Shane Koyczan
1969-12-31 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre :: 2687 James Street Duncan, V9L 2X5
"a symbol of hope …Canada’s best known spoken word poet.” - CBC The National

In a realm where poets rarely intersect with stardom, the Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics introduced us to Shane Koyczan. With a collective “wow” across Canada and beyond, we found the poet of our generation. And we weren’t even looking for one. The world took notice when Shane’s influential, anti-bullying, To This Day Project video went viral in early 2013 with over 14 million views and counting. Powerfully engaging and authentic in attitude, his explorations are relevant to our times in the way that Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Downie and Leonard Cohen are to theirs. But unlike the musicians that he’s often compared to, poets rarely infiltrate pop culture. Koyzcan emerges in a new wave of 21st century poetry that dares to belong to the people and speak directly to them in their own voice.

"A spoken-word Superstar” – Marsha Lederman, The Globe and Mail

Shane Koyczan is not only a writer and spoken-word virtuoso, but also a multi-medium spoken word artist. His written collection of works include, Visiting Hours (2005), Stickboy (2008), Our Deathbeds will be Thirsty (2012), Silence Is A Song I Know All The Words To (2014), To This Day (2014) and A Bruise On Light (2015).

His collection of published works are one of many vessels Koyczan uses to capture his artistry. His voice is also heard through multiple albums and viral videos that have been received worldwide with millions of views. But Shane Koyczan is best known for his award winning spoken word performances. With his rhythmic verse in high gear, he navigates his audience through social and political territory with a furious honesty and a tender humanity that has brought international audiences to their feet.

He has received 5-star reviews for his performances around the globe. Winner of the US Slam Poetry Championship and the Canadian Spoken Word Olympics, Koyczan is truly an extraordinary talent that has blown the dust off the traditional designation “poet".

With a long list of national and international awards and honorary titles under his belt (Outstanding Book of the Year 2014, Best Spoken Word Album 2012, CBC Radio National Poetry Face-off 2004, Honorary Fellowship of the Literary & Historical Society, Dublin Ireland 2014 and many more), Shane Koyczan has launched himself into the stratosphere hailed as one of the greatest poets in Canadian history.

"Homer must have sounded [like this]… or Ginsberg or Kerouac." - Amy Brown, The Lumiere Reader
