In honor of Chicago’s Pride Month, The Blackstone, Center on Halsted, and StoryStudio Chicago invite you to celebrate all things love this June. During the competition, Chicago’s creative community will come together at The Blackstone’s historic Art Hall just as the local artists used to gather at the hotel in the early 1900s. Light bites and a signature cocktail will be passed before and after the poetry slam.
Looking to simply attend the event? RSVP on this page!
If you're looking to participate in the competition, here's how how you can join:
Local poets, writers, and all creatives are welcome to submit their poem to info@theblackstonehotel.com by 11:30 p.m. Friday, June 7 to be considered for the slam poetry competition.
- Poems should focus on the theme of love, including love for yourself, love for the LGBTQ+ community, equal love, falling in love, etc.
- Poems must be original content
- Poems should be no longer than 3 minutes when performed
- Poems should avoid using profane language
- No props are permitted during the performance as in accordance with traditional slam poetry guidelines
A panel of judges from Center on Halsted and StoryStudio Chicago will review submissions and select 15 entries to move on to the final round of the competition by Monday, June 10. The 15 chosen poets will perform their poem live on June 12 in The Blackstone’s Art Hall before the panel of judges, and one winner will be announced at the end of the evening and be awarded a complimentary one-night stay at The Blackstone.
Poets are also encouraged to share a reading of their poem on Instagram using #BlackstoneSlam and tagging @theblackstonehotel, @center_on_halsted, and @storystudio_chicago.
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