About this Event
Slam on Rye: The Historic Poetry Slam Returns!
This is where Modesto’s poetry revolution began—be there for its return.
From 2002 to 2012, Slam on Rye was the beating heart of Modesto’s spoken word scene: the city’s first and only poetry slam, the spark that ignited The ILL LIST Poetry Slam, and the foundation for what would become the Modesto Artists Movement. Now, over a decade later, this iconic slam is back—bigger, bolder, and louder than ever.
Hosted by The Saint, ILL LIST Poetry Slam Champion, and co-hosted by founder Sam Pierstorff, Slam on Rye brings you an unforgettable night of live performance, raw truth, and community connection.
What to Expect:
🎤 Featured Poet: Each slam showcases a renowned slam poet delivering an electrifying feature set.🎤 Open Slam: Up to 12 poets compete live, following official slam rules: 3 minutes per poem, plus a 10-second grace period.🎤 Judging: Randomly selected audience members score performances Olympic-style (0–10).🎤 Two Rounds, Big Prizes: The top 5 poets advance to Round 2. Combined scores determine winners:
- 🥇 1st Place: $200
- 🥈 2nd Place: $50
This isn’t just an event—it’s a gathering of voices, a celebration of creativity, and a powerful reminder of the impact poetry has in building empathy, connection, and community.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th Street, Modesto, United States
USD 12.51
