What is a typical night at Urbana like?
Here’s what a typical night is like: poets sign-up for the eight-poet open mic (if we have one that night, sometimes we don’t) or the eight-poet open slam (if there is one that night, semifinals are not open) between 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm (look for someone with a laptop at the end of the bar). At 7:00 pm exactly, all slots are filled randomly by computer. NOTE: Signing up is not a guarantee that you will be able to read. Sometimes you must be part of the “great audience that great poetry requires.” At 7:01 pm Shappy, our bartender and emcee, welcomes everyone and facilitates the eight-poet open mic. Without a break, the feature is introduced to perform a 15- to 20-minute set. Urbana does not book “local” features; our features are all from out-of-town, and most have made a name for themselves at the National Poetry Slam. After a break (during which five random audience members are chosen to serve as judges) the slam begins. It’s competitive, sure, but it’s supportive and inclusive.
