The country's best slam poets will gather in Denver to compete at the 2017 National Poetry Slam.
Westword reports that Denver poet and slam advocate Suzi Q. Smith had a big hand in bringing the six-day competition to Colorado.
As the new head of Poetry Slam Inc., Smith saw a need for some stability in these big tournaments, which in the past have moved to different cities each year.
Officials for Poetry Slam Inc., which overseas and certifies all North American slams, voted on four cities -- Chicago, Oakland, Atlanta and Denver -- that will rotate hosting duties. And every fifth year, a new city will host.
Smith told Westword that the new schedule will allow host cities and participants to better plan for upcoming competitions.
For a glimpse at Denver's slam poetry scene, listen to a recent Colorado Matters interview with Amal Kassir.
