Unknown to many, there is a thriving Slam Poetry scene in Austin. Events are perpetually taking place within the city, both competitive and open-mic, and well-known artists such as Anis Mojgani and Derrick Brown have settled down in Austin for its thriving scene.

Among the rising poets on the scene is St. Edward’s University alumna, Gloria C. Adams, ’12.

According to Adams, Slam Poetry is a fusion of a variety of art forms.

“It bridges together poetry, acting, rap and even stand-up comedy, and the blend is not consistent,” Adams, whose stage name is “Glori B,” said. She describes the melting pot of poets as “a community of writers and performers each working in a similar but distinct style.”

The alumna defined Slam as a cathartic experience.

“On any given night you are guaranteed to hear some deep philosophy, hilarious stories and deep, painful revelations,” Adams said.

Furthermore, Adams believes the people are drawn in by the art because of the willingness to be vulnerable. 

She said an audience expects “honesty, full disclosure, feelings, metaphors and above all, truth.”

At 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, the Spiderhouse Ballroom on Guadalupe and 29th hosts the Austin Poetry Slam, a competitive event comprised of 13 poets in total each night.

If a poet does not get an opportunity that evening then they are guaranteed one the following week.

On April 3, the Austin Poetry Slam will culminate its season competition and have an end-year final, known as the “Grand Slam.” 

Those who earn a spot on the team will then perform at Nationals in Boston this August. 

The Grand Slam will take place at the Stateside Theater on Congress.

“Glori B.” is among the four poets already guaranteed a spot.  Her love for poetry, talent for performance and the amount of pain, struggle and vulnerability she puts into each poem is evident.  

One piece in particular has garnered acclaim from those in the scene.

“Last year, a friend of mine died, and I found that writing about it helped. I brought a poem to Slam about his death, and every time I perform that poem, people come up to me afterwards to tell how they relate, how they also lost important people in their lives,” Adams said.