May SLaM on RyE: Modesto's Monthly Poetry Slam

This is where Modesto’s poetry revolution began—be there for its return.

From 2002 to 2012, Slam on Rye was the beating heart of Modesto’s spoken word scene: the city’s first and only poetry slam, the spark that ignited The ILL LIST Poetry Slam, and the foundation for what would become the Modesto Artists Movement. Now, over a decade later, this iconic slam is back—bigger, bolder, and louder than ever.

Hosted by The Saint, ILL LIST Poetry Slam Champion, and co-hosted by founder Sam Pierstorff, Slam on Rye brings you an unforgettable night of live performance, raw truth, and community connection.

🎤 Open Slam: Up to 12 poets compete live, following official slam rules: 3 minutes per poem, plus a 10-second grace period.🎤 Judging: Randomly selected audience members score performances Olympic-style (0–10).🎤 Two Rounds, Big Prizes: The top 5 poets advance to Round 2. Combined scores determine winners:

• 🥇 1st Place: $200 & an automatic bid to participate in the 21st annual ILL LIST POETRY SLAM INVITATIONAL in December! (This month only!)
• 🥈 2nd Place: $50

🎤 Featured Poet: Each slam showcases a renowned slam poet delivering an electrifying feature set.
MAY'S FEATURED POET: Lady K (Kwamise Fletcher) is a nationally ranked spoken-word artist, educator, author, and the 2025 Grand Slam Champion of the LoudMouth Slam Team. Known for her commanding stage presence and emotionally layered storytelling, she uses poetry to explore identity, Black womanhood, healing, faith, mental health, and social justice.

She is the author of the chapbooks I Stand Ten Toes Down, Heavy Is the Pen, and Unconfirmed RSVP, as well as the spoken-word album The Essence of LadyK. LadyK is also the creator and performer of A Hot Flash Gospel, a powerful theatrical work centered on perimenopause, identity, and Black womanhood.

A BreakBox Thought Collective Artist-in-Residence Fellow and teaching artist, LadyK facilitates workshops focused on identity, healing, and performance craft, helping poets transform lived experiences into impactful spoken-word performances.
Join us at SLAM ON RYE!
This isn’t just a poetry event. It's a poetry party! It’s a gathering of voices, a celebration of creativity, and a powerful reminder of the impact poetry has in building empathy, connection, and community.

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

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