The 12th Annual Southeastern Regional NC Poetry Slam is set to take place on Saturday, September 28 starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Arts Council of Fayetteville. This is an event that you don't want to miss. It is a gathering of talented poets from across the region, coming together to showcase their skills and share their passion for spoken word. The energy and excitement in the room will be palpable as the poets take the stage and captivate the audience with their words. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or simply curious about the art form, this event promises to be a thrilling experience that will leave you inspired and moved.
This is the twelfth year the event will take place, and LeJuane (El’Ja) Bowens, is the current slam’s organizer.
“I think what keeps [the slam] going is the community on both sides. The organization side is a labor of love and so many folks in the Fayetteville community and abroad always look forward to seeing some of the best poets in the country ascend here to Fayetteville. As for the participants, it’s always that chance to test their skills against some of the best. It also builds camaraderie among the artists as well. It’s always great to see these things happen at an event that has built itself on being a connected community of sorts,” said Bowens.
The NC Poetry Slam shines a spotlight on the talented poets who take the stage. Each poet has a unique journey and story to share, and this event provides a platform for them to do so. From seasoned performers to up-and-coming artists, the lineup of featured poets is sure to impress. Fourteen poets will vie for a $1,000 prize in the upcoming Poetry Slam. Here are the rules:
• Poems must be original work.
• Each poet has three minutes to perform, with a ten-second grace period. Exceeding this time results in point deductions.
• Props, costumes, and musical instruments are not allowed.
The NC Poetry Slam follows a unique set of rules and a scoring system that adds an element of excitement and competition to the event. Five judges will score each performance, dropping the highest and lowest scores. The remaining three scores are added for a final score between 0 and 30. This system ensures fairness and encourages poets to push their boundaries and deliver their best performance. In the past, judges have been well-known local figures. We asked Bowen if there are any notable judges this time.
“Of course, but I’m not going to tell. That takes away the surprise and the essence of slam if the poets know who their judges will be,” Bowen said.
You'll have to attend this spectacular event to uncover the mystery of the “celebrity” judges!
Poets interested in participating in the Slam will have the opportunity at the beginning of next month. Registration for the Slam opens August 1 at midnight. Don't miss out—sign up here: https://sernc24poets.eventbrite.com
Those looking to attend the Slam will be able to purchase tickets starting August 15 at https://serncslam24.eventbrite.com, Attending the NC Poetry Slam is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of spoken word poetry. Spoken word poetry covers a wide range of topics and themes. Be open to exploring new perspectives and ideas. Embrace the diversity of voices and allow yourself to be moved by the power of words.
“Some {poems} will make you laugh, some will make you angry, some will make you cry. But, Spoken Word, a combination of poetry and performance art, being used in a competition to determine who will win and be this year’s SERNC Poetry Slam Champion. It’s going to be an exciting time,” Bowen added about the event.
Be sure to follow the Southeastern Regional NC Poetry Festival Facebook page for updates on this event and future events here: https://www.facebook.com/southeasternregionalncslam.