2007 National Poetry Slam Hosts Preview Week Events

Some 300 competitors in 75 teams are set to converge upon Austin next week for the 2007 National Poetry Slam, a five-day competition that will feature some of the country's most talented slam artistry.

NPS officially runs from August 7 through August 11th, but event organizers are hosting a series of preview events starting today to showcase some of what you can expect to see at the performances.

"We're fortunate to be able to again bring the top performance poets in the world to Austin," said Mike Henry, Artistic Director for the 2007 National Poetry Slam. "We're producing Countdown Week to give everyone a taste of what they can expect at Nationals."

Coundown Week events

Austin Poetry Slam Annual Slam Scrimmage Wednesday, August 1 Ego's, 510 S. Congress 8pm	This event pits the two teams representing Austin against a team from Killeen and two teams of Austin slam veterans in a three-round bout. This is the traditional final tune-up for Austin slammers before they engage in the National Poetry Slam's first elimination round.
Austin Poetry Slam at First Thursday Thursday, August 2 South Congress Starts at 7pm	Austin slammers, armed with a portable sound system, will take their poems to the streets and let the First Thursday crowd know that Nationals is coming.
B Scene Blanton Museum of Art Friday, August 3 6-11pm	The slammers are back for an encore performance from last year's amazing B Scene appearance -- poets will give gallery tours interpreting the Blanton's works through their verse, DJ Nicknack will spin, Cat Scientist will play, and guests and invited to contribute to the Poetry Wall.
Soulciti presents Anthony David and Austin Slam Poets City Hall Plaza Saturday, August 4 8pm	This free, family-friendly event features R&B/jazz artist Anthony David with a number of top Austin poets, hosted by longtime Austin poetry organizer Love Robinson.
National Poetry Slam Page Meets Stage BookPeople Monday, August 6 7pm	Slam poets who are also published poets -- from the pages of The Spoken Word Revolution Redux (Sourcebooks, 2007), Destructible Heart Press, and The Wordsmith Press -- will be featured at this BookPeople event.