Recently I went to a concert hosted by the Regina Folk Festival Independent Music Series, the concert featured Tons Of Fun University a spoken word/music trio. I cannot even begin to explain the greatness of this performance. I am not a fan of poetry but had heard about the T.O.F.U experience and wanted to take part. I was not disappointed. Tons Of Fun University combine storytelling, music, beat boxing, harmonica and poetry into one fantastic listening and viewing experience. Every emotion was tapped as I laughed, cried, experienced joy and was even disgusted beyond all measure.

Tons Of Fun University is a troupe made up of some of the most brilliant modern poets North America has to offer. Shane Koyczan is a Canadian poet from Penticton, British Columbia. He is the first Canadian to win the Individual Championship title at the National Poetry Slam in 2000. Shane had a solo during the concert and had the most beautiful and inspiring tale of a child sick with cancer. His portrayal of this young man’s courage was so amazing that I was crying while he spoke. At the end of his song not only was there not a dry eye in the club, but he himself was tearful. I was later told that he always cries at the end of that particular song, its refreshing to hear that he invests so much devotion to his work, every time. Mighty Mike McGee is a native of San Hose, California. He has also won the Individual Championship title at the National Poetry Slam in 2006 as wells as various other Poetry Slam titles. Mike brings a comic presence to the trio. One of his solo acts was a love poem to “Pudding.” His facial expressions, the tone in his voice and his ability to laugh and make fun of himself also brought tears to my eyes, however these were tears of laughter. Lastly, but definatly not least, C.R. Avery, the musical, beat-boxing, harmonica playing middleman. His whispy, low, laid back and very sexy voice brings T.O.F.U. together. C.R. Avery has toured the world bringing his eclectic style of music to the masses.

Their music is direct, witty and packed full of intellectual thought. Should anyone be interested in a fantastic performance I would highly recommend going to a T.O.F.U. concert near you. You can also look them up on their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/tonsoffununiversity

ENJOY!