Janet Kuypers is fearless. On the page and on the stage. I first became aware of her writing about 10 years ago via CC&D and Blister and Burn. I found her poetry simultaneously honest and dramatic. You know how you usually have to grudgingly settle for one or the other? Not with Janet. She gives you a bonus — both. She faces whatever it is she’s writing about like a true warrior. Then she lavishes time and and her considerable talent on it. Relentlessly, judging from the results. She’s a hell of a read.Then I moved to Chicago. I’m not exactly sure how, but we ran into each other at whatever venue. Great fun ensued. I saw her perform. Surprisingly, her performance is every bit as brave and effective as her writing. Most poets with the talent to shine at all, shine on either the page or the stage. Janet shines on both. The music, video, makeup, costumes and flare for dramatic presentation don’t hurt. The best thing is, her performance doesn’t overpower her words. Everything balances.Picture a 6' tall, killer-looking lady with a seductive voice telling you some deeply disturbing truths about herself. Or about you. Or about living. Spooky, addictive stuff.We’ve been guests on radio together a few times and it’s always been a pure blast.
Naturally, when I tried my first shot at starting a poetry venue — at the late, lamented DvA Gallery on Halstead — Janet was the first person I asked to perform. She wowed the crowd.And when I put together “not mute”, a CD of 25 pieces by 14 poets from around the world, I asked her to contribute there as well. Her 2 pieces flat out rock. As did her performance at the release party at Weeds, a legendary Chicago poetry venue.And when I was asked to take over hosting Tuesday nights @ The Café, I was thrilled that Janet was a regular. I didn’t waste any time booking her as a feature.And when I started hosting the radio show, you know who I called.Because I like associating with real talent.And because Janet is fearless. On the page and on the stage.