When Dave Morris tells women he's a poet, he usually gets a positive response. But if heB次元官网网址檚 talking to a guy, he might focus instead on the improv element of his spoken-word career.

B次元官网网址淯nless theyB次元官网网址檝e already been coming to poetry shows, (men) don't really get it,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not something you want to bring up at a hockey game.B次元官网网址�

In our society that portrays men as big, tough and insensitive, Morris said male poets play a role in reversing the stereotypes.

On Wednesday, Morris will perform with a handful of VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 top male poets in a new event called the GentlemenB次元官网网址檚 Poetry Show.

In what's being billed as a black tie event, the poets will be decked out in their best suits. The audience is also encouraged to dress in suits or ball gowns.

The event was the brainchild of Missie Peters, producer of Not Your GrandmaB次元官网网址檚 Poetry, who wanted to create an environment for poetry thatB次元官网网址檚 similar to a jazz lounge.

B次元官网网址淧eople think of poetry, especially slam poetry, as this straight, urban, rough and tumble kind of performance,B次元官网网址� Peters said. B次元官网网址淏ut it also has a very literary, sophisticated side that I hope this event will bring out.B次元官网网址�

Peters said the poets havenB次元官网网址檛 been given a theme to follow, but she expects there will be a lot of talk of gender on stage because of the format.

B次元官网网址淚 got my start (as a poet) at a womenB次元官网网址檚-only open mic,B次元官网网址� Peters recalled. B次元官网网址淚 think thereB次元官网网址檚 space for men-only shows. Men want to talk about their experience being men.B次元官网网址�

Morris, for his set, will be performing four poems about the transition from boyhood to manhood and how it can be difficult to know what stage youB次元官网网址檙e at.

B次元官网网址淭here are 30-year-old men who still live with their mothers,B次元官网网址� Morris remarked. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a failure to launch scenario, and itB次元官网网址檚 something a lot of men face.B次元官网网址�

The poets will be accompanied by the folk melodies of Oliver Swain and the River Dogs will play between between sets.

And there will be one woman on stage: burlesque star Miss Rosie Bitts will introduce the performers. Several other burlesque dancers will roam the audience selling candy cigarets that will double as raffle tickets to win a grooming kit from Victory Barber.

The event is a fundraiser for the Victoria Spoken Word Festival taking place next month.

The GentlemenB次元官网网址檚 Poetry Show is Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m., at the Victoria Events Centre, 1415 Broad St.

Tickets are $18 at the door and sold in advance at Victory Barber.