Detroit Echo Team Qualifier Poetry Slam

Who will rise and represent Detroit for the 2026 Slam Season?

The Detroit Echo Slam Team Qualifier is back—and this year’s competition promises to be bigger, louder, and more intense than ever. Poets from across the city will hit the stage with their strongest original work, all battling for their chance to represent Detroit on the national slam poetry scene.

A poetry slam is a competitive performance event where poets are judged by audience-selected judges.

• All work must be original
• No props, costumes, or musical instruments
• Poets perform within a 3-minute time limit (10-second grace period)
• Multiple rounds decide the final rankings
• Judges score poets on writing, delivery, and overall impact

Detroit brings the fire every year—this one will be no exception.

The Top 6 scoring poets will earn their place representing Detroit as:

• The 2026 Detroit Echo Slam Team, and
• The 2026 Indie Representative

🏆 1st Place: $75
🥈 2nd Place: $50
🥉 3rd Place: $25

Location: The Collective
15400 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48227

Date: November 30, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Limited slots available—early sign-up is encouraged.

Audience tickets are available directly on Eventbrite. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Come witness raw talent, electric performances, and the crowning of Detroit’s next championship slam team.
Who will rise? Who will represent? Find out live. 🎤🔥

About the Detroit Echo Slam Team

The Detroit Echo Slam Team is a competitive group of spoken word artists who represent Detroit in regional and national poetry slam events. Each year, the team is chosen through an intense qualifying slam where poets perform original work and showcase their strongest stage presence. Known for their truth, grit, and undeniable artistry, the team carries Detroit’s voice to stages across the country.

The Detroit Echo Slam Team is proudly led by Slam Master Arrie Lane, whose vision, leadership, and dedication help guide the team’s growth, strategy, and competitive excellence.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Arrie Lane & Detroit Verses