Eyes The Greenwich as New Home

CINCINNATI, OH — In a surprising twist, Def Poets Society (DPS) has announced a temporary pause on their highly anticipated slam event, “Bring the Noise,” originally scheduled to take place at Alice Bar. The decision follows a growing boycott by members of the local artist community, who have voiced concerns over recent management practices and the venue’s handling of creative events.

In light of these developments, DPS is actively searching for a new home for “Bring the Noise.” Rumors are swirling that The Greenwich—a storied venue in Cincinnati with a long history of hosting live poetry events—could be the front runner. The Greenwich holds a special place in the hearts of local poets, as it was the first stage where DPS pioneers Just Dave Oxner and Nick Fury Blackburn ever performed.

“While we are disappointed to pause our plans at Alice Bar, our commitment to showcasing the raw power of spoken word remains unwavering,” said Nick Fury Blackburn. “We owe it to our community to find a venue that not only respects but uplifts the art of poetry. The Greenwich, with its deep roots in our city’s literary culture, seems like a natural fit.”

Def Poets Society has built its reputation on the energy and authenticity of live performance, and “Bring the Noise” was designed to push the envelope further by using a decibel meter to capture the audience’s reaction—a concept that aligns with the grassroots spirit of slam poetry. With the possibility of relocating the slam to The Greenwich, DPS hopes to restore faith in the platform and continue its mission to bring innovative, community-driven poetry events to the Cincinnati arts scene.

As negotiations and discussions continue, the Cincinnati poetry community remains hopeful that a new chapter is on the horizon. Supporters of DPS and local artists are encouraged to stay engaged and share their thoughts as the organization works to secure a venue that embodies the passion and inclusivity of the spoken word.

For more updates on “Bring the Noise” and other Def Poets Society events, follow The Def Times and join the conversation on social media.