It's a time of transition and celebration for Milwaukee spoken-word poet Joshua Gillsutton, who might be better known around here as Joshua The Scribe.

Joshua just released his latest album, "New Day Crusade," a collection of socially conscious poetry over a variety of smooth hip-hop beats. "New Day Crusade" is the culmination of years of honing his craft at open mic nights and local poetry slam competitions.

Though born and raised in Lodi, Calif., Gillsutton moved here four years ago and immediately fell into the local scene.

"Milwaukee actually has a really strong local poetry scene," he says. "There are a lot of talented poets and artists here."

Though poetry's not quite as well known as beer, brats and bowling, Milwaukee does have a thriving poetry scene. Local poets have competed in nationwide poetry slams, and Milwaukeeans Dasha Kelly and Dan Vaughn recently taped an appearance for Russsell Simmons' "Def Poetry Jam" on HBO.

One thing Joshua thinks Milwaukee poetry could use is some added diversity.

"Milwaukee does have some diversity," he says, "but when people are exposed to more styles everyone benefits."

Not content to just sit on the sidelines, Joshua organizes open mic nights at The Mosaic Piano Bar, 2624 N. Downer Ave., that have seen poets from Chicago, Maryland, Texas and Canada, among other places. He sees an increasing acceptance of spoken word as a legitimate art form, thanks in part to shows like "Def Poetry Jam."

"It's definitely growing out there. People used to think of poetry as something soft, but now it's starting to gain a lot more credibility."

But after four years participating in the Milwaukee poetry scene, Joshua quit his job at Outpost Natural Foods and is moving to Seattle for a year. He'll be staying with family and exploring a new scene, but he does plan on returning to the Brew City.

"I've gotten enough love and support in Milwaukee to want to come back here," he says.

Asked to recall his favorite moments as a Milwaukee poet, Joshua said he enjoyed helping to put together the first poetry night at Stonefly Brewery.

"It was unusual for me, because I had to promote, host and perform at the event. But it was a big success and it felt awesome to be a part of it."

More than just a recollection of an event, the Stonefly experience sums up Joshua's career as a whole. Unlike musicians, who often hope of making it on a major label, spoken word poets exist almost entirely underground. This leaves Joshua and other poets with no one but themselves to get their names out.

"It can be frustrating juggling other responsibilities with all of the work that goes into (poetry.) But on the flipside, when something is a success, it's so much more rewarding knowing you made it on your own."

3 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 31, 2006 at 3:03 p.m. (report)

Mikal said: Hey Josh, Congrats man...I'm remembering you blowing up the stage back in the eVibe days when I drumed for them. Keep it up and best of luck in Seattle. Mikal The Buskers www.thebuskersband.com

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 27, 2006 at 3:27 p.m. (report)

LaToya said: I'm new to town. Where can I find out more about the spoken word scene here?

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 27, 2006 at 9:14 a.m. (report)

marc said: josh is an amazing poet, and a great man.