly when “9 to 5” opens this weekend at Kittredge Theater. Student admission is free. Tickets will be available outside Gladfelter during lunch all week.

Dear Faculty and Staff,

During my first week at Warren Wilson, I watched Barack Obama’s inauguration speech in Canon Lounge, and had a discussion with the strangers at my table to reflect on how we felt about our country now that racism is over. I remember that people threw out words in response to the momentous event, words such as “kombucha,” “scared” and “Africa.” I knew, finally, that I was with my people.

The next day I took shrooms in Dorland and had multiple epiphanies in the geek cave while I watched Crash with my new friends. Crash is a powerful movie, it is deep like the oceans and people should drown in its wisdom. When Eva Mendez started talking about how she wasn’t Mexican (or was it Tibetan?), I understood her because we are all human beings, citizens of the Earth. Then I saw a photograph of Wilson’s holy trinity on the wall. There they were: Ian, Paula and Cathy, plastered on the bricks of the geek cave.

The photograph spoke to me, literally. The faces in the photograph kept talking about academics for the mind, work for the hands and service for the heart, or something like that. They said to me, “We’re not for everyone, but maybe you’re a rich gay kid that looks like a hobo,” and I said, “Yes, that’s exactly what I am.” They told me to go outside, and to eat the buckwheat that was growing on the lawn, so I crawled outside and ate until my belly was full. I knew that mother nature was giving me her sweet buckwheat chicken and I began to cry because I realized that all I ever did for her was leave my Macbook plugged in all day. But no more, I said.

I told my new friends about the epiphany the next day as we sipped on organic tea at Starbucks, but they insisted that I was just eating regular grass and crying for no reason. Their comments made me feel sad, so I went on Facebook to find my classmates who would be taking Meditation and Meaning with me that semester. I couldn’t wait to start learning about meditation and meaning. I knew the people in that class would understand.

My work crews were so dope! I got to hang out with freshmen, and talk for hours about important things like overpopulation and ancient aliens while we rode around in the solar powered golf carts. Thanks to Warren Wilson, I learned the meaning of true work. I learned what it means to get your hands dirty and sweat from your brow. Honestly, it isn’t so bad; I don’t get what working class people complain about.

Then I did service and it was awesome. It felt so good to help the shit out of people. Once I spent 40 hours performing reiki on a tree. My only complaint about service is that it can be kind of depressing or worse, boring. Studying abroad in Africa was amazing. It is such a beautiful country. Before I went I spent a lot of time making sweaters and coasters for my host family. LOL!

I know Warren Wilson has prepared me to return home to my parent’s house, where I will set up a bakery in our basement that will promote freedom, community, and local. I leave here feeling smarter than people who didn’t go to Wilson.

No, but seriously, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to deny how much I will miss this beautiful place, no joke.

Love,

Christian Diaz

Support victims of sexual and domestic violence and begin your own healing with this year’s Take Back the Night activities:

Monday the 16th: Take Back Your Childhood on Cowpie Lawn

This lunchtime event celebrates the best parts of childhood. There will be face painting, water balloon tossing, crafts, a cinnamon challenge, Twister, and other fun stuff!
Contact Lowen Gordon and Gabrielle Marshall for details.

Wednesday the 18th: Take Back Your Health at the Garden Cabin

Join the Wellness Crew at 6:30 and create yummy, immune-system-boosting treats. We’ll be making adaptogen balls, tea, and other yums for your tums. Contact Sarah Hiller for details.

Wednesday the 18th: Domestic Violence Dye-In Outside Gladfelter

Take a lunch break for this powerful expression and learning experience surrounding domestic violence. Contact Danielle Landy and Morgan Steele for details.

Thursday the 19th: Take Back the Hike.

Info TBA. Contact Steph Ng Ping Cheung for details!

Friday the 20th: Make a T-Shirt or Patch Outside Glad

Use stencils and spray paint to make fun t-shirts and patches in celebration of Take Back the Night!

Sunday the 22nd: Cake Baking and T-Shirt Making in Lower Fellowship (Tentative)

Come make t-shirts for the Clothesline Project and bake cakes for Monday’s cake walk. Supplies will be provided. Contact Ashlyn Kate Neas or Emily Ehley for details.

Monday the 23rd: Cake Walk and Clothesline Project and at Upper Gladfelter

Join us during lunch for a chance to win delicious cakes in an old-fashioned cake walk! Then, peruse the Clothesline Project gallery in Canon Lounge. T-shirts depicting experiences of sexual violence through words, images, and stories will be on display. 

Monday the 23rd: TAKE BACK THE NIGHT!

Starting in Ballfield Courtyard at 7pm. Come take back the night from sexual violence. Make noise marching across campus, burn away your past at the Sage fire circle, watch skits at Schafer, and take a dance break outside Sunderland. We will end at the Pavilion for a speak-out. All are welcome to share stories of violence, healing, empowerment, assault, and thanks. This is a powerful event of solidarity.

