The UTD Mercury

Issue date: 10/18/04 Section: Life & Arts

Media Credit: Barry Jackson Poets and singers assembled at The Pub for the Underground Poetry Circus in support of Hispanic Heritage month.

Media Credit: Barry Jackson

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, students casually strolled into The Pub on a windy night Oct. 7 to support their friends, enjoy free food and drinks and listen to the musical styling of The Mad Mexicans and featured poet Joaquin Zihuatanejos.

Once open mike sign-up was passed around, The Pub quickly became standing room only. As the show began, MCs G-man and GNO energized the crowd with the help of DJs Whiz T and Rock Baby.

First up was Militant X, a self proclaimed "mad American." He urged unity and suggested "poetry is stronger than swords." The crowd applauded wildly in response.

Next came Steve Austin who was diagnosed with cancer in March of this year. He shared his depression-inspired poetry. For him, writing was a form of escape.

Then Victory questioned the worthiness of everything that we have been given.

During intermissions, the six-person rap/rock band The Mad Mexicans vented their pent-up rage on stage. The crowd swayed to the music and showed great enthusiasm for the performance.

Finally came the long-awaited performance of featured poet, Joaquin Zihuatanejos. After his first poem, the crowd stood and roared with applause.

Zihuatanejos lightened the mood with his second comedic poem, "Sliding Doors," that he dedicated to his wife.

Representatives from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Campus Hispanic Association (CHispA), co-sponsored the event.

There was a giveaway, where contestants battled for the prize in a rap off. The Mad Mexicans were brought back on stage to aide in the MCs rendition of "I'm a Little Tea Pot." The room broke out in laughter and cheers.

The Mad Mexicans closed out the night with crowd-pleasing "La Bamba."

Biology sophomore Jane Kasitinon thought the show was fiery and culturally expressive. Though she enjoyed the event, she admitted jokingly, "I got dragged here by my boyfriend."

Tara Garcia, psychology major and a member of LULAC, came in support of the organization and the event. Garcia thought they had a great turnout, with more attendees than last year. Though she didn't get to hear much of the poetry reading, she liked what she heard.

Poems recited by the UTD students were also expressive.

"Overall, I enjoyed the show as well, though there was a group in the back that was quite rowdy. But it certainly did not take away the enjoyment felt by others," Garcia said.

The next Underground Poetry Circus will be held Nov. 4, two days after the election. It'll be co-sponsored by the University Democrats and the College Republicans. "Politics as Usual" will be the theme.

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