Virtual voting is now open thru April 29th!
Top 5 will move onto the semifinlas on may 4th at the Anacostia river festival at 2pm live with the experience band & Show
Meet OUR Judges & Host from round 1
CLICK their image learn more about them!
2024 SPOKEN WORD TO GO-GO CHAMPIONSHIP
WHAT IS SPOKEN WORD TO GO-GO?
SWGG is an annual competition of spoken word artists who write spoken word poetry to a chosen custom track created by The Experience Band & Show and perform it live in front of a panel of selected judges. Tracklist below.
WHAT is the winning prize?
The SWGG Champion gains the 2024 SWGG Championship title, the Crystal Mic Trophy, a recording session with The Experience Band & Show and a $2,500 cash prize!
HOW MANY ROUNDS IN THE COMPETITION?
Two Open Mics (non-competitive)
Open Mic #1 - March 27th
Open Mix #2 - April 5th, Artomatic, Slammer Slot Registration
Round 1 - April 19th, Busboys and Poets Anacostia
Round 2 - Top 10 will be posted online for public voting
Semifinals - Top 5 will perform on May 4th at the Anacostia River Festival
Finale - Top 3 will perform on June 22nd at the DC Go-Go Stage at the 32nd Annual Giant Barbecue Battle
*Any questions, please contact Ashley Templeton ashley@anacositabid.org
RULES
PERFORMANCE RULES
Each poem must be of the poet’s own original construction alongside a pre-selected go-go track provided. Poem must not have been previously recorded or published.
Poem is not to exceed the length of the track (around 1:30 minutes)
Each poet gets 1:30 minutes (plus a ten-second grace period) to read one poem; if the poet goes over, points will be deducted from the total score.
The judges will then score the pieces anywhere from 0.0 to 10.0, evaluating such qualities as PERFORMANCE, CONTENT and ORIGINALITY. Scores will be totaled and compared at the end of the performances to determine which poets will continue to the next round.
The poet may NOT use props, costumes, or musical instruments. This includes the removal of clothing.
The poem can only be performed by one person.
Poets ARE allowed to read from paper and electronic devices such as laptops or cell phones. There will be no point penalty assessed unless it’s used as a PROP (as outlined above).
Use of profanity is not permitted.
HOUSE RULES
Please remember to turn off your devices.
Respect the mic, but most of all respect the person that is at the microphone. Give them your attention, it may be someone’s first time, or they may be getting very vulnerable. The only time you can make noise, is if it’s to show a lot of love to the person on stage in agreement with their poem. We are in an interactive space: you can clap, snap, yell hallelujah, but of course be respectful in your exuberance!
We do not censor our stages, but still reserve the right to dispel anyone from the stage at the Host’s discretion if the space is made unsafe at any point.
Last but not least, have a whole lot of fun!!!