MEMPHIS, February 22, 2011— Young poets from 19 area high schools will match creative wits as they compete in the Memphis Grizzlies Poetry Slam Finale in Opus Restaurant at FedExForum (located on the First Tennessee Club Level) on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 2-4 p.m.
Hosted by DJ Devin Steele, the finale features the winning students from individual poetry slams at Memphis City Schools. Each artist will have two minutes to recite verses of original poetry demonstrating how they “Dream Big,” the theme of this year’s competition.
A panel of judges consisting of Grizzlies staff members and other local figures will select a winner to receive a trip for two to see the Grizzlies play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 17. The second-place poet will receive a free laptop while the third-place student will receive an iPod touch. The top three contestants will all be recognized for their accomplishments at halftime of Saturday’s Grizzlies game against the Sacramento Kings at 7 p.m.
Fans of poetry and basketball alike can purchase group tickets starting at $15, which grant admission to both the poetry slam and the game between the Grizzlies and Kings, by calling (901) 205-1458. Individual game tickets for that evening start at $18 and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, the FedExForum Box Office, by calling (901) 888-HOOP or by going online at grizzlies.com.
Inspired in part by Grizzlies swingman Sam Young, the first annual Memphis Grizzlies Poetry Slam began in December with qualifying events at the participating schools. Dubbed the “Renaissance Man” in college as a nod to his artistic abilities, Young has served as a judge and even read his own poetry at past poetry slam events.