Living through words

“So what if I grew this beard to match my newsboy cap.”

“So what if I grew this beard to match my newsboy cap.”

Photo courtesy of Shane Koyczan

8 p.m. Thursday, March 16, through Sunday March 18; $35; www.mondaviarts.org; (530) 754-2787.

Canadian poet Shane Koyczan is a powerful storyteller with tangible stage presence. He’s also a writer and recording artist with multiple books and albums to his name. Oh, and he’s a YouTube phenom who has so far netted 20 million-plus views for his “To This Day Project,” which tackles school bullying. He’s also a major award-winner, earning first place in the 2000 National Poetry Slam. Recurrent themes in his work include finding satisfaction—even joy—in being different. Learn more when Koyczan performs at the Mondavi Center’s Vanderhoef Studio Theatre for three nights of spoken word.