Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) will host its annual First Friday Poetry Slam after a three-year hiatus on Friday, April 1, 2022, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Readings will begin at 5:30 p.m. with audience members acting as judges for this raucous but friendly competition. Admission is free, and all are welcome to cheer on the performers, explore LCA’s art exhibitions and enjoy the cash bar and complimentary light refreshments.

LCA’s Poetry Slam provides performers of all walks of life with an excellent platform for sharing their original works. The event is conducted “tournament style,” meaning performers will be eliminated each round, with the last one standing crowned as this year’s LCA Poetry Slam Champion. 

“This is a fun opportunity for local poets, from novices to seasoned performers, to showcase their work in a really creative, supportive environment,” says Janet Bloch, LCA Executive Director.

Tim Stafford will reprise his role as emcee from three years ago. Stafford is a poet, storyteller and former Chicago Grand Slam Champion from Lyons, IL. His work has appeared on the HBO series, “Def Poetry Jam,” and in numerous anthologies. He performs regularly across the U.S. and Europe at festivals such as the WOERDZ Fest in Switzerland and the Spoken Word International Festival in Germany. His first book “The Patron Saint of Making Curfew” was recently published by Haymarket Books.

Poets interested in participating in LCA’s Poetry Slam should prepare three original pieces, each under three minutes in length and register by contacting Samantha Bean at 219-874-4900 ext. 202 or sbean@lubeznikcenter.org. Spots are limited, so call or email today!