NPS: Local Teams Clean Up!

Austin's teams finished second and tenth (out of 73 total teams) in last night's first prelim rounds for the National Poetry Slam. To put it in perspective, a perfect score is 90; TeamAustin/NeoSoul (which we've erroneously been calling South Flavas, mea culpa) scored 87.2, and TeamAustin/Ego's scored 80.9. We'd like to point out that NeoSoul is competing in their first nationals ever. Way to kick some ass! We're mighty proud of our local poet heroes.

The daytime and latenight events that caught our eye for this sweltering Thursday are the following:

• Noon-1:30pm: Slam and the Academy -- Did your college English teacher hang out in bars every Wednesday night, performing her badass poetry with the captivating power and passion-fueled energy of a beautiful old soul? No? We didn't think so. There's a bit of a rift between the Ivory Tower and the Slam Family, but it's getting better all the time as slam poets have worked to gain some well-deserved respect from the elbow patch set. This panel features "poets active in both slam and the academy" who will "discuss the pros and cons of practicing in academic programs." Upstairs at the Hideout Theatre. Free.
• 1:30-3pm: Asian Open Mic -- Just what it sounds like, an open mic at which the signup list is limited to Asian poets. Described as "vibrant, intense, and vital." Works for us! Hideout Theatre. Free.
• 3-4:30pm: Nerd Slam -- Ahhh, the name alone makes us titter! Get this: "This is where all the geeks gather to read their Star Wars sonnets, love poems to Veronica Mars and eulogies for Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Does it get any better than that? Including special guests and prizes, this event is 5-years running and is one of the most popular NPS offerings. Antone's. Free.
• 7-11pm: Second Round of Prelims -- The Austin teams drew the late slots for this evening. Both perform at 9pm. TeamAustin/NeoSoul is at Antone's, and TeamAustin/Ego's is at the Hideout Theatre. Once again...Free.
• 11pm-2am: Slammasters' Slam -- Here's your chance to see some work from the men and women behind the scenes. Most slammasters are also poets -- many among the best slam has to offer. And we might point out that the NPS press for this event encourages heckling. We're just saying. Ego's. Free.

As you can see, things are in full gear in Central/South Austin! Wander on down there, get outta the heat, and check out some of these amazing events. And did we mention that they're...free?

Addresses/phones:
Antone's - 213 W. Fifth St., 320-8424
Hideout Theatre - 617 Congress Ave, 443-3688
Ego's - 510 S Congress Ave, 474-7091