Cal Poly Celebrates Power of Voice with Poetry Slam on May 11

Cal Poly will host its eighth annual poetry slam from 6 to 9 p.m. May 11, in the Chumash Auditorium on campus. The event strives to inspire audience members to use the power of their individual voice and their words to make a difference.

Titled “The Anthem,” the event is a slam style competition featuring five of the nation’s top spoken word poets. A poetry slam is a competition at which poets read or recite original work and the performances are then judged by members of the audience selected before the show.

The evening’s theme will explore the uniqueness of individuals and their own cultures through the power of poetry. At the event, they will address issues of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, identity, class, life and love through their work.  

Returning to the stage are Kat “Simply Kat” Magill, winner of the 2013 Anthem Poetry Slam; and Tatyana Brown and Terisa Siagotonu, who performed at the 2012 Anthem Poetry Slam. First-time participants include Sam Sax and “Levi the Poet” Macallister. Prentice Powell, winner of the California Independent Book Critics' Award in 2004, will serve as master of ceremonies.

The event is sponsored by the Cal Poly English Department and the College of Liberal Arts.