Shane Koyczan to combine poetry with comedy and stories

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Penticton , B.C. spoken word artist Shane Koyczan returns to Lethbridge with a unique show at the Chinook High School theatre for the Geomatic Attic, Oct. 29.Shane Koyczan to return to Lethbridge this week. Photo submitted
“I  don’t like to call myself a poet, because people have very specific ideas about what poetry is,” said Koyczan, recovering from a cold in Penticton.


“So my show is part poetry, part stand up comedy and part storytelling,” Koyczan continued, noting while he often  performs with  a backing band “Short Story Long,” this show will be solo.


“It’s expensive to bring a band along on tour,” he observed, adding when he does  perform with the band, he looks at it the same way as scoring a film.
“Music helps enhance the story,” he observed.


“ A lot of audiences really like it  because of that,” he continued.


“A lot of people get dragged into the story because of the music,” he added.


Koyczan speaks about a variety of personal issues including growing up, figuring out what to do with your life, depression, friendship, trolls and  numerous observations of society as well as touches on  political issues.
“There is so much to talk about with politics today,” he said, he said noting he hopes his performances will spark intelligent discourse.

“There are always opposing forces. People might not agree with what I say, but it is important to have these conversations,” he said.
He doesn’t know what pieces he will be performing for the Lethbridge show.

“It’s all about what emotions will connect with the audience. A lot of it depends on what I’m feeling that day — what I feel like talking about,” he said.
He enjoyed his first time performing in Lethbridge and expects he will enjoy his return.

“ It was two or three years ago and I thought it was a strange fit for me. I was looking for the venue and was wondering if I was in the right place. It was an unusual venue, in another business. It was not what I expected. But I called the owner and it ended up being a great experience,” he said noting he is playing more theatres.


 In addition to touring a lot, he is working on several new projects including a new series.


“ When you’re an entertainer, you are in a constant state of activity. You always have to tour or have a new project,” he said
 Tickets are $32.50 for the show, which begins at 8 p.m.

— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
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