The 2020 Poetry Slam series kicks off its first event of the year on Thursday evening, April 16, at 6:00 p.m. at The Tavern on South Shore in Bemidji.
Contestants should prepare three original poems of under three minutes in presentation. Poets exceeding the time limit will be penalized. Work must be original and no props are allowed.
Judges (selected from the audience) award each reading a score between 1 and 10. The top seven poets from round one advance to round two, and the top three from that group go on to the final round. Prize money is awarded to the finalists: $100 for the winner, $75 and $50 for second and third place, respectively. Audience members are encouraged to make their feelings known about both the poems and the judges scores with jeers and cheers.
There is no admission or registration charge. The event is co-sponsored by the Tavern on the South Shore and Watermark Art Center. Poets may call Watermark at 218-444-7570 to register in advance, or arrive at The Tavern one half hour before the event. Performance openings may be limited. The Tavern is located at 929 Lake Shore Dr. NE, Bemidji, MN.