Mariah Parker, Multimedia Editor

Has anyone else noticed the scary spike in Birthday Song choruses in Gladfelter? In the past two weeks I’ve known three friends to hit the Champagne Lounge for free birthday bubbly, and everywhere I go, I hear another April baby rallying their friends for a birthday bar hop.

Can somebody tell me what the fuck is going on?

Studies have shown that, between 1981 and 1994, the birth rate tended to climb steadily between July through October, with August touting the most newborns.

The Wilson distribution, however, seems totally reversed. But why?

The most commonly held theory sites the sun. It’s only April and already the summer dresses are coming out. Night Pasture is dotted with sunbathers and I imagine that, soon, you’ll find townie Contra Dancers leaping naked from the dock of the pond. If in their day our parents were anything like their progeny, they had no problem shedding layers to beat the sticky summer swelter. Nine months before April is July, and one can easily see how, at summer’s height, all that skin may have set the mood for much baby-making.

Another theory looks to the moon and stars. According to the Tropical system of astrology, those born after the March 21 and before April 20 fall under the fire sign Aries. These individuals are (generally) extroverted, expressive, adventurous, confident, and loyal. They are champions of the last-ditch effort, lovers of freedom, and tremendous leaders—perfect material for, say, an Outdoor Leadership major or a life of community organizing. Given that, it makes sense that Wilson might attract a high percentage of April-borns.

This is the part where I throw in a third theory to make the piece sound right. Sorry, y’all—I’m just as bewildered by this phenomenon as you are.

As a matter of fact, we at the Echo are dying to hear more explanations of the April babyboom. Send your submissions to echo@warren-wilson.edu and, in the meantime, be sure to wish a Happy Birthday to these lucky April babies:


Taylor Alice Adamski 1991-04-17   
Dylan Clay Bahoosh 1992-04-17
Ian Robert Bane-Herzog 1992-04-20 
Glenn Richard Barr III 1992-04-13 
Anthony Barringer 1988-04-12     
Adam Gordon Bellows 1987-04-30
Hannah Claire Billian 1990-04-30     
Sara Michele Blandin 1990-04-25
Mary Katherine Boleware 1992-04-06  
Liam Shey Bonk 1992-04-28
Alexander James Boyd 1993-04-15    
Katherine Bryn Brewer 1990-04-20
Nathan Lake Bundrick 1992-04-05    
Emily Alexandra Chiara 1990-04-09
Jason Nicolas Clements 1992-04-17   
Francesca Kathryn Clifford 1993-04-12
Alexis Helena D’Ambrosio 1991-04-19 
Jackson Cooper DePew 1990-04-06
Bryce Dow-Williamson 1986-04-11      
Kaylee E. Dunn 1990-04-23
Benjamin Duvall Everett 1992-04-29    
Samuel David Fanthorpe 1989-04-27
Madeleine Mae Fischer 1993-04-05     
Margaret Ann Friedline 1991-04-27
Collin Kimball Garrity 1990-04-16        
Benjamin Anthony Grimm 1992-04-04
Lillian Frances Hacker 1992-04-19      
David Kiichi Hamatake 1993-04-20
Corrine Elise Hertz 1993-04-30           
William Robert Hickerson 1991-04-27
Ona Sunshine Hogarty 1991-04-13      
Mary Ella Hricik 1991-04-21
Amelia Gayle Hubbard 1990-04-16       
Sarah Scott Jamison 1991-04-24
Hannah Rose Jeffries 1993-04-03        
Madison Alaine Lehman 1993-04-28
Rex Leonowicz 1989-04-30                
Quantisha Elaine Mason 1991-04-05
Emma Margaret Master 1991-04-11     
Soliz Simone Mayer 1990-04-26
Margaret Louise McCoy 1990-04-08     
Freesia Walsh McKee 1990-04-05
Kyle Duncan McNeill 1994-04-12          
Charles J. Moore 1987-04-02
Phelan O’Connor 1990-04-27               
James David Charlton Page 1991-04-13
Jacob Powers 1989-04-10                    
Heather Marie Pregartner 1990-04-10
Wendell Robinson 1992-04-27             
Nola Emily Russell 1993-04-05
Antonio Robert Scalia 1991-04-08        
Renee Christina Scherer 1993-04-20
James Schlichting 1993-04-13             
Chau Siu 1991-04-02
Bradley Sheldon Smout 1991-04-01     
Hannah Fay Sommer 1991-04-15
Indira Marisa Srinath 1993-04-07          
Samantha A. Stewart 1991-04-18
Camille Townes Taylor 1991-04-05       
Jacqueline M. Trillo 1989-04-21
Riley Patrick West 1991-04-11              
Remington Logan White 1989-04-15
Emily Gertrude Wilmers 1989-04-22    
Kimberly Jean Worthington 1990-04-30