Verselandia brings the best young slam poets to Portland this April

There is something about words. Whether you’re reading them here, hearing them said, or writing them down, words and stories have been a heavy part of humanity for hundreds of years. Which is precisely why slam poetry is such a powerful experience.

Verselandia is the premier platform for high school poets, and the culmination of all individually held poetry slam competitions. School winners will then ascend on the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in April where the state champion will be crowned.

Now in it’s ninth year, Verselandia is one of the grandest stages for youth slam poetry in the country, and by far the greatest way to spot the next big thing in the Oregon poetry scene. Though this spring is jam-packed with wicked events and plenty of places to go, one of the best nights of the year will be right there in the theater district.

Schools from all over the state are holding their own slams to send a champion to Portland in April with hopes of growing their craft and bringing home the grand prize. Participating schools will come from Parkrose, Roosevelt, Metropolitan Learning Center, Benson, Lincoln, Gresham, Franklin, Madison, Wilson, Jefferson, Grant, and Cleveland.

• See also:
  • Unleash your inner geek at GeekCraft Expo in Portland this summer
  • The 7 best restaurants taking part in Portland Dining Month in March
  • An International Women’s Day pop-up is coming to Portland on March 8

Hosted by Literary Arts, Verselandia uses common slam poetry competition rules that include a must for performers to recite original works, without props, costumes, or music, and must perform it live.

You can get your tickets now for Portland’s biggest and best youth slam poetry competition. Believe us, if you’re a poetry or word fan, you’re not going to want to miss this!

Verselandia 2020

When: April 30, 2020
Where: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall — 1037 SW Broadway, Portland
Tickets: Online