516 WORDS presents Firestorm: Women's Poetry Open Mic & Slam March 15, 2008

516 WORDS: Firestorm-- Women's Voices Rising
Firestorm is a poetry reading series featuring women poets, which was originally started in the early 1990s by Juliette Torres. Current organizer Maresa Thompson says, "The world needs women's voices. They remind us of who we are and where we came from. They speak of what it is to be a warrior, a mother, a wise woman, and look to who we are becoming. This event inspires participation because the poets know they will be heard and understood in a welcoming environment."

The evening will begin with an open mic followed by a women's-only competitive poetry slam judged by audience members. This qualifying slam will help determine which woman will represent ABQ at the Women of the World National Poetry Slam in 2009. This is also a qualifying slam for the Albuquerque team for the National Poetry Slam.

OPEN MIC
Hear the diverse and extraordinary voices of the women of Albuquerque's Poetry Community. Newcomers are encouraged and welcome to participate in this environment of sharing.

SLAM
Slam started in the 1980s and is now an internationally recognized art form. Poetry Slam is the competitive art of performance poetry and is judged randomly (and sometimes haphazardly) by audience members.

Open Mic and Slam sign-up at 7:30pm.
(participation is limited to 12 poets for Open Mic and 12 poets for Slam-- poets may do either open mic OR slam)

Call 242-1445 for info. This event is FREE.

Official Website: http://www.516arts.org/calendar.html