Hot-Sauced Words features two poets, usually one female and one male. A short open mic opens the show, but then Hot-Sauced Words initiates a vibe that makes it unique among Toronto’s many reading series.
 
The first difference is “Give Me a Line“. James Dewar encourages the audience to call out their favourite lines and metaphors after each poets reads.
 
The most unique attribute is the Poetry Themed Challenge. At the beginning of the show, James reads two poems on a similar theme from well known poets, and announces the writing challenge for the evening. Pens and index cards are supplied before the show starts. Audience members have the duration of the show to write a poem on those index cards. Those who choose to enter the challenge are invited on stage at the end of the show to perform their poems on stage. The audience votes on secret ballots for best poem and best performance. Many poems that started in the Poetry Themed Challenge have gone on to be published.
 
Hot-Sauced words celebrates community and encourages the appreciation of poetry by featuring some of the best poets in the country, and building on their energy to create new poetry in an inclusive, fun atmosphere.
 

Hot-Sauced Words celebrates its 11th year in 2017.

Admission is free, but we do pass the hat. Any money raised is split between the featured poets.

Please come out and help celebrate the Art of Words together.