Twilight Punch

Twilight Punch was formed at the 2007 National Poetry Slam, a gathering of hundreds of the best spoken word artists in the country. Known within the national slam community for their attention to poetic craft and the art of writing, Ryler Dustin, Brian S. Ellis, Denise Jolly and Danny Sherrard straddle the line between academic and slam poetry. Editing experience, works appearing in literary magazines, academic training, teaching experience and a vivacious love of written poetry augment Twilight Punch's impressive slam credentials.
Brian has represented Boston at both national and world poetry slams. In 2007, Ryler was ranked the eigth best slam poet in the world at the Individual Word Poetry Slam, and Danny won first place in the Individual National Poetry Slam. Denise has co-coached the Seattle Slam Team and emceed numerous poetry events. All four poets have performed spoken word around the country in places like Red Rock Amphitheater, Bumbershoot, The Bowery Poetry Club and UC Santa Cruz. These writers are not only able to craft beautiful work, but able to rock audiences with their humor and accessibility. This makes them ideal for literary festivals, colleges, art galleries, poetry series and music venues.

Twilight Punch also offers workshops and classroom visitations that draw upon the group's impressive portfolio of teaching experience. Ryler has served as co-professor for an advanced poetry class focusing on spoken word at Western Washington University and presented/discussed poetry for middle school students through Seattle Arts and Lectures. Denise launched the education program for Eleventh Hour Productions, led a workshop at Young Chicago Authors and has taught poetry at numerous elementary and high schools, Cascadia Community College and Cook County Detention Center. Together, Denise and Ryler taught a poetry workshop at UC Santa Cruz and Boise State University.