The New Word Series is an audience judged team poetry Slam tournament. Eight teams of 4 or 5 poets each, representing cities from across the west, will converge on Oakland to join in verbal combat. Our Teams this year Include: Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, Tourettes w/o Regrets (Oakland), Las Vegas, San Jose, Brass Knuckles (LA) &Damn Slam (LA).

This event will cover two days- Sat & Sun July 2nd & 3rd, which allows for collaborative cross-pollination with the Youth squads in the area for their own regionals in Stockton (on Fri & Sat 7/1 and 7/2).

This years tournament will be preceded by "The Battle for Oakland" onThursday 6/30 where the Town's two teams will go head to head. We'll also have a full feature set from The Chris Chandler & Paul Benoit Show. 

If you buy a 2 day ticket for Sat & Sun you get Thursday's show for free! Also included in that ticket are workshops on Saturday (facilitated by mighty Mike McGee!) and a BBQ/picnic with the poets on Sunday. The Finals show will include a showcase by top teams from Youth Regionals happening Fri/Sat in Stockton.

Schedule of Events:

-Thu 6/30; 8:30 - 10:00 The Battle For OAKLAND H2H (Tourettes vs Oakland) w/ feature from Chris Chandler & Paul Benoit (at Famous Four Colors, 1525 Webster St, between 15th & 17th, Downtown Oakland)

-Sat 7/2; 6:00 - 8:00 Workshop w/ mighty Mike McGee (at Famous Four Colors)

-Sat 7/2; 8:00 - 11:00 Preliminary Bouts - two 4 team / 4 round Bouts (at Famous Four Colors)

-Sun 7/3; 12:00 - 3:00 Picnic/BBQ (at The Oasis Restaurant, 135 12th St, Between Madison & Oak)

-Sun 7/3; 3:00 - 5:00 Showcase & Finals (at Oasis) Stay tuned for more details!

New Word Series: The 2011 Western Regional Poetry Slam

Saturday & Sunday July 2nd & 3rd

Saturday- Famous Four Colors Gallery, 1525 Webster

Sunday - The Oasis Restaurant & Bar, 135 12th St

Pre-Sale Tickets - http://nws2011.eventbrite.com/

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