Did you know Dayton’s got one of the longest-running slam poetry nights in Ohio?

Imagine the whole crowd in their underwear…

Public speaking is not a fear that everyone wishes to conquer, and for very few it comes naturally. Somehow, Dayton has been lucky enough to find many of those who can call it their art.

On the first and third Sundays of every month, you can find Dayton Poetry Slam at The Old Yellow Cab Building offering up a stage where everyone is welcome to share their poetry through regular open mics, slams and writing workshops.

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Recently, I attended an open mic along with over 100 of Dayton’s finest literary artists and listeners, 20 of whom shared their work. On the night I joined, writers of different styles and levels of experience were encouraged from the crowd as they took the stage with ceremonious shout-backs and words of support. It is an electric atmosphere where everyone can feel safe participating.

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I also got a chance to chat with the four organizers of Dayton Poetry Slam after the event. Link Schreiber, Johnathon Gallienne, Quiet Storm, and Proph3ssorX, all equally talented, all agreed in describing the DPS community as a dysfunctional family that functions with the same goals -- to create, together, a place where honesty and openness are at the forefront of building a future for our community’s poets and writers.

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Link, who has been a part of the event for over a decade, reminds us that Dayton Poetry Slam is not new to the Dayton scene, having traveled between different venues over the years before finding its current home a couple of years ago. It is the third longest-running open mic in Ohio.

On August 20, the community will be throwing its 18th Birthday Bash! If you are looking to participate in the slam, Johnathon Gallienne assures that, even to a newbie, honesty and creating space for individuals to find their own outlet is valued above all else.

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If you are looking to join as a spectator, Proph3ssorX, an MC for the event, guarantees a “real nice time and a warm welcome.”

Each event takes a recommended cover at the door that is donated directly to the feature artist, which changes at each event. It is artists supporting artists. Quiet Storm says that their main goal for the future is to expand through local marketing and word of mouth, growing the audience with each event.

Want to go?

WHAT: Dayton Poetry Slam's 18th Birthday Bash

WHEN: Show starts at 7:30 p.m. August 20; reader sign-ups start at 7 p.m.

WHERE: The "Old" Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. 4th Street, Dayton

COST: Suggested donations taken at door

INFO: Dayton Poetry Slam PageFacebook

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