Colin Gilbert

In 2006, Colin Gilbert decided to give up a high-paying job in the fast-action world of coporate advertising (including positions on three Dallas-area Chambers of Commerce) to change the world with POETRY. Most people might call him stupid for this decision. But after following it up with a Master's Degree from the University of Texas system and one of the most versatile poetry/spoken word careers over the past two years, his decision can't be questioned.

Having received airplay on a number of radio stations across the nation and being featured in fashion shows, advertising campaigns and modern dance programs, Colin's writing continues to redefine poetry and its reach and popularity in modern society. In 2007 promoters for the Blockbuster movie "Listen to Me" (starring Don Cheadle) chose Colin's work for the pre-publicity tour. He placed ninth in the world in the 2009 Individual World Poetry Slam Championship. Additionally, his poetry has been featured in the Dallas Morning News and taught in high school and college classrooms across the nation. He is the managing editor of Lamplighter Review and his writing and performances will be featured in two independent films to be released in 2010.

Published world-wide, Colin attempts to use his platform to offer a voice to those perspectives without and give credence to narratives too often overlooked while also offering a devastatingly real, surprisingly joyous and subtly painful depiction of what it means to be. Colin is currently completing his sixth book of poetry while working with a number of international relief organizations, including Amnesty International, to spread the word about human rights abuses around the globe.

Over the past year, Colin has been selected to perform and lead writing workshops at a number of schools and universities throughout the south. He has shared the stage with notable performers such as D. Ellis, Biz Markie and Rickey Smiley and has been asked to perform at a number of public and private locations, including Dallas' Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Event, Smirnoff product release events and Ameriquest Field in Arlington. Additionally, poetry readings and slam venues across the nation have chosen to feature his poetry and performances for audiences of all ages.

Over the past couple of years Colin has become the most celebrated poet in the DFW area while claiming the following awards:

2006 Dallas Poetry Slam Champion
2006 Dallas Pugsley's Poetry Grind Grand Slam Champion
2006 Unity Grand Slam Champ
2006 Reigning, Undefeated Three-time Dallas Head-to-Head Haiku Death Match Champion
2006 Dallas All-City Slam Champion
2006 Chicago State University Hughes, Diop, Knight Literary Award
2007 Dallas Pugsley's Poetry Grind Grand Slam Championship
2008 College Station Co-slam Champion
2008 Podslam Champion
2008 Finished 9th in the world at the Individual World Poetry Slam Championship