25th Anniversary of Poetry Slam Kicks off With Performances & Slam History on a Double Decker, Poet-Packed Bus Tour Sponsored by Chicago Slam Works

CHICAGO, IL, July 19, 2011

As Slam Poetry celebrates its silver anniversary, the "kingpins" of Chicago's spoken word scene host the Poetry Slam Double Decker Bus Tour for an interactive, time-travel adventure across the city where slam poetry originated. The fun revs up on Thursday, July 28th from 8 p.m. to 11p.m. beginning at the legendary Chopin Theatre 1543 West Division St. in Chicago. Hosted and organized by Chicago Slam Champion, Tim Stafford and Chicago legend Lazer Ray, this journey transports passengers through some of the most momentous, historic Poetry Slam spots. The tour kicks off Poetry Slam's 25th Anniversary Extravaganza to be held at the Metro Theater on July 30 at 8 p.m.

Both poets and the poetically-challenged are invited to take a ride. Passengers will travel northward on Milwaukee Avenue through Wicker Park, home to the many venues and clubs that have played host to both the National Poetry Slam and the Mental Graffiti Poetry Slam. The tour continues through Andersonville into Uptown to pay respects to the true home of Slam Poetry, the Green Mill. From there, the bus will cruise Lake Shore Drive into Downtown Chicago, concluding the grand tour at the Chopin.

The bus will make a few detours for performances by slam legend Marty McConnell, Encyclopedia host and Speak 'Easy Ensemble member Robbie Q Telfer, and the German poetry group Word Alert. Surprise guests will also appear to celebrate the genesis and evolution of Slam Poetry.

Get on the bus! Tickets: $10 available at the Chopin Theatre 7 p.m. on July 28 before the tour OR FREE with a paid ticket to Poetry Slam's 25th Anniversary Extravaganza on July 30 at the Metro.

For more info, visit http://www.chicagoslamworks.com or call 847-556-8679.

CSW thanks the following sponsors for their support:
Chicago Reader
Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany

About Chicago Slam Works
Chicago Slam Works (CSW) is rooted in the Poetry Slam movement, which began in Chicago as a highly entertaining, interactive, innovative poetic experience and spread around the world to become a major force in stirring the minds of students, scholars, and everyday people. The founding members of CSW are pillars of the international movement and the organizational force behind dozens of major poetic events in and around Chicago—as well as the world including three National Poetry Slam Championships.