NORWICH – Colorscape is looking for poets for the 8th Annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival Poetry Slam, which takes place at a new time this year at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Blarney Stone Pub at 26 South Broad Street in downtown Norwich.

The Poetry Slam kicks off at 7 p.m. with a free performance by former National Individual Slam Champion and former International Slam Champion Gayle Danley.

“I know people are going to be very impressed with Gayle, especially people who have never experienced performance poetry,” says Richard Bernstein, poet, teacher, and poetry slam organizer. “Gayle was once even featured on CBS’ 60 Minutes.”

Each year, the Colorscape Poetry Slam brings in outstanding, nationally-renown performance poets. And this year is no different.

Winning her first public speaking contest in 7th grade, Gayle Danley went on as an adult to win the National Slam Poetry Championship in 1994, and to be crowned the International Slam Poet Champion in Heidelberg, Germany in 1996.

She is the author of three books: “Naked,” “Soulfull – A Slam Poetry Study Guide,” and “Passionate – Poems You Can Feel.” Known for her riveting school performances that combine poetry, movement, and emotion with the exploration of contemporary issues, Gayle was named Young Audiences National Artist of the Year in 2006.

An open Poetry Slam will follow Danley’s performance, in which poets will compete for $300 in cash prizes. (Don’t worry – you won’t be competing against Gayle Danley). Poets should 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.

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.

To register or for more information, call Richard Bernstein at 607-244-9739. The deadline to register is September 1. There is no registration fee and the performance is free and open to the public.

“You don’t have to be a poet to enjoy the shear entertainment value of a Poetry Slam,” says Bernstein. “But please be advised that some of the poetry can have adult subject matter and may not be appropriate for all audiences.”

The Poetry Slam is sponsored through the generosity of Price Chopper Supermarkets, Meadwestvaco, OSG Norwich, Norwich PTSA, and the Chenango County Council of the Arts.