Listen to these renowned poets and alumni of Young Chicago Authors programs. The show features performances by a slew of gifted spoken word artists from around the country, including Jamaal May from Detroit, Ryler Dustin from Washington and the famous Willie Perdomo of New York City.

The night culminates with a performance by Marc Smith, founder of the poetry slam movement, and Patricia Smith, the most successful slammer of all time and recent finalist for the National Book Award, one of the most prestigious prizes in American literature.

Recorded Thursday, February 12, 2009 at Columbia College Chicago-Hokin Annex.