Power Cords

For Bill Campana, being at a loss for words is rare. When he first set foot on a Valley slam-poetry stage, Campana's goal was to "blow the place apart," and the wordsmith's booming voice has left audiences and venues reeling for the past 11 years.

His vocal cords rival the revving of a classic hot rod, but it's his persistent pursuit of excellence, relevance, and impact in his prolific writings that have made him the most trusted voice in Arizona poetry. Some pieces are rants doused in humor, absurdity, and rightful outrage, while others are more subtlety thoughtful verbal photographs of the world from his point of view. "The poems are not about me, but I'm still there," says Campana.

The sturdiness of Mesa Arts Center will be tested during Bill Campana Live. Special guests include The Klute and Patrick Hare.