NPS has arrived!

Today at noon the National Poetry Slam officially kicks off with opening ceremonies at City Hall. Mayor Will Winn and 2006 NPS Artistic Director Mike Henry will be there to preside over the ceremonies, hosting an "estimated 500 competitors, coaches, staff members, and volunteers". Dang. That's a lot of poets. And poet friends. Folks with NPS badges get free lunch!

There is so much amazing programming for NPS this year, a lot of it running concurrently. You can always look at the NPS events calendar to see what's up, but we'll be scanning the schedule daily to see what catches our eye. As we've mentioned before, you don't need a deep and abiding love of poetry to enjoy these events. The beauty of NPS is that there's something entertaining and unique for everyone, today's offerings being no exception. Oh, and before we forget, all of today's events are FREE.

From 2-3:30pm, we recommend the African American Open Mic at Antone's. Considered one of the "most highly anticipated events" at NPS, the event "showcases the incredible diversity" of the slam poet family. There's sure to be some amazing poetry and performance here, so if you've got a little time this afternoon, we strongly suggest checking it out.

Another very popular offering is the Legends Showcase, 4:15-5pm, also at Antone's. Confirmed performers at press time include Matthew John Conley, Jason Edwards, GNO, Daphne Gottlieb, Taylor Mali, Deb Marsh, Jeffrey McDaniel, Clebo Rainey, Beau Sia, and Danny Solis. If you don't know now that this invitational hosts the best of the best, you will by the time the showcase is through.

And then...it's time to start scrappin'! Preliminary bouts start tonight. The complete rundown of who's competing where with whom can be found here. Our local teams are both scheduled for 7:00pm: TeamAustin/Ego's will be kicking up some dust at Ruta Maya Coffee House, and TeamAustin/Southflavas will be tearin' it up at the Hideout Theatre.

Finally, last but certainly not least, tonight's late programming (schedule of all late night events is here) includes possibly the most intriguing offering of NPS -- the Erotic Showcase, 11pm at Ruta Maya Coffee House. Ohhhh yeaaaah, the poets are gettin' naughty! With not one but two "slammistresses" -- named Gabrielle and Mahogany no less -- and the sponsorship of Austin's fine purveyors of all things sexy, Forbidden Fruit, the prizes and surprises alone should make this an event worth dropping in on.

With all this to choose from, believe it or not there's even more. Check the schedules for the rest of today's programming. And go get yerself slammed!

Addresses/phones:
City Hall - 301 W. Second St., 974-2220
Antone's - 213 W. Fifth St., 320-8424
Hideout Theatre - 617 Congress Ave, 443-3688
Ruta Maya Coffee House - 3601 South Congress, 707-9637
Forbidden Fruit (no events here, just for reference) - 512 Neches St, 478-8358

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