The Tex-Lou Poetry Jamboree's mission is to connect creatives from every corner of the world, with beneficial resources that promote healthy, interactive, and fun opportunities, which stimulate growth and elevation in the performance arts & literary areas. We strive to encourage and uplift, with a strong emphasis on solid collaborative partnerships and efforts. We all deserve to be nurtured, inspired, and rewarded on our poetic journeys. Here at Tex-Lou Poetry Jamboree, we vow to never let your cup go empty!

11:00AM Workshop: "The Write Prescription: A Dose of Imagery, Humor, and Healing" curated by Lyrically Gifted Brother, LyriK Hunter, and Wayne Henry.

Description: In this two hour workshop, we'll explore the powerful intersection of humor and healing through poetry. Using metaphors, imagery, and playful language, we'll craft poems that not only tickle our funny bones but also nurture our minds, bodies, and souls. Through exercises, prompts, and sharing, we'll discover how humor can help us process challenges, cultivate resilience, and find joy in the everyday. Join us for a laughter-filled journey of self-expression, creativity, and healing. 
*ALL guests wanting to attend the workshop, must purchase a ticket.*

4:00PM (Closed Session): "Conversations & Cocktails" 

Description: One hour dedicated to allow volunteers and artists to mix, mingle, and network (Not open to the general public).

6:00PM: Haiku Battle

Grand Prize: $100.00. Description: 12 poets compete in a single-elimination bracket. Each match-up features a best-of-three haiku face-off. A panel of three judges select the winner based on creativity, imagery, and overall impact. Winners advance to the next round; losers are eliminated (Haiku must follow the 5-7-5 syllable format).

7:00PM: Tex-Lou Poetry Slam

12 Poets. 5 Judges. Grand Prize: 1st Place: $1,000; 2nd Place: $250; 3rd Place: Registration Returned

FORMAT:

3 minute original pieces (Reading from a book or paper is allowed)
Number Draw: 6:30PM
Round One: Number Draw; 12 Artists
*After Round One, two artists will be cut*
Round Two: High to Low
*After Round Two, half of the remaining artists are cut*
Round Three: Number Draw; FOUR Remaining Artists Compete 

PLEASE NOTE: There shall be no intermission.
There shall be sacrificial poets at the beginning of each round.
Rounds Two and Three: Scores are cumulative.
Poet with the highest score at the end of Round Three wins the slam.

11:00PM: Street Sweepa Slam

General Admission: FREE 

The "Street Sweepa Slam" is a high-stakes, head-to-head poetry slam where contestants compete in a winner-takes-all format.

Head-to-Head, Single-Elimination

Buy-In: $75-$100

Prize: 100% of the buy-in pot goes to the winner

Random Draw: names are randomly drawn to determine the match-ups for each round

- Each match-up features two poets competing against each other
- Poets have a set amount of time 3min to perform their original work
- Audience decides the winner of each match-up via applauds and cheers
- Winners advance to the next round, while losers are eliminated

Final Round: the last two poets standing compete in the final round, with the winner taking home the entire prize pot

**All ticket purchases are non-refundable and non-transferrable.**

**All events to be held at The Hearn Stage, 1102 3rd Street, Alexandria, La 71302**

Host Hotel, October 11th-October 13th: The Hotel Bentley, 200 Desoto Street, Alexandria, LA 71301. 

Book Online:
1. Go to the Hotel Bentley website: https://www.visithotelbentley.com/
2. Click Book Now tab
3. Select dates needed for check in and out
4. Add the Access Code: ITM

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Please note: All events will begin on time. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of house management.

All attendees understand that by purchasing a ticket to this event, they hereby grant the Event Organizers, Tex-Lou Poetry Jamboree, and its affiliates the right and permission to use in perpetuity, their likeness, image, or performance in marketing, commercials, advertisements, etc.

Meet Your Event Organizers:

Lyrically Gifted Brother is a Poetry Slam Champion, comedic entertainer, and host from the city of New Orleans. LGB’s versatile performances captivate the humor and guttural experience of parenting, relationships and shed light on social injustice happening within his community. As an artist and entrepreneur, he founded a clothing brand entitled “She Be” to ignite men to stand in solidarity with women, with a mission to uplift, motivate and empower equality for all. LGB has toured the nation, lending his charisma and poetic talent to audiences of all ages. During the COVID -19 pandemic, he hosted an Instagram Poetry Slam to maintain joy in his poetry community while keeping their pens sharp. Lyrically Gifted Brother’s mission is to make his audience laugh and listen, leaving them entertained, inspired, and motivated to create change.

LyriK Hunter, a current resident of Dallas, Texas, has been writing and singing, since a young age and performing consistently since 2020. LyriK's attempt to conquer stage fright and fear of public speaking turned into an unexpected blessing, early on, allowing her to spread, love, encouragement, and inspiration to the world, through her passionate delivery of words on both national and international stages and platforms!! Lyrik, is a published author, singer/Songwriter, Actress, Recording Artist, Host, Teaching Artist, Mentor, and full-time entrepreneur, often referred to as the "singing storyteller" or the "heart healer" by her peers. Her ability to be authentic is proving daily, that even the most heartbreaking and darkest experiences in life, can still produce peace, love, & light! #PoetiKHealing is what she loves to call it! A simple reminder, that there's healing in life's roller-coaster rides, as long as you dare to dream and never give up the fight!

Sherry G. is a lover of all things art. She is the founder of Ignite The Mic Alexandria, the longest running poetry organization in Central Louisiana. She believes that art transcends racial and gender lines, and has the power to unite people and communities. She has been performing poetry and coordinating poetry events since 2004. Sherry is a huge advocate for diverse representation in all platforms. Her poetry often tackles uncomfortable topics such as racism, abuse, and social injustice. In addition to writing poetry, Sherry is a highly sought after poetry coach and event coordinator. She loved school so much that she just kept going back. Sherry holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Arts in Teaching, a Master of Arts in Counseling, and a plethora of professional licensures and certifications. She loves ice cream, naps, all things real estate, outdoor activities, and traveling.

Wayne Henry, poet, teacher, father and P.O.C enthusiast, was raised in South Central Los Angeles, and exposed to a melting pot of different cultures which allows him to have a broad canvas for his work. Wayne Henry moved to Dallas TX in 2008, and has become a passionate poet who writes each line to watch it come alive through poetry. He is dedicated to bringing awareness to issues such as mental health, oppression, depression and concepts of spiritual growth. Passion with purpose pushes life to new heights.