The National Poetry Slam Competition comes to St. Louis.

70 teams...5 audience judges...1 winner...YOU DECIDE!

St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) July 28, 2004 -- (St. Louis, August 3-8)     The Gateway to the WORD, is excited to host the 2004 National Poetry Slam August 3-8. Poets and supporters of the word alike are gearing up to treat our traveling guests as royalty upon their visit to this fantastic city.

Aside from the incredible artistic offering that this event brings, visitors will be introduced to three dynamic areas of St. Louis. Lacledes Landing is the site of the preliminary and semi-final round venues. The 2004 National Poetry Slam convention hotel, the Hampton Inn St. Louis Riverfront, is also located in this area within short walking distance of first and second round venues and Metro transportation.

On Thursday, August 5, visitors will take a short train ride on the scenic Metro line to the Central West End for side shows. Side shows include the Perpetual Poetry: The 24-hour open mic at The Coffee Cartel, the Rainbow Slam at The Loading Zone(a gay/lesbian/bi-sexual/transgender poetry showcase), Head-To-Head Haiku and The Nerd Slam at The St. Louis Public Library: Schlafly Branch, and the Slammasters Slam (a poetry showcase performed by Slam organizers of various competing teams) at Duffs Restaurant. On Friday, August 6, visitors will take a short train ride to Washington Street in St. Louis Art Loft District for The Rhythm and Word Festival which will be promoted by Majic 105, 100.3 The Beat, and Z107.7. The Rhythm and Word Festival will be a poetry and music showcase and street festival lined with vendors and merchants and featuring an Indigenous Showcase and a Group Piece Showcase on the main street stage from noon to 5:00 pm. During the festival there will also be poetry sideshows at Cummels Cafe, Farrago and Club Isis. The festivals sideshows include: The Rookie Showcase, The Asian American Showcase, The African American Showcase, The Latino Showcase, The Cover Slam and The Teen Slam.

After each night of competitions there will be a National Poetry Slam after party from 11:00pm to 1:00 am at Club Candela. August 4 is The Super Sonic Slam Sisters Showcase which features sizzling female spoken word performers from across the nation. August 5 is the Erotica Showcase which features the steamy sexy poetry of phenomenal poets from around the country and August 6 is the Hip Hop Showcase.

As the competition proceeds, visitors will continue on the Metro line to the Delmar Loop for finals night competition and after party. The finals night extravaganza will be in the elegant Pageant Theatre with seating capacity of 2100. After a short five-day stay, visitors will have experienced the essence and flavor of the best kept secret in the Midwest.

For more information on NPS2004St.Louis, contact us via e-mail at NPS2004STLOUIS.com or feel free to call us at 314-443-4357 or 314-776-6927, or send written correspondence to WORD In Motion, PO Box 12213, St. Louis, MO 63157.

Thanks to the Slam family for allowing us to host this amazing event, and we are looking forward to rolling out the red carpet on August 3. Meet us in St. Louis for the 2004 National Poetry Slam competition.

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