If you’re in Chicago this weekend, consider checking out the National Poetry Slam. The festivities and competition started today and will go until Saturday night. I’m an official volunteer so I’ll be at the Metro on Friday night keeping score for the Individual Finals competition. I’ll also be at Navy Pier on Saturday night for the Final Night Championship. If you’re not familiar with a poetry slam, here’s how it’s described in the official program:

There are many ways to look at a poetry slam. One way is to see how words and performance can merge and play in a unique intermingling of art. A second way is to see the creation of a community of poets and audiences from people in every niche of society. Another way to see a poetry slam as a performance contest where poets compete in the hopes that they will charm provoke or inspire their audience.

Overall, it’s going to be lots of fun. So hopefully I’ll see one or two of you there.