8 poets compete in three rounds of performance poetry judged by 5 randomly selected members of the audience.

Poets interested in competing must send an email to glendale@azpoetry.com with ‘GLENDALE’ in the subject line. We send you a confirmation email with the rules and expectations to help you compete.

Our mission is to provide a space for local writers/artists/performers/etc. to explore and perfect their own craft. Our commitment is community. We welcome persons of any and all genders, sexualities, ethnicities, abilities, ages, etc. As writers and literary critics, we value freedom of speech and thus do not limit, moderate, or otherwise censor any content, and so there is a blanket trigger warning for all events. However, we strive to create a constructive atmosphere of equality, sensitivity, and progress, one that encourages discussion and actively opposes marginalization of any people or group. Our goal isn’t tolerance of diversity, but empowerment and alliance.

The Glendale Poetry Slam is made possible from funding by the “We Are One” grant from The City of Glendale.

The Glendale Poetry Slam is hosted by Cisco Torres, the poet in residence from the Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center. Cisco Torres is an entrepreneur and activist that struggled with epilepsy since he was a small child. Often told that he could not go to work and that he should be on disability because the general public still does not understand what to do in the event of a seizure., he has prevailed in the face of adversity. Today, people like Cisco are called “Epilepsy Warriors”.

“But it’s all among ourselves to make the first move and complete the first task. You might not have support from friends or family, but with you making that change among yourself you are letting them know that you don’t need them or anyone to make a difference. You can either be paralyzed for what life gives you, and let the pain pile up on you and let it paralyze you for good, or you can make a difference. People are always going to judge and say “You Can’t Do It” and that’s where you stand up and prove them wrong and say “Yes I Can”. – Cisco Torres

Our venue is the Old Pizza Roma, a compact and comfy pizza parlor, located in the Marty Robbins Plaza in Historic Downtown, Glendale.

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