Step into a Slam Jam

In 1984 Chicago poet Marc Smith was searching for a way to showcase the art of poetry. He started open mic nights at a local jazz club for spoken word performances. Two years later, Smith convinced a local club to host a weekly poetry competition and the Uptown Poetry Slam was born. The format encouraged audiences to cross the line dividing spectator and performer.

Today poetry slam audiences and judges often make their feelings known by the snapping of fingers, stomping of feet, hooting and hollering or—for the unfortunate poet whose work has been deemed unsatisfying—booing. What has evolved from Smith's humble beginnings is a national forum in which artists who believe poetry should be spoken out loud can hone their craft.

Although some people associate slam poetry with hip hop, the style of poetry can range from love poems to social commentary, comic verses to personal confessions. Poets are judged on how well their performances convey the emotions of their respective works.

For more information on slam poetry, visit poetryslam.com.

Excerpt from: “Colby-Sawyer News.” Colby-Sawyer College Website. Colby-Sawyer College. 2007. 10 Jun. 2008 <http://www.colby-sawyer.edu/news/pr167.html>.