The 10th annual National Poetry Slam runs August 11 through 14. Preliminary and semifinal bouts take place Wednesday-Friday evenings (three per night) at the following Wicker Park venues: the Guild Complex at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, 773-296-1268, ext. 26; the Subterranean Cafe & Cabaret, 2011 W. North, 773-278-6600; the Note, 1565 N. Milwaukee, 773-489-0011; Phyllis’ Musical Inn, 1800 W. Division, 773-486-9862; and Roby’s, 1944 W. Division, 773-252-9250. The championship final takes place Saturday at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, 312-559-1212. Admission to preliminary bouts on Wednesday and Thursday is $5 at the door; tickets for Friday’s semifinals are $10 at the door; tickets for Saturday’s final are $18, and can be purchased at the Chicago Theatre box office in advance or the night of the show. Four-day, all-event passes are $30 and are available at ticketweb.com or by calling 312-726-4849. Additional free daytime and late-night events take place at other venues as shown in the listings below (which may be subject to change); in addition, Sheila’s Slam Museum, 2850 W. Fullerton, is open daily August 11 through 14 from 11 AM to 5 PM, displaying memorabilia documenting the history of the Poetry Slam. General information on the National Poetry Slam is available at www.poetryslam.com or by calling 708-848-8007.
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Marc Smith hosts poetry teams from around the country; each team will greet Chicago with a one-minute group performance. The event features a Poet’s Confessional and Poetic Portraiture. Chicago Cultural Center, Randolph Cafe, 78 E. Washington, first floor (enter at 77 E. Randolph), 312-744-6630, 2 to 4 PM.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12
Hiss! The All-Female Open Mike Jude Baker and Lola Huston host this showcase of women poets. Mad Bar, 1640 N. Damen, 773-227-2277, noon to 2:15 PM.
The Annoying Poetry Show
This event features coaches and alternate members from visiting slam teams; Michael Salinger hosts. Subterranean, 3 to 4:30 PM.
