The Bastion got to chit-chat with their favorite poet and spoken word artist, Joel Chmara, the other day. He's going to be a guest at a Demon Who Never Appeared!, midnight, Nov. 4, at the Playground Theater. We're certainly hoping he brings Winslow to back up the beat.


Firstly, can you introduce yourself to the readers: what is it you do, what are some of your past artistic projects, and what is on the horizon for future artistic development?

I am a performance poet who loves me some music. With the help of my trusty beat machine Winslow, I turn it out like it was 1985. I am part of a group of very talented poets called "The Speak'Easy Ensemble". We perform all over the city. I've been on HBO's Def Poetry. I am a professor at the College of Lake County.

Have influences in your life informed your art? How would you describe your artistic process?

I've been lucky to have grown up in Chicago. This city is inspiring and wicked and perfectly coagulated. Our sports teams and weather and food and character have opened me up. I tried to move from here for college and went East coast, then West, but when I was away, I only jonsed for Lower Wacker Drive.

Can you give us a sneak peak of what you'll be doing at Demon?

I'ma do a sequel to the Superbowl Shuffle and will reveal where I score such mindblowing piles of blow.

Alrighty then. Who are some of your major influences, both artistically and personally?

I'm highly influenced by the Chicago Bears and the sexy chinchillas of Peru. The Blues Brothers are super maxed out influences. I loved a show called Mystery Science Theater 3000. Those things made me glow.

I am also very influenced by comedians off many eras. I was crazy about the funny stylings of Steve Martin, Groucho and Karl Marx. More recent people like Bill Hicks, Max Headroom, Beth "the Girlacher" Williamson, Jon Stewart, everyone involved in "Wet, Hot American Summer", and Bob Rohrman. Rohrman is not just the kind of the car dealers, his no-holds-barred slapstick is the stuff of legend.

Do you regularly collaborate with anyone?

I work with folx from my ensemble, in particular, Robbie Q. Telfer. He's really funny and creative. My buddy Derrick Brown, who now lives in Nashville, is incredible. I've toured with him and work with his supple bum when I can. I also record music with my buddy J.

What can we find you doing for fun in your downtime? What else keeps you busy?

I love to travel. I've seen it all. Decatur is prolly the pearl of the Midwest.

I loves the rock n' roll. I don't go to as many shows as I used to. I actually now watch bands from the back as lil' kidlings whir by me yellin' "Up yr nose with a rubber hose ole man!", or whatever they say these days. My hearing's mostly gone.

Where can we see you again, Joel?

I have my first full rock show coming up next Wednesday at a place called the Mutiny. November 8th is when Winslow and I make haste and beatbabies. It will be a show to soon forget, so people should go while they remember.

Photo credit: poeticdream.com.