The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Society is pleased to announce the next SLAM ALEXANDRIA at the Athenaeum in Old Town, Alexandria. The evening kicks off at 7 p.m., July 20, with a performance by FeelFree, a reggae and blues band that delivers a fresh genre of roots music by integrating funk and rock into their feel-good, go-with-the-flow sound. Spoken Word Poetry events begin at 8:00 pm. Attendees are invited to sign up for the open mic to share original work, participate in the poetry slam for a first prize of $50, or simply sit back and enjoy. Admission is free. SLAM ALEXANDRIA is hosted by Shelly Bell and co-sponsored by the NVFAA and Shelly B. Arts

Spoken word poetry is the art of bringing written works to life through performance. Spoken word artists create a poetic theatrical experience that engages audiences of non-poetry and poetry lovers alike.  The works are valued for their brutal honesty; non-traditional use of poetic conventions, words, and sounds; and fresh creativity.  HBO's "Def Poetry Jam" and "Brave New Voices" have increased the mainstream popularity of spoken word.

Formerly titled WRITE. SPEAK. LIVE., SLAM ALEXANDRIA is a quarterly event hosted by Ms. Bell at the Athenaeum incorporating spoken word poetry recital, slam competition, and music.  The audience and participants have included well-known regional artists and first-time slammers alike. The program joins the NVFAA’s core arts programs of visual arts exhibitions and Second Thursday Concerts in the gallery. POETRY SLAM ALEXANDRIA is designed to present an exciting new art form with high artistic merit to the community, as well as to attract new audiences to the Athenaeum.

The next two scheduled SLAM ALEXANDRIA events will be held: 
Friday, September 14, 2012 7:00 p.m. (FREE) 
Friday, January 18, 2013 7:00 p.m. (FREE) 

The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in all forms of art, and to establishing programs that will enrich the cultural life of Northern Virginia and the surrounding metropolitan area. As the primary site for these activities, the NVFAA owns and maintains the historic building called the Athenaeum.  For additional information on the organization, please visit www.nvfaa.org