Poetry Slam!

Come join us at Miss Kitty's Grape Escape for an evening filled with powerful words, emotions, and imagination. Any and all poets 18+ are welcome to sign up to compete for cash prizes!

It is free to compete and there is no cover charge to attend and watch the slam. Full food and bar service will be available throughout the evening.

Three judges (Adam Al-Sirgany, Ron Jenkins, and Ted Williams) will evaluate each poet's performance based on skill, stage presence, and creativity. The audience will also have the opportunity to hear poetry from our judges. Learn more about them below.

Prizes:
1st Prize: $200 Visa gift card
2nd Prize: $100 Visa gift card
3rd Prize: $50 Visa gift card

Slam Rules

• Each competitor must register in advance.
• Each poem must be the poet’s original work.
• Poets have 3 minutes to perform, which begins as soon as the poet begins speaking to the audience.
• Points will be deducted for exceeding the time limit.
• No props, costumes, or musical instruments. Poets may read from paper or electronic devices as long as they are not used as props.
• Poems must be performed solo.
• Poets must be 18 or older.

Meet the Judges
Ron Jenkins is a retired Galena High School English teacher and drama director. He still coaches the GHS scholastic bowl team. His favorite poet is Ogden Nash.

Adam Al-Sirgany is a literary artist, editor, and teacher born and raised in Jo Daviess County. He now resides in Rockford, where he was recently named the city's Poet Laureate. His debut short story collection, More Hell, was published by Whiskey Tit Books in 2025. Adam is the Acquisitions & Developmental Editor for the indie press SFWP. He teaches Developmental Editing for the UCLA Extension Program and serves as Executive Director for 1WC, a literary arts nonprofit.

Ted Williams has been a writer, producer, director, and performer for over twenty years. He blends heart, mystery, history, and humor in all his endeavors whether he’s writing a poem or song, taking folks on a ghost tour, producing a play, or starting a new venture. In 2024 he was appointed the first Poet Laureate of the City of Galena.

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