Inaugural Poetry Slam

Open to all ages of performers, all styles of poems and spoken word. Whether you have never performed before or are a seasoned pro, we welcome all voices!

Performers will each be given 5 minutes per spot to perform original pieces - you are welcome to sign up for more than one spot.

• You will also receive professional action shots of you performing & a video of your performance.
• If you have merch, books, etc. you are also welcome to sell them after your performance.

Attendees - Open to all ages. Cash Bar & Non-Alcoholic Beverages Available. 

FREE TO ATTEND. FREE TO PERFORM.

 Featuring Kelsey Bigelow & Corinne Stanley

About Kelsey

Kelsey Bigelow is a spoken word and page poet based in Des Moines. She aims to be the motivator and mentor people don't always get in life. In her work, she molds incredibly specific emotions into something human, digestible, and cathartic. She believes we grow in empathy by talking about our shared experiences, no matter how difficult.

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See Kelsey's laundry list of experience at kelkaybpoetry.com

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As a multi-slam champion, published poet, workshop leader, and more, Kelsey is on a mission to show others two things:

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1. You can live the life you dream.

2. It does get better.

About Corinne 

Corinne Stanley is a poet, memorist and artist who lives in Iowa City. She has published two books of poetry (Breathe into the Knowing, They Say this Is Light), a translation of Spanish poet Esther Bendala Pavón’s work (Silence from the Forest/Silencio del bosque), a memoir (La tercera luz: A Poetic Journey Through Spain) and a forthcoming poetry chapbook from Dancing Girl Press, Down into the Upward Golden.  Her poems appear in Feminist Studies, The House of Zolo, Quartet Journal and forthcoming in the San Diego Poetry Annual. Her collages have been sold at the Iowa City Farmers’ Market and other venues.  Forthcoming exhibitions will be held at the Iowa City Spring Gallery Walk , the Washington Public Library, and the Burlington Art Center (2024.)