Detroit Echo Invitational Slam

Come join us on October 24, 2024, for an electrifying evening of poetry at the Detroit Echo Invitational Slam! This in-person event will be held at 7406 Grand River Ave, Detroit MI, 48204 where 8 hand-picked poets will compete for a chance to battle Detroit Echo for a spot on the team. Whether you're a seasoned slam enthusiast or new to the scene, you won't want to miss this exciting showcase of creativity and expression. Mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired!

Slam will start at 7:00 pm Sharrrrrp!!!!!

**Slam Format and Official Rules**

This slam will consist of two micro bouts (rounds), and one main bout (round) where the top two poets will from each micro bout(round) will face off against the 4 original members of The Detroit Echo Slam Team. There will be 4 poets in each bout (round). The poets for each round will be randomly selected

1. **Micro Bout 1:**

- All poets perform one 3-minute poem.

- The 2 poets with the highest scores advance to the Boss Round.

2. **Micro Bout 2:**

- Poets perform one 3-minute poem.

- The 2 poets with the highest scores advance to the Boss Round.

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- The 4 poets with the highest scores advance to the Boss Round.

3. **Boss Round**

- Order is determined by a new bout draw.

This round will consist of two bouts, the top six poets will advance to the second bout. The order of the second bout will be based on the previous scores from bout one from lowest to highest. This round will determine which five poets will become members of The Detroit Echo Slam Team. The sixth poet will also represent The Detroit Echo Slam Team. Each round will be a clean slate, scores will only be cumulative in the event of a time. If the poets also tie in cumulative points then there will be a tiebreaker round.

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**Official Rules:**

1. **Original Work:**

- Poems must be the poet's original work.

2. **Sampling:**

- Sampling is allowed up to 20% of the total performance length.

3. **Performance Restrictions:**

- Props, costumes, music, and musical accompaniment are not allowed.

- Only the poet’s body and voice may be used.

4. **Timing:**

- Time starts when the poet opens their mouth and continues through introductions or audience interactions.

- There is a 10-second grace period. Exceeding the time limit results in a 0.5-point deduction for every 10 seconds over.

5. **No Repeats:**

- There are NO Repeats!

6. **Bout Draw:**

- The bout draw will occur promptly at 6:30 PM.

- Poets not present will be assigned the first slot, and others will move down a slot.

- Absence by the start of the slam results in disqualification.

**Judges:**

- Judging will be on a scale of 0 to 10, focusing on originality, creativity, and performance.

- There will be 5 judges: 2 pre-selected and 3 random. Judges will be prepped before slam.

- Poets will have the opportunity to view the judges before the event.

**Marketing:**

- The festival will be promoted through flyers, social media, newsletters, and word of mouth.

- Participants are asked to submit a photo for event promotion.

**Additional Information:**

- Absence results in forfeiture of the poet's slot.

Host or Publisher Detroit Echo Slam team