While I have not had the opportunity to personally visit all of these venues, I do know the folks who take part in the events and the hosts that make these events possible. Here's a shout-out to the hosts of poetry slams, open mics, and poetry related events across the country. Please feel free to share your own favorite in the comments!
1. House Slam, Boston, MA
The House Slam, located at Haley House, currently holds some of America's top performing slam poets, including the likes of Porsha O., Janae Johnson, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, Jonathan Mendoza, and Erich Haygun. These five poets have won all 3 of the major national poetry slams hosted by Poetry Slam, Inc. This venue is definitely worth a visit! Check out their success here.
2. Eclectic Truth, Baton Rouge, LA
Electric Truth is hosted by WoWPS (Women of the World Poetry Slam) finalist and poetry extraordinaire, Desiree Dallagiacomo. Their open mic takes place on Tuesday evenings for only $7! It is one incredible venue and is an inspiration to many young poets looking for a safe place to begin their journeys in poetry.
3. Austin Poetry Slam, Austin, TX
As a native Texan, I am so excited about Austin Poetry Slam! The venue is super cool. The name of the venue (Spiderhouse Ballroom) is also super legit. The poets are incredible. The atmosphere is on point. The likes of Danny Strack, Tova Charles, Jess Howard, Glori B, Christopher Michael, and Teresa Johnson make up some of the Austin crew. On top of one heck of a venue, there are 2 nationals teams that compete: Austin Poetry and Austin Neo Soul. Austin is definitely where it's at!
4. Beltway Poetry Slam, Washington D.C.
Located at Bus Boys and Poets in Washington D.C., Beltway Poetry Slam is probably one of the absolutely most on fire, most fierce, most on point, most I want to fangirl for half of the poets that attend venue out there. Here's just a few who are in the area: Imani Cezanne, Pages Matam, and Tolonda Henderson. Oh, and they helped host IWPS (Individual World Poetry Slam) this past October.
5. Bowery Slam, New York City, NY
Bowery Poetry has a reputation that goes back a few generations and has a future that will only continue pushing it forward. The likes of Sarah Kay and Taylor Mali would often perform at the Bowery Poetry Club. Now, Bowery has a new slam master, Ashley August, who is one incredible poet. As if this place didn't have enough significance, they have a wicked new logo. If you find yourself in the Big Apple, show them some love!
6. Hawaii Poetry Slam, Honolulu, HI
So, aside from not being part of the continental United States, Hawaii Poetry Slam is a gift to Americans everywhere. They pack their venue and perform poetry that blows minds. Their poetry can be described as life-changing, mind-blowing, character-building, phenomenal, and apparently, the most popular poetry slam registered, bringing in 500+ people a night. They offer cash prizes, live painters, DJs, nationally acclaimed poets, and a whole lot of art. Will Giles, winner of NUPIC 2015, is also a regular member there. If you think Hawaii is all about surfing, you NEED to check out Hawaiian Brian's during Hawaii Poetry Slam's First Thursday Open Mic.
7. SlamCharlotte, Charlotte, NC
SlamCharlotte won over my heart with the first piece I ever heard their National team perform last August. It was a group piece about poets, for poets, from poets. Pretty much as meta as it gets OR as awesome as it gets. With poets like Ed Mabrey and Boris Rogers around, this venue is filled with exciting poetry!
8. Slam Free or Die, Concord, NH
Slam Free or Die is held at Milly's Tavern on Thursdays. They do cool things like host massive NorthBeast tournaments. They have awesome poets that perform awesome poetry on a regular basis. Poets like McKendy Fils-Aime, Christopher Clauss, and many others help make this venue run! Also, let's not forget to mention how perfect the name of the poetry group is!
9. S.A.F.E. Words Poetry Slam, Orlando, FL
SAFE Words Slam is pretty rocking awesome and it's in one of the most fun places! Orlando! So, if you really want to go to Disney World, but also want to go see some killer poetry, SAFE Words Slam is for you! The poets there are super friendly and loads of fun. Joe XO, Mary McGinn, Curtis X Meyer, and others make up some of the many poets that perform there on a regular basis.
10. Nuyorican Poetry Slam, New York City, NY
I have done my very best throughout this list not to mention two venues within the same city. Welllll, Nuyorican sort of will always be the exception to that rule. I would personally make a trip to NYC just to go to Nuyo for a night. They have poetry on Wednesday and Friday nights, which means 2 nights of poetry a week, folks! Nuyo is full of history, excitement, power, and incredible poetry.
Added Bonus: Northampton Poetry, Northampton, MA
So, this is my local venue and I just wanted to give a shout out to all the poets who attend on a regular basis and all the people who help make this possible every Tuesday night. I wouldn't be where I am today without the help and support of some of the poets that frequent the World War II Club in Northampton. Much love to all of the hard-working poets and artists who show up, perform, and host these events!
