First of all, let's talk about SLAM!

SLAM is a poetry competition. Poets bring 3 works that are timed to be exactly 3 minutes in length. They recite these works to an audience and a panel of judges, selected from the audience, gives them a 'grade.' There are 3 rounds of recitation and judging, after which a winner is selected!

I know, I know, you're thinking poetry?! Reciting poetry out loud?!! Judging?!!!

Let me promise you, this is not your grandmother's poetry.

A poetry SLAM! brings poetry to a whole new level--a beat-packed, crowd-cheering, performance-based, energy-filled level. A poetry SLAM! is about rhythm and expression. A poetry SLAM! is performance art that is fun for the performer and the audience. Let me repeat: this is not your grandmother's poetry (no offence, grandma).

Now if you're not into competition, no problem. You can come, listen, cheer, and judge. As I said, the audience is integral to the success of SLAM!

But if you do want to compete, here's how:

Bring 3 poems, each of them no longer than 3 minutes. You may not get to perform them all, but bring them just in case...and...get ready to SLAM!

Upcomming Youth SLAM!s

February 12 - 1:00pm - 2nd floor Central Library

March 12, 2011 - 1:00pm - 2nd floor Central Library