The Hawaiʻi Slam Team selection season

From September until March, the top two poets from each First Thursdays slam qualify for the Grand Slam Finals, held on the First Thursday in April of every year (which happens to be our Anniversary). The Grand Slam Finals is our annual fundraiser, and it takes these top 12 poets and throws them into an elimination slam for $2000 and a slot on the Hawaiʻi Slam Team.  

The "No Rules" Slams

The slams in May, June, July, August, and December do not count towards Hawaiʻi Slam Team qualification since they are our special "No Rules" slams. These slams strive to push the boundaries of performance poetry by lifting up the restrictions that the usual slam season adheres to. In other words, Team pieces, musical accompaniment, cover poems, props, etc. are ALLOWED and encouraged. These slams offer a whole lot of variety and encourage musicians, dancers, visual artists, and other members of our arts community to participate on our stage through collaboration and creative exploration.