Watermark Art Center Hosts Free Poetry SLAM at Fozzie's BBQ March 26

Watermark Art Center and local partners will bring the first spoken-word Poetry SLAM of the year to Fozzie's Smokin' Bar-B-Q at 114 3rd St NW in downtown Bemidji on Thursday, March 26, with music starting at 6 p.m. and performances taking the floor at 7 p.m.

There is no fee to perform and no fee to watch. Performers are asked to keep their pieces to three minutes or less so the evening has room for everyone who wants a turn at the mic. Pre-registration is available and recommended for anyone who wants to guarantee a spot: call Watermark at 218-444-7570. On-site registration will also be accepted as space allows.

Fozzie's BBQ serves as the regular home for these events, with R2arts noting that "with few noted exceptions, SLAMs are held at Fozzie's BBQ in Bemidji at 114 3rd St NW."

For those looking to build toward the stage, Watermark is also running a three-part spoken-word program led by local poet Micah McCutchan, aimed at poets, storytellers, and songwriters ages 16 to 30. The program runs through two 150-minute workshop sessions and concludes with a free public performance. McCutchan's curriculum focuses on writing, reading, editing, publishing, and performing, developed through prompts, practice, and what the program description calls "courage and vulnerability." The program costs $10 per participant, is capped at 15 participants, and scholarships are available for anyone for whom the cost presents a barrier.