about

The Boston Poetry Slam was founded in 1991 by Michael Brown and Patricia Smith. Michael and Patricia imported the poetry slam directly from its birthplace, the Green Mill in Chicago. In 2004, Simone Beaubien became the curator of the venue. All events were suspended between 2020 and early 2022 during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The weekly open mic nights were then revived in March 2022 by Dawn Gabriel and Myles Taylor.

The core Boston Poetry Slam show runs at the Cantab Lounge in Cambridge, Mass. every Wednesday night, giving poets a chance to share their work in the open mic or slam and featuring a headlining poet or theme slam. The show and its community are curated entirely by unpaid volunteers.

The Boston Poetry Slam has also produced outside shows at other coffeehouses, bars, theaters, and schools across New England, including The Encyclopedia Show: Somerville (2012-2016), Moonlighting (2013-2016), and New and Improved (2012-2013). The organization hosted the National Poetry Slam in 1992, 2011, and 2013.

Current Staff:

Myles Taylor, Curator & Host
Michael F. Gill, Treasurer, Doortender, Website Maintenance
Kat Anderson, Social Media, Audio/Tech/Room Setup, Host
Amy Argentar, Social Media, Recap/Newlsetter Writer, Host
Briana Crockett, Host
Aparna Paul, Host
Nayeli Mzîn, Host
Zeke Russell, Host, Slam Team Coach
Jimmy Pavlick, Website Maintenance
Alex Kist, Development Coordinator
Jackie Barnes, Graphic Design