GROSSMONT COLLEGE — Slam Poet Roger Bonair-Agard graced Grossmont Community College on Thursday, May 5, to wrap up the 15th Annual Literary Arts Festival.

Bonair-Agard wasn’t originally on the agenda for the Literary Arts Festival but at the last minute he was able to fill Patricia Smith’s spot and I don’t think anyone could have done a better job.

Twice National Poetry Slam Champion, Bonair-Agard opened his performance to a full Room 220 audience by reading Patricia Smith’s works from her book Blood Dazzler then he followed with his own works, some from his book Gully.

During his performance he was engaging with the audience, he was personable, and he had a terrific sense of humor. He wrapped up the night with a question and answer segment that led to insight and laughter. It was a great way to punctuate the events of the two-week celebration of words.

The following video includes clips from Bonair-Agard’s performance, an interview with Sydney Brown, an English professor and event organizer, and other highlights from the festival. Earnest Carter and Russ Lindquist collaborated with me on this video.