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ESCANABA -- Poets from across Michigan's Upper Peninsula are invited to take the microphone at the Yooper Poetry Slam, a free evening of original poetry and friendly competition Thursday at the Bonifas Arts Center in Escanaba.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time at the center, 700 First Ave. S. in Escanaba. Competition will begin at 6 p.m. Eastern time.
Presented by the Bonifas Arts Center, the event aims to bring together poets, writers, authors, and storytelling enthusiasts in a welcoming environment that celebrates the region's literary talent. The goal is to attract participants from throughout the Upper Peninsula, ideally representing all 15 U.P. counties.
The slam competition is open to adults ages 18 and older, from emerging writers to established published authors.
Each registered poet will have three minutes to perform an original piece before a panel of three judges with backgrounds in poetry, writing and/or storytelling. The judges will select three winners for first, second and third place prizes ranging from $25 to $100 each. The cash prizes and refreshments are made possible through a grant awarded to the Bonifas Arts Center by the Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association. This support helps make the event free for the community while recognizing outstanding performances.
Local poet and published author Mike Peach is partnering with the Bonifas to organize the event and will serve as a judge. Judges will also include published poets Marty Achatz and Lisa Fosmo.
Beyond the awards, the Yooper Poetry Slam provides a platform for Upper Peninsula voices and creates opportunities for people to share their stories, perspectives and creativity through spoken-word performance. Organizers plan to encourage participation from Bay College students, local libraries, writers' groups and other U.P. arts centers.