Louder Than a Bomb 2008

Series produced by WBEZ

Series image

Chicago Public Radio is pleased to distribute the 2008 collection of Louder Than a Bomb Teen Poetry Festival and Competition studio recordings (LTAB2008), just in time for National Poetry Month. For the fourth year, the station invited competition finalists in-studio from this nationally-renowned teen poetry slam, hosted by Young Chicago Authors, and present these 24 pieces (all under 3 minutes) to you ? enjoy!

Chicago Public Radio is pleased to distribute the 2008 collection of Louder Than a Bomb Teen Poetry Festival and Competition studio recordings (LTAB2008), just in time for National Poetry Month. For the fourth year, the station invited competition finalists in-studio from this nationally-renowned teen poetry slam, hosted by Young Chicago Authors.

Each piece included in the series is a titled performance piece. Without introduction, a template for host-introduction is offered here (under ?for stations?). Over the past few years, over twenty pieces from previous collections have broadcast on stations across the country, including Chicago Public Radio (WBEZ 91.5 FM). LTAB2008 pieces work well aired independently (perfect for filling a few minutes of time after a thematically-related piece or interview) or as a series in locally produced programming that is looking to add a youth perspective. This is debut series.

The Young Chicago Authors? Louder Than a Bomb teen poetry slam is now in it's eighth year, bringing poets ages 13-19 years-old together in a safe space that emphasizes community building, education, and youth empowerment.

By carrying on the rich tradition of oral storytelling and the spoken word, the 2008 Louder Than a Bomb Teen Poetry Festival and Competition engaged over 400 young writers representing 46 schools and community organizations. The four teams that were invited to the final round, each presenting one group piece and four individual pieces, along with all six indy poets who completed in the final round are presented here.

Louder Than a Bomb is produced by Breeze Richardson, presented by Chicago Public Radio, and distributed directly to public radio stations through PRX. Hide full description

Chicago Public Radio is pleased to distribute the 2008 collection of Louder Than a Bomb Teen Poetry Festival and Competition studio recordings (LTAB2008), just in time for National Poetry Month. For the fourth year, the station invited competition finalists in-studio from this nationally-renowned teen poetry slam, hosted by Young Chicago Authors.

Each piece included in the series is a titled performance piece. Without introduction, a template for host-introduction is offered here (under ?for stations?). Over the past few years, over twenty pieces from previous collections have broadcast on stations across the country, including Chicago Public Radio (WBEZ 91.5 FM). LTAB2008 pieces work well aired independently (perfect for filling a few minutes of time after a thematically-related... Show full description


Additional Files

24 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Piece image
Her fouth year in the competition, Dianna says this piece is about Emmett Till's mother. Dianna Harris is 17 years old and was an individual final...

Bought by PRX Remix


  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 02:55
  • Purchases: 1
Piece image
Her third year in the competition, Melissa says this piece is about questioning Judaism. Melissa Goldman is 17 years old and was an individual fin...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 03:12
Piece image
Her first year in the competition, Camea says this piece is about encouraging young women to love themselves and succeed beyond adversity. Camea O...

Bought by WRST-FM Oshkosh


  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 02:59
  • Purchases: 1
Piece image
His second year in the competition, Demetrius says this piece is about fitting into all four of his races. Demetrius Amparan is 17 years old and w...

Bought by SpiritHouse Inc/Youth Noise Network


  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 03:06
  • Purchases: 1
Piece image
Her first year in the competition, Esther says this piece is about being made fun of for talking "white". Esther Ikoro is 18 years old and was an ...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 01:48
Piece image
His sixth year in the competition, Nate says this piece is about poetry, the Slam, and the positive impact it can have on youth. Nate Marshall is ...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 02:26
Piece image
Her first year in the competition, Annie says this piece is about a boy who thought he deserved a story. Annie Kahane is 19 years old and a member...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 03:04
Piece image
Her third year in the competition, Deja says this piece is an about the under appreciation of female MCs. Deja Taylor is 18 years old and a membe...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 02:24
Piece image
Her fifth year in the competition, Supreme says this piece is about a longing for home (Chicago) and feeling displaced after heading off to college...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 02:52
Piece image
His fourth year in the competition, Jesse says this piece is about the bible's opinion on homosexuality. Jesse Welsh is 17 years old and a member ...

Bought by KSFR


  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 03:07
  • Purchases: 1
Piece image
Her first year in the competition, Elisha says this piece is about being friends with your imaginary friend once again. Elisha Miles is 14 years o...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 02:54
Piece image
His fourth year in the competition, Adam says this piece is a poem for his Grandma - it's a beautiful reflection on a Chicago landmark. Adam Gottl...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 03:13
Piece image
Her fourth year in the competition, 'Imagine Amaya' says this piece is an about the world in 50 years - what kind of woman would you like? She is ...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 03:05
Piece image
This is the group piece (4 poets) performed in-studio by Northside College Prep High School, which was a team finalist in the 2008 Louder Than a Bo...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 03:08
Piece image
Her first year in the competition, Melanie says this piece is an unrequited poem featuring Barry Manilow. Melanie Decelles is 18 years old and a m...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 02:27
Piece image
His fourth year in the competition, Q says this piece is about contradiction in American society. Q Cole is 19 years old and a member of WordPlay,...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 02:38
Piece image
Ona Wang is 17 years old and a member of WordPlay, which was a team finalist in the 2008 Louder Than a Bomb Competition. WordPlay is an organizati...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 02:45
Piece image
His fourth year in the competition, Tim says this piece is about the origin of the pink triangle. Tim "Toaster" Henderson is 18 years old and a me...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 02:26
Piece image
His first year in the competition, Junior says this piece is about his love of graffiti. Leonard "Junior" White is 18 years old and a member of Ku...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 01:31
Piece image
His seventh year in the competition, Marvin says this piece is about his love of graffiti. Marvin Gutierrez is 16 years old and a member of Kuumba...

  • Added: Apr 02, 2008
  • Length: 02:56