Kansas City's Youthful Versifiers Square Off For the Library's Poetry Slam

Think you've got the makings of a spoken-word artist? Here's a chance test your stuff against other area young people.

The Library is staging a Poetry Slam on Thursday, August 16, 2012, at 6 p.m. at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St.

It's your opportunity to compete for a $25 top prize or one of two $10 runner-up prizes.

The rules are simple. Teens and young adults will have three minutes to perform a work of their own creation. The winners will be chosen by three judges and the audience.

Teri "T-Blaze" Green from the Hip Hop Academy will be the evening's master of ceremonies. Performers from the Hip Hop Academy -- an educational organization specializing in poetry, hip-hop dance, graffiti art, and history -- will perform during intermission.

Coffehouse-style seating and refreshments will be featured in this special teen-oriented after-hours event.

Admission is free. RSVP online [1] or call 816.701.3407.