NORWICH – Open up that notebook of your old and new poems, stand in front of the mirror and recite your words with passion and conviction, and get yourself ready for the 7th Annual Poetry Slam Competition on Saturday, September 6, at this year’s Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival in downtown Norwich.

What is a poetry slam? If you’ve never seen or participated in a poetry slam, it’s probably not what you’d expect. It can make you laugh, cry, or ponder this world and our existence in it; a poetry slam is entertaining and inspirational, theatrical in many ways, with a spoken word vibe that takes you on an emotional roller coaster. And, of course, at this year’s Colorscape, as always, it’s absolutely free!

“Performance poetry has been growing by leaps and bounds across the country,” says Richard Bernstein, Norwich poet and teacher and organizer of the event. “Each year has seen an increase in our attendance. The reason is that we’re fortunate to combine local talent with some of the biggest names in performance poetry.”

This year’s Slam features Roger Bonair Agard, a native of Trinidad and Tobago and a Cave Canem fellow. Co-founder and artistic director of the louderARTS Project, Roger is author of two collections of poetry, “Tarnish and Masquerade” (Cypher Books, 2006) and “GULLY” (Cypher Books, 2009). He is a two-time National Poetry Slam Champion, has appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and the MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour. He has been published in several journals and anthologies and been featured in festivals throughout the world.

“People not experienced with performance poetry, or appreciative of poetry itself, may not fully grasp the caliber of talent that our Slam brings in. But you don’t have to be a poet to enjoy the shear entertainment value of a Poetry Slam,” says Bernstein.

The Colorscape Poetry Slam will be held at the Blarney Stone at 26 South Broad Street in the center of downtown Norwich. The Slam kickoffs at noon with featured performer Roger Bonair Agard, along with the Oneonta State University National Poetry Slam team, which placed fourth in the country at the 2008 National Collegiate Poetry Slam, as well as members of the Highway Poets Motor Cycle Club, featuring local biker-poet J. Barrett Wolf.

An open poetry slam will follow, in which poets will compete for $300 in cash prizes. Poets will prepare two original poems of no more than three-and-a-half minutes in length. The slam is open to the first 20 poets who register. There is no entry fee. To register, call Richard Bernstein at 334-2422 or email rdld04@roadrunner.com.

Contestants are judged on the quality of their poetry as well as the quality of their performance. Contestants should prepare to read their original work in two three-and-a-half minute rounds, with the second round for finalists only. Poets read only one poem in each round and should not repeat poems. Neither musical accompaniment nor props are allowed. Poets will be penalized for going over three-and-a-half minutes. Scoring is open and immediate.

The Blarney Stone is audience and performer friendly, appropriately intimate, and accessible to all. Food and beverages will be on sale, and the bar will be open. Children under age 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event is free and open to the public.

The Poetry Slam is sponsored through the generosity of Price Chopper Supermarkets, Meadwestvaco and OSG Norwich.

In year’s past, the competitive Poetry Slam at Colorscape has drawn an eclectic mix of poets in age from 14 to 90 years old, and has included both local and national talent. Many of the poets have competed at National Poetry Slam competitions across the country. The Colorscape Poetry Slam is fast becoming one of the premier Poetry Slams in the country.

Performance poetry continues to grow in popularity and is a common occurrence on college campuses and in coffeehouses. Additionally, performance poetry airs regularly on HBO and is celebrated on Broadway. If you’ve never seen a competitive poetry slam and think you know what it’s all about, you might be surprised. Come see what it’s “really” all about at Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival.